While the likes of Netflix, YouTube and Amazon now offering 4k streaming videos, some consumers may not do away with their Blu-Ray players just yet. Also, the Blu-Ray Disc Association (BDA) knows that there are consumers who will still need physical media to backup several large files, such as video clips with 4k resolutions, in the least amount of discs.
For this, the BDA officially launched the specification of the Ultra HD (UHD) Blu-Ray format last week, aiming to support videos with 4k resolutions.
Victor Matsuda, chair of the BDA Promotions Committee, said the new format will set the standard for high definition picture and audio quality in homes just like what the Blu-Ray disc has done for several years.
The launch of the new format, according to The Verge, is simply the BDA's way of convincing consumers that "physical media isn't dead yet" and "can still beat digital formats."
To prove this point, streaming videos with 4k resolutions will surely require fast internet connection for satisfactory output. In addition, videos in a physical medium, played using a non-connected player, is much easier to repeat with consistent and unparalleled Ultra HD experience than those rented online.
UHD Blu-Ray will not only have features such as higher storage capacities and deliver up to 3840x2160 resolution content in its discs. It also promises to deliver expanded color range, high dynamic range (HDR), and high frame rate content.
It will support next-generation "object-based" sound formats such as Dolby Atmos and DTS:X. Plus, the digital bridge feature enhances the content of the media by giving consumers the option to play between different home and mobile devices.
For owners of Blu-Ray media, there's no need to let go of it yet. Included in the UHD Blu-Ray specification is that upcoming players will have to be made backwards compatible with existing Blu-Ray discs. That way, consumers will still have access to over 10,000 existing Blu-Ray titles while content for the new format gradually increases.
Matsuda said the BDA will be working closely with industry leaders in developing tools and software to facilitate the UHD Blu-Ray specification, and licensing will start this summer.
"The technical capabilities of Blu-ray Disc," Matsuda added, "in particular its significant storage capacity and high data transfer rates, will enable the delivery of an unparalleled, consistent and repeatable UHD experience."
The Blu-Ray format superseded the DVD format in June 2006 after winning the high-definition optical disc war with the HD DVD format that was supported by Toshiba.
