This week, the Blu-ray Disc Association announced specifications are complete for Ultra HD Blu-ray, the name chosen for the next generation of Blu-ray Discs that will hold up 66GB on a dual layer disc and 100GB on a triple layer disc. Also referred to as 4k (resolution that’s 4x the current Full HD standard), Ultra HD Blu-ray will support up to 3840 x 2160 with over 8 million megapixels.
In addition to the increase in disc capacity and video resolution, the Ultra HD Blu-ray format will also allow for expanded color range, higher frame rate video, and high dynamic range (HDR) content. In terms of audio support, the new discs will support next-generation, object-based sound formats such as Dolby’s Atmos and DTS’s DTS:X.
“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,” said Victor Matsuda, chair, BDA Promotions Committee.
New Ultra HD Blu-ray players, expected by the end of the year, will thankfully be backwards compatible with 1920 × 1080 Blu-ray Discs. In fact, this is a mandate of the Ultra HD Blu-ray specification.
As we head towards the holidays we should be getting more information on pricing of Ultra HD players, and of course, the first wave of movies and TV shows printed on Ultra HD Blu-ray discs.
The Blu-ray Disc Association is made up of approximately 100 companies, with board members from Dolby, LG, Microsoft, Mitsubishi, Panasonic, Pioneer, Samsung, Sharp, Sony, Toshiba, Fox, Universal Studios, Disney, and Warner Bros. among others.
Actually the UHD spec is 8.3 million, rounded up from 8,294,400, at 16:9 aspect ratio.
8 million megapixels? So the new format supports 8 trillion pixels? Wow, that IS hi def! Can’t wait!!