Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc, commonly known as 4k Blu-ray, is the Blu-ray Association’s name for discs that play 3840 (H) x 2160 (W) resolution video, frame rates up to 60fps (frames-per-second), High Dynamic Range (HDR) using Dolby Vision or HDR10/HDR10+ specifications, as well as advanced audio formats such as Dolby Atmos and DTS:X (although these formats can also be provided on 1080p Blu-rays).
The video format is often referred to as 2160p (as Blu-ray is often labeled 1080p), UHD BD, UHD or 4k Blu-ray. It should be noted, however, that the maximum width does not actually reach 4,000 pixels as it does in the digital cinema DCI format that is measured at 4096 (W) x 2160 (H).
According to the Blu-ray Disc Association, “Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc sets a new standard for Ultra High Definition picture and audio quality in the home. With four times the resolution of Full HD (1080p), High Dynamic Range for striking contrast, more intense color and uncompressed sound, Ultra HD Blu-ray is the ultimate movie-watching experience.”
Also see our list of Ultra HD Blu-ray Discs, release dates for upcoming 4k Blu-ray Discs, and the latest Ultra HD Blu-ray news.
Ultra HD Blu-ray Specifications
First Release
February 14, 2016
Media Type
High-density optical disc
Encoding
H.265/MPEG-H Part 2 (HEVC)
Capacity
50 GB (dual-layer,[1] 82 Mbit/s)
66 GB (dual-layer,[1] 108 Mbit/s)
100 GB (triple-layer,[1] 128 Mbit/s)
Dimensions
120 mm (4.7 in) diameter
Developed By
Blu-ray Disc Association