Blu-ray test version sent to market

Blu-ray just got upgraded to reality, thanks to an agreement between Nero and Samsung. The new format of DVD offers higher storage capacity and a better ability to manage high-definition content than today’s current format.

“We are proud that our Nero 7 is the first all-in-one digital media suite to be delivered with this breakthrough in Blu-ray disc technology by Samsung,” said Jim Corbett, Executive Director at Nero AG. “This is a milestone for both Samsung and Nero in that we Blu-ray technology pioneers are presenting the first executable, functional Blu-ray devices.”

The new technology features the Nero 7 test version and allows up to 25GB in single-layer storage and 50GB in double-layer storage. It also can read Blu-ray discs at speeds up to 2x, CDs up to 40x, and DVDs up to 12x.

Blu-ray is one of two formats of the next generation of DVDs, the other being HD-DVD.