BDA has revealed the official logo for the Ultra HD Blu-ray standard that has now been completed. Licensing will start this summer, and the first players should arrive by the end of 2015.

Players coming this year 
The full specifications list has not been released but we already know that it will support 4K, 10-bit colors, HFR (60fps), HDR, and the DCI/Rec.2020 color gamuts. It will not support 48fps and 3D 4K.

- “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,” says 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.”


Next-generation sound formats such as Dolby Atmos and DTS:X will be supported, and it uses the open High Dynamic Range (HDR) standard (ITU 2084/2086). Manufacturers are also allowed to use optional HDR standards such as Dolby Vision, Philips, and Technicolor, but it is not mandatory.

Licensing will start this summer and BDA expects the first manufacturers to have players ready by the end of 2015 ahead of the Holiday season, but stresses that BDA does not dictate the launch schedule of individual manufacturers. Panasonic has already demonstrated a prototype Ultra HD Blu-ray player.

Digital Bridge
All Ultra HD Blu-ray players are required to support playback of current HD Blu-ray discs but 3D support is not mandatory. There is no support for 4K 3D either. DVD and CD support is optional, too.

BDA is also introducing a new “digital bridge”, which will allow you to obtain a digital copy of the movie from the discs and watch in on other devices, including mobile devices. However, the digital bridge is optional for studios. Studios have already tried to make this work with the UltraViolet initiative, but with little luck.

We will surely hear more about the first products at IFA 2015 in Berlin this September. Stay tuned.

- Source: BDA