The emerging Blu-ray optical disc format has received a boost with the approval of Version 1.0 of the BD-Rom physical-format specification, which has been made available to disc manufacturers.

The main application for Blu-ray Disc is recording and playback of high-definition video, but it is also suitable for applications including PC data storage.

Using a newly developed blue laser diode, the Blu-ray format provides a storage capacity of 25GB on a single-layered disc or 50GB on a dual-layered disc the same size as a CD. The data transfer rate reaches 36Mbps.

The standard was approved by the Blu-ray Disc Founders group, which includes industry giants Dell, HP, Hitachi, LG Electronics, Mitsubishi Electric Corporation, Panasonic, Sony and Philips.

The group said the completion of the physical specification is an important step because it provides disc manufacturers with the information they need to prepare their BD-Rom disc production lines.

"Blu-ray Disc is on schedule for companies to introduce BD-Rom players, drives and prerecorded software to consumers beginning in late 2005," said Maureen Weber, general manager of HP's optical storage solutions business, in a statement.

"Given the strong support from consumer electronics, PC and media manufacturers for BD, a wide variety of products is expected to eventually be available in every segment of the market." !!!