Bluray tech celebrated at Playboy mansion

The infamous Playboy mansion in Los Angeles hosted a recent party which was partly sponsored by Blu-ray.

Blu-ray - known as the Blu Ray Disc (BD) is said to offer more capacity than any other type of entertainment format.

Fans say it gives a higher quality picture than HD (High Definition) TV with more than five times the storage capacity of traditional DVDs and holds up to 25 GB on a single-layer disc and with more channels of surround sound and more types of value added content.

The Entertainment Merchant's Association 2008 Annual Report on the Home Entertainment Industry predicts that BD sales will surpass DVD sales by the year 2012, as 87% of Playstation3 owners report that they're watching Blu Ray movies on the console now.

Others say they're waiting because they find they are upgrading a bit too much.

Matthew Roberts says he hasn't taken the plunge yet but plans to because of the impressive picture quality.

John Reizenstein, a tourist from the UK says he prefers to keep his home entertainment set up simple but may be pushed into conversion shortly.

Blu-ray and Sony Playstation3 hosted a launch party for the ESPY (sports) Awards at the notorious Playboy mansion in Los Angeles recently (July 14, 2008) where Blu Ray movies were playing throughout.

VIP guests had access to the exclusive "Blu Lounge" where they were able to experience Blu-ray technology.

Mark Finer is the Technical Director of the Digital Entertainment Group (DEG) - an industry funded group that promotes digital entertainment.

He says that one third of US consumers have an HD TV in their home and that the figure is growing.

Blu-ray is currently supported by more than 180 of the world's leading consumer electronics personal computer, recording media, video game and music companies and it has the support of seven of the eight major movie studios (Disney, Warner, Sony, Paramount, Fox, MGM and Lionsgate).

New technology

Playboy magnate Hugh Hefner says he appreciates digital advancements and enjoys his regular movie nights.

Jose Canseco, former Major League baseball player admits he's not too up on the new technology He says that younger people seem to be more up to date with developments.

Michael Vartan, a TV and movie actor, jokes he's addicted to his Playstaiton3 but is holding out to upgrade to Blu-ray but is concerned that he will become addicted to it.

Sony's next-generation Blu-ray disc model to enter the market recently is the new 'BD-Live'.

Randy Waynick, the Senior Vice-President of Home Producers Division Sony Electronics, explains how the technology works.

Best Buy is the largest store selling consumer electronics in the US and Canada.

Tara Adams-Clarke, Best Buy's home theatre expert in California, says there is much you can do with BD-Live.

Many movie studios have announced they will begin releasing new movies on Blu-ray Disc at the same time as the DVD.

Amy Jo Smith, Executive Director of the Digital Entertainment Group, explained that BD Live will allow children to talk to their favourite characters on screen.