Posted Wed Aug 5, 2015 at 01:15 PM PDT by Steven Cohen
Licensing for the format is about to commence.
After finalizing the Ultra HD Blu-ray spec and logo back in May, The BDA is now ready to start licensing the technology on August 24. The upcoming disc format will deliver Ultra HD content to Ultra HD TVs.
“Ultra HD Blu-ray enables the delivery of an unparalleled, consistent and repeatable experience that will set the standard for Ultra HD entertainment, the same way Blu-ray Disc did for high definition viewing,” said Victor Matsuda, chair, BDA Promotions Committee. “With the commencement of licensing we would anticipate product announcements from various companies as we approach the 2015 holiday season.”
The Ultra HD Blu-ray spec supports up to 3840x2160 resolution video with expanded color gamuts, high dynamic range, and high frame rates (up to 60fps). Support for object-based audio tech like Dolby Atmos and DTS:X is also included. Likewise, the format offers an optional digital bridge feature that "enhances the value of content ownership by embracing the notion that a content purchase can enable the consumer to view their content across a wide range of in-home and mobile devices." Finally, the spec also requires that Ultra HD Blu-ray players offer backwards compatibility with current Blu-rays. Ultra HD Blu-ray discs will hold up to 66GB on dual layer discs and 100GB on triple layer discs.
Currently, the only way to watch Ultra HD content on a 4K TV is through pre-loaded hard drives or streaming and download services. With its superior storage capacity and compression techniques, Ultra HD Blu-ray promises to deliver higher quality Ultra HD content. An exact release window for the first Ultra HD Blu-ray players and discs has not been announced, but now that licensing is about to begin a holiday 2015 launch is anticipated.
Source: BDA via Business Wire
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