Blu-ray Disc Association Completes Ultra HD Blu-ray Specs

The Blu-ray Disc Association (BDA) announced completion of the Ultra HD Blu-ray specification and released the logo that will delineate Ultra HD Blu-ray products.

The Ultra HD Blu-ray specification, which represents the work of global 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,” said Victor Matsuda, chair, 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 simply increasing resolution, that will enhance the home entertainment experience for consumers. In addition to delivering content in up-to 3,840×2,160 resolution, the Ultra HD Blu-ray format enables delivery of a expanded color range and allows for the delivery of high dynamic ange and high frame rate content. Next-generation immersive, object-based sound formats will be delivered via the Ultra HD Blu-ray specification. Additionally, with 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.

The specification also mandates all Ultra HD Blu-ray players be capable of playing back current Blu-ray Discs, giving consumers access to the vast library of more than 10,000 titles currently available on Blu-ray Disc.

Licensing of Ultra HD Blu-ray is scheduled to begin this summer. The BDA is working closely with companies in the authoring, testing, certification and replication industries to develop the tools and process needed to ensure interoperability between players and software and to facilitate the development of a robust ecosystem to support the hardware and title launch of Ultra HD Blu-ray.

Blu-ray Disc and Ultra HD Blu-ray are trademarks owned by the Blu-ray Disc Association (BDA) and licensed for use on discs, players and other products that use BDA’s optical disc format for high definition and UHD audio-video and high capacity data software applications. Single layer Blu-ray Disc can hold up to 25GB of data and dual-layer discs up to 50GB of data. New ULTRA HD Blu-ray discs hold up to 66GB and 100GB of data on dual and triple layer discs respectively.