Entertainment

Blu-Ray was the refuge of collectors for a while, but what does the future hold for it?

Published

9 months ago

September 23, 2025

Anyone who happens to be a HD video enthusiast is likely aware of the impact that the Blu-Ray has had upon the digital community. Introduced to the public in 2006, and representing the purported successor of the DVD franchise, Blu-Ray soon took the digital community by storm.

However, this short-lived glory was not to last. Several issues began to emerge; notably high costs, and questionable definition improvements when compared to HD-DVD formats. The good news is that Blu-Ray discs still enjoy a fair amount of popularity among enthusiasts, and the future is far from certain. Let’s see what the coming years may have in store.

Hurdles to overcome

Technology has come a long way since 2006, and a quick analogy can help to provide this point. Imagine that you are hoping to play the latest online slingo games. You will likely search for qualities such as high-definition graphics, software compatibility with all major operating systems, and a variety of customisation options. In terms of entertainment, these same parameters equally apply to Blu-Ray.

The problem is that while developers initially claimed that the Blu-Ray system vastly outperformed DVDs in terms of UHD images, most users saw only a negligible difference. This is why it was also difficult to justify a relatively high price tag.

Competition also played a pivotal role. Any new type of technology introduced to the public tends to face a fair amount of blowback from existing corporations. This was particularly the case with Blu-Ray, as DVD manufacturers began to wonder if their livelihoods would soon be placed in jeopardy. The end result was a price war, and one that did not favour Blu-Ray. Due to issues such as a limited customer base, and relatively meagre initial interest, competing against the major players was hardly a realistic prospect. In other words, the cards seemed to be stacked against Blu-Ray at an early stage.

While these are important observations, another significant “nail in the coffin” involves a migration away from physical media. Consumers are increasingly turning to downloadable files, streaming video formats, and cloud-based storage solutions. This has left many wondering if Blu-Ray is destined for the rubbish heap. Thankfully, a light may still exist at the end of the (digital) tunnel.

All about the niche audience

There are several reasons why Blu-Ray technology is predicted to remain popular in certain demographics. For example, many articles note the benefits of owning physical media; particularly in relation to fluid issues such as the changing end-user licence agreements often associated with streaming content. Others feel that Blu-Ray hardware will appeal to those who find it difficult to keep up with the latest online trends. Simply place the disc in the reader, close the aperture, and press play.

Furthermore, cinephiles still claim that Blu-Ray offers distinct advantages (such as the ability to seamlessly view 3D content). Considering the fact that a significant number of devices continue to support the Blu-Ray format, it is clear that these laser-powered discs will not simply disappear overnight. If anything, they are likely to become even more sought after by niche audiences who have grown accustomed to their functionality.

A sign of the times

Although Blu-Ray may have fallen short of the mark from a long-term perspective, this should not be equated to an outright failure. Similar to other past technologies such as records, and 8-track cassette tapes, video aficionados will continue to have a soft place in their hearts for the Blu-Ray system. Might we ever witness a full-blown comeback? Only time will tell.

Entertainment

Pembrokeshire soprano to perform at International Eisteddfod

Published

3 days ago

June 22, 2026

Tom Sinclair

HAVERFORDWEST music teacher and soprano soloist Clare Harrison is set to perform at the International Eisteddfod in Llangollen next month.

Clare will sing under the baton of Sir Karl Jenkins on Tuesday, July 7, as part of the World Choir, an auditioned international chorus of singers, for the long-awaited Welsh premiere of his work One World.

She will also perform in a new commission, Greeting the Dawn, by Sam Buttler, and in Peace Child with Wrexham-based chorus NEW Voices.

Clare combines a busy teaching schedule with regular solo performances across Wales and the borders.

Her next Pembrokeshire appearance will be as soloist with Tenby Male Choir at St Mary’s Church, Tenby, on Thursday, July 16.

Caption:

Clare Harrison: The Haverfordwest soprano will perform at the International Eisteddfod in Llangollen.

Entertainment

Harbour Fest to bring music, food and maritime magic to Milford Waterfront

Published

4 days ago

June 21, 2026

Tom Sinclair

Free family festival will celebrate Milford Haven’s seafaring history and coastal community

MILFORD WATERFRONT will burst into life on Saturday, June 27, as the first Harbour Fest sails into town for a day of music, food, family fun and maritime celebration.

The free event will run from 10:00am to 6:00pm at Mackerel Quay and across the waterfront, bringing together local traders, live entertainment, coastal organisations and independent businesses for a packed day beside the water.

