Blu-ray technology gets its name from the blue-violet laser that is used to read Blu-ray disks. Compared to a DVD’s red laser, a blue laser permits more information to be stored at a greater density. For example, while a DVD can store 15 GB per layer, a Blu-ray disk can store 25 GB per layer, and dual-layer disks can hold up to 50 GB.

Compared to a DVD, Blu-ray also provides much higher resolution; while a DVD with standard definition can provide definition of 720x480 pixels, Blu-ray high definition has 1920X1080 pixel resolution.