Blu-ray players could become obsolete

New spec includes Java support, enabling picutre-in-picture features

Changes to the Blu-ray specifications could mean current players won't be able to play some features of future discs, according to the website Videobusiness.

The changes, agreed by the Blu-ray Association, mean that from October 31 all players should include full support for Blu-ray Java, the language high definition players use to control all menus, navigation and special features such as picture-in-picture (PIP).

Some of today's models can be upgraded through firmware both others lack the 256MB non-volatile memory needed to store the full program.

Additionally, players with an internet connection must have 1GB of memory for storing and buffering online content. The Playstation 3, which can be used as a Blu-ray player, doesn't currently support all aspects of Blu-ray Java, but its large hard disk should make it easy to upgrade.

No Blu-ray movies currently have PIP features,  HD DVDs have had mandatory PIP support.