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Blu-ray Disc Association
The Blu-ray Disc Association (BDA) has announced the Ultra HD Blu-ray (4K) specification is now complete and has also revealed the next-gen format’s official logo.
The new disc format promises the incorporation of the latest video standards, and players will also be backward-compatible with existing Blu-ray discs.
The BDA says the format incorporates a 3,840×2,160-pixel resolution, expanded color range support, high dynamic range ( HDR) and high frame rate content (read 60fps). As well as the promise of up-to-date video, UHD Blu-ray will also support “next-generation immersive, object-based sound formats.”
The BDA has yet to expand on which specific standards will be supported as for each of these features there are a number of competing options: for example there are two object-based sound formats — DTS:X and Dolby Atmos. However, a spokesperson for the BDA said that specific audio support is optional and not mandatory so “if it’s on the disc it’s passed through”.
In addition UHD Blu-ray will bring with it the Ultraviolet-like “digital bridge” feature that will allow consumers to “view their content across the range of in-home and mobile devices.”
The association has announced it will begin licensing Ultra HD Blu-ray products this summer.
Panasonic was the first company to announce a prototype Ultra HD Blu-ray player at this year’s CES, and consumers can expect to see players hit the market by the end of 2015.
Update, 3:12 p.m. ET Added information from the BDA about DTS:X and Dolby Atmos support
