4K Blu-ray Confirmed, Coming in

[kris26]

Originally Posted by BozQ

Software is not a problem. I'm sure the likes of Cyberlink PowerDVD will have this out in no time.

What's somewhat troubling now is that it wasn't specifically mentioned that UHD BD will use BDXL. The 66GB disc is dual layer, while 100GB is triple layer.

As far as I know, all current BD players are only capable of reading 50GB discs only. If 66GB were possible, we should have seen it by now. Even on PS4 games, because developers were struggling to compress their games onto a 50GB disc.

So it's unlikely the PS4 will play UHD BD. An updated PS4 console may do it in the future.

I understand games
but we can compress the movies under 50gb though

[BozQ]

Originally Posted by kris26

I understand games
but we can compress the movies under 50gb though

With UHD resolution? I wouldn't hold my breath. We're talking about four time the resolution of FHD. Even with a newer HEVC codec, 50GB may not be enough. And we're still expecting no less than lossless 7.1 surround, Dolby TrueHD or DTS-HD MA.

[Geoff D]

Originally Posted by BozQ

With UHD resolution? I wouldn't hold my breath. We're talking about four time the resolution of FHD. Even with a newer HEVC codec, 50GB may not be enough. And we're still expecting no less than lossless 7.1 surround, Dolby TrueHD or DTS-HD MA.

Four times the resolution, but not four times the storage space (when dealing with compressed formats). A 50GB encode will be fine for the average 2 hour flick, and any overflow plus the audio can go in the extra 16GB on the 66GB discs.

[bailey1987]

Originally Posted by Geoff D

Four times the resolution, but not four times the storage space (when dealing with compressed formats). A 50GB encode will be fine for the average 2 hour flick, and any overflow plus the audio can go in the extra 16GB on the 66GB discs.

At first I was concerned about the disc space, but then I realized that it could potentially keep cost low, if the 50Gb disc are the same as regular 1080p HD Blu-ray Disc's then I can't see any reason for them to charge more.

[FilmFreakosaurus]

Originally Posted by bailey1987

At first I was concerned about the disc space, but then I realized that it could potentially keep cost low, if the 50Gb disc are the same as regular 1080p HD Blu-ray Disc's then I can't see any reason for them to charge more.

Even if they could cram a bunch of UHD video data and lossless Dolby Atmos or DTS:X audio into a 50 GB disc, and make it look SPECTACULAR, the studios would still charge a premium.

[bailey1987]

HDMI 2.0a announced: http://www.istockanalyst.com/busines...-specification

The specification has been updated to enable transmission of HDR formats, which provide enhanced picture quality by simultaneously enabling greater detail for both the dark and bright parts of an image. The HDR-related updates include references to CEA-861.3, CEA’s recently published update of HDR Static Metadata Extensions.

And here it is on HDMI's official page: http://www.hdmi.org/press/press_release.aspx?prid=138

[Geoff D]

Atmos is no hardship to put on a regular BD, it won't be a hardship for 66GB UHD BD because there will be plenty of space left over for the video encode. I've seen what HEVC can do with my own two eyes, it's time for people to Learn To Stop Worrying And Love The New Compression Formats.

[dvdmike]

Are people expecting extras in 4k? the space is fine

[kristoffer]

Originally Posted by bailey1987

HDMI 2.0a announced: http://www.istockanalyst.com/busines...-specification

The specification has been updated to enable transmission of HDR formats, which provide enhanced picture quality by simultaneously enabling greater detail for both the dark and bright parts of an image. The HDR-related updates include references to CEA-861.3, CEA’s recently published update of HDR Static Metadata Extensions.

And here it is on HDMI's official page: http://www.hdmi.org/press/press_release.aspx?prid=138

Will this be available as a software update on 2.0 sets?

[bailey1987]

Originally Posted by kristoffer

Will this be available as a software update on 2.0 sets?

I honestly don't know, if you find out lets us know. I doubt it will, there are already 2 versions of HDMI 2.0 the full fat 18Gb one and the half fat one, now there's this which I was hoping would solve all problems and leave me with no questions. If it does come as a software update with any luck they will sort out the speed issue as well.

[BozQ]

Originally Posted by Geoff D

Atmos is no hardship to put on a regular BD, it won't be a hardship for 66GB UHD BD because there will be plenty of space left over for the video encode. I've seen what HEVC can do with my own two eyes, it's time for people to Learn To Stop Worrying And Love The New Compression Formats.

Oh I'm sure we'll love the new codecs. That's not a problem.
This discussion began whether or not the PlayStation 4 will play UHD BD. And I'm pointing out that's very unlikely.

Because back when the PS4 was first released, the developers for the last Killzone game mentioned they were struggling to compress the final game onto a 50GB disc