Burning v. Replicating
As with standard-definition DVD, two options exist for outputting your Blu-ray project onto a physical disc. You can either "burn" copies to BD-R media, or you can have your discs replicated at a dedicated replication facility. Generally, if you need a large order of discs (1,000 or more) then replication is your best bet. Any disc that you purchase from a retail chain or rent at the video store is a molded / replicated disc. This means that a master copy of the disc is delivered to a replication facility where a glass-master or stamper is created. The stamper is then used to create copies of the disc. Each copy of the disc has very small pits that are read by a laser when the disc is played back in a hardware player or computer. Both published reports and anecdotal evidence show that a molded / replicated disc is the most compatible way to deliver your project.
This area of the Blu-ray format is still progressing. Few facilities currently replicate this new format and the minimum order is typically between 1,000 and 5,000 discs. As time passes, similarly to DVD replication, we can expect more facilities to enter the field, minimum quantities to decrease, and prices to drop.
If it is only a handful of copies you need, then the fastest and easiest way to see your content to disc is by burning the project to an BD-R. While it is not recommended to distribute these types of discs, a burned disc would be a suitable option if your project is showing at a tradeshow or playing back during a meeting or presentation. Or course, BD-Rs can also be used as check discs to proof your project before you decide on the best output option.
Cubist Media Group's studio has been outfitted with the new state-of-the-art Bravo XR-Blu Disc Publisher, capable of burning and printing up to 50 Blu-ray discs at a time. So whether you need 10 copies or 100, we can handle your Blu-ray order with ease. Because this technology is still emerging, however, we are limited at the moment to writing single-layer BD-Rs only. The update for dual-layer support is on its way and will be installed as soon as it is available.
Playback Options
There are a variety of ways to play back Blu-ray media, including:
Set top Blu-ray players
There is a small but steadily-increasing number of set top players available for Blu-ray. Although a number of brands continue to fall in price month after month, they still remain somewhat expensive (between $400 and $1000 MSRP).
Players |
Price |
Sharp Aquos BDHP20U |
$399.99 |
Panasonic DMP-BD30K |
$499.99 |
Samsung BD-P1400 |
$499.99 |
Samsung BD-UP5000 |
$999.99 |
Sony BDP-S300 |
$499.99 |
Sony BDP-S500 |
$999.99 |
Personal Computers & Laptops
Several manufacturers have released Blu-ray burners, including Sony, LG, Pioneer, Panasonic, and Philips. Certain laptops, including the Sony Vaio AR, include a Blu-ray burner built-in.
Several of the most popular DVD software players for computer viewing now have Blu-ray equivalents, including InterVideo WinDVD, Cyberlink PowerDVD, and Nero Showtime.
High-definition Game Systems
Sony PlayStation 3
Packaging
There are several labeling and packaging options. The disc art can be silkscreen printed in either 2-colors, or for more detailed designs, with 3-6 colors. Hollywood titles have all been released using a new format of disc cases: Blu-ray Disc Cases. They are slightly shorter and thinner than standard DVD Amaray cases but still can contain a label/cover insert that is printed in up to 6 colors.
Often, there is a need to include supplemental information including instructions, tips, and background material. This type of information would be included in a booklet that slips into the selected case.
