We originally reported back in January that a new 4K Blu-ray disc format, called Ultra HD Blu-ray, was being developed by members of the Blu-ray Disc Association (BDA). Many of the new format’s specifications were on record back then, including support for High Dynamic Range and Rec 2020 color space.
Now the BDA has announced the completion of the Ultra HD Blu-ray specification. The group also released a new logo that will delineate Ultra HD Blu-ray products.
The Ultra HD Blu-ray for 4K TV specification, which represents the work of leaders from the consumer electronics, IT and content creation industries, will enable delivery of Ultra HD content via Ultra HD Blu-ray disc to the rapidly growing number of UHD TV households.
“For years, Blu-ray Disc has set the standard for high definition picture and audio quality in the home. Ultra HD Blu-ray will do the same for UHD home entertainment,” says Sony’s Victor Matsuda, chair of the BDA Promotions Committee. “The technical capabilities of Blu-ray Disc, in particular its significant storage capacity and high data transfer rates, will enable the delivery of an unparalleled, consistent and repeatable UHD experience.”
The completed Ultra HD Blu-ray specification addresses a range of factors beyond increased resolution that are designed to enhance the home entertainment experience for consumers. In addition to delivering content resolutions up to 3,840 x 2,160, the Ultra HD Blu-ray format enables, as expected, the delivery of a significantly expanded color range and allows for the delivery of high dynamic range (HDR) and high frame rate content for a 4K TV.
The association also points out that next-generation immersive, object-based sound formats (Dolby Atmos, DTS X and Auro 3D) will also be delivered via the Ultra HD Blu-ray specification. Through the optional digital bridge feature, the specification enhances the value of content ownership by embracing the notion that a content purchase can enable the consumer to view their content across the range of in-home and mobile devices.
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Through the specification, Ultra HD Blu-ray players must be capable of playing current generation Blu-ray discs. The licensing of Ultra HD Blu-ray is scheduled to begin this summer.
In January, Panasonic showed off a prototype of a 4K Blu-ray disc player. We expect all the major consumer electronics manufacturers to also announce products. Hopefully companies will be ready to unveil their new players by the 2015 CEDIA Expo, or if not that, then the IFA show in Germany. A lot of 4K TVs are waiting.
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