Data recording and playback systems, such as BD, DVD, CD, and SD Memory Cards, are generally referred to as formats. In reality, these formats consist of rules for the physical and logical aspects of recording and playback. They have been created to make various kinds of electronic products easy to use, convenient, and enjoyable worldwide. The CD disc is a good example. No matter what country you buy a CD disc in, or which company manufactured your CD player, you can be sure that the disc will play as long as each item, disc and player, is produced in accordance with the CD format. The wonderful advantages of this compatibility are made possible by all manufacturers complying with the format when creating their products.

In order to ensure this format compatibility and provide users with products that they can use with ease, Panasonic established the Format Verification Laboratory in 1996. The laboratory has continued to develop verification software and create methods to determine whether products such as players and recorders are operating in strict compliance with the rules of each format.

Verification tests are conducted on any type of equipment that is brought in to the lab, regardless of whether it is produced by Panasonic or by another manufacturer. Backed by the extensive verification expertise that it has accumulated in this way, and applying a unique strength that comes from its in-depth knowledge of the BD format, the Format Verification Laboratory began conducting the world's first BD format verification service in May 2004.

This kind of verification is limited to laboratories that have a great deal of knowledge in all aspects of the format, and who are capable of developing the appropriate verification software. The laboratory must first pass a stringent examination by the Blu-ray Disc Association (BDA). The BDA is charged with creating and preserving the Blu-ray Disc standards. There are only ten companies in the world that can perform BD format verification (as of September 2007). As one of them, Panasonic is committed to supporting other products and businesses in the field, and helping to spread the use of easy and enjoyable Blu-ray products to users all over the world.