Organisers say the festival will celebrate everything that makes Milford Haven special, from its seafaring history and working harbour to its growing reputation as a destination for food, shopping, culture and family days out.

Visitors will be able to browse stalls from local makers and producers, enjoy street food and live performances, and explore a Marine Zone featuring organisations involved in sea safety, marine conservation and coastal life.

The Marine Zone will include Seagrass Network Cymru / Project Seagrass, Pembrokeshire Coastal Forum, Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service, Dyfed-Powys Police, NCI Wooltack Point, Rudders Marine Training, RNLI Milford Haven and RNLI Angle Lifeboat.

RNLI Angle Lifeboat is expected to be based on the Mackerel Stage, while the Sea Cadets will be giving rope-tying displays at Milford Haven Museum, where craft activities will also be taking place.

Live entertainment will run throughout the day, with performances from Tom & Abz, Will Scott, Ryan Bristow, Milford Haven Town Band, Kyle Kirkhouse and ShantyJacs Sea Shanties.

Businesses across the waterfront are also joining in. All Pets Vet Care will hold a family-friendly open day with a bouncy castle, treasure hunts, quizzes, craft activities and behind-the-scenes tours. Aurora Artisan Crafts will host vocal performances, Biffy’s Bar & Restaurant will feature solo acoustic music from Laurence Lewis, and Martha’s Vineyard will offer seafood street food with live music from Ryan Bristow and Steve Bartram.

At Tŷ Milford Waterfront’s outdoor plaza there will be face painting, children’s activities, pop-up artists and an afternoon DJ set, while Phoenix Bowl and Pirate Pete’s Adventure Play will have inflatables and glitter tattoos outside.

The Waterfront Gallery will host introduction to felt-making workshops with textile artist Carole Fletcher, giving participants the chance to create a woollen felt flower pin brooch or phone/glasses case. The workshops start at 10:30am, 1:00pm and 3:30pm and cost £5 per person.

A wide range of traders will also be attending, including 5th Flock Spirits Co, Cinnamon Grove Distillery, Cwm Deri Wines & Liqueurs, Ferncraft, Get Loaded, J.J. Pottery, Major Nuts, Orange Garden Design, Pembrokeshire Chilli Farm, Pembrokeshire Gold, Pembrokeshire Lottery, Plumstone Welshcakes and SlateArtSJ.

With music drifting across the marina, food stalls lining the waterfront and lifeboats, sea safety teams and coastal groups adding a strong maritime flavour, Harbour Fest is expected to bring a lively summer atmosphere to one of Pembrokeshire’s best-known waterside destinations.

Organisers say the event is suitable for families, friends and visitors of all ages, with plenty to see and do throughout the day.

Photo caption: Harbour Fest will take place at Milford Waterfront on Saturday, June 27 (Pic: Milford Waterfront).

Entertainment

Filming begins on new Welsh BBC comedy starring Ruth Jones and Steve Speirs

Published

4 days ago

June 21, 2026

Tom Sinclair

A HEARTWARMING new Welsh BBC comedy co-written by Ruth Jones and Steve Speirs has started filming in South Wales.

Better Later, a six-part series for BBC iPlayer, BBC One and BBC One Wales, will explore the unexpected joys of an unlikely friendship.

The comedy stars Jones and Speirs as two people who meet at a knee trauma clinic. Retired teacher Clive, played by Speirs, is 60, widowed and facing a new chapter in life. Shelley Anne, played by Jones, is a 55-year-old environmental health officer going through a bitter divorce.

The series is being filmed in and around South Wales, including the Brecon Beacons, and is set in the fictional village of Brynfach.

Ruth Jones said: “In a funny way this show has been 35 years in the making, which is when I first met Steve. It’s not that we’re slow writers, it’s just that we’ve been up to other things. It’s fantastic to be back in front of the camera with him again.”

Steve Speirs said: “Our first time acting together for quite a long time. Ruth makes me laugh more than anyone and I’m a terrible giggler. This could be a long shoot.”

Better Later has been commissioned by BBC Cymru Wales and BBC Comedy and is being made by Tidy Productions in association with BBC Studios Comedy, with support from Creative Wales.

The series was commissioned by Nick Andrews, Head of Commissioning at BBC Cymru Wales, and Jon Petrie, Director of Comedy at the BBC. The commissioning editors are Emma Lawson and Paul Forde.

Executive producers are Sarah Fraser for Tidy Productions and Josh Cole for BBC Studios Comedy. The producer is Owen Bell and the director is Simon Massey.

Transmission details will be announced in due course.