Blu-ray is currently the standard high definition format. Most people know this little fact, but the history behind the Blu-ray disc and other high definition technology remains a mystery.

High definition was released to the public shortly before the new millennium. With the advent of HD came the need for a suitable movie format, and Blu-ray turned out to be just that format.

The market did not then offer any medium that could store large amounts of data, which was necessary for HD. Thankfully, there was a relatively easy solution to solving the problem, which was utilizing a blue laser.

Shuji Nakamura is responsible for inventing the blue laser diode. This was an efficient version of the already available blue lasers. Blue laser diodes are vital components of both Blu-ray and HD DVD discs.

After this invention, Sony and Philips started working together to create a medium which utilized the blue laser diodes. The original projects were known as Ultra Density Optical and DVR Blue. These were the prototypes to modern Blu-ray.

The prototypes were further developed and perfected until the beginning of 2002. It was then that the Blu-ray Disc Association was launched by less than ten initial members.

Although Blu-ray was announced in 2002, it was not until 2004 that the physical specifications were complete. In addition, prior to 2005 Blu-ray discs had to be kept in a protective case to prevent scratching, but a coating was implemented to protect the discs and eliminate the need for a case.

All the work put in to Blu-ray paid off. The disc type is now the premier HD format, and Blu-ray sales are climbing continually. There is no telling what further innovations are impending, but they will surely be exciting