Blu-ray is a high-definition optical disc format designed for storing large amounts of data, primarily used for movies and video games. It offers significantly better video and audio quality compared to standard DVDs, making it a popular choice for home entertainment systems. The name "Blu-ray" comes from the blue laser used to read the disc, which allows for more data storage than the red laser used in DVDs. Introduced in 2006, Blu-ray discs can hold up to 25 GB of data on a single layer and 50 GB on a dual layer. This increased capacity enables the inclusion of high-definition video, advanced audio formats, and additional features like interactive content. Many Blu-ray players are also backward compatible, allowing them to play standard DVDs.