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The next generation of recordable DVDs will be based on a single standard
system called Blu-Ray, putting an end to the confusing current mix of competing
standards. The three fledgling recordable DVD systems now available are mutually
incompatible, but nine electronics firms have agreed to back its follow-up. It
is called Blu-Ray because it uses a blue laser instead of red for recording and
playback. Its shorter wavelength means the new digital format will cram more
data on to each disc. A 12-centimetre Blu-Ray disc will have room for about 27
gigabytes of data, compared with less than 5 gigabytes on a conventional
DVD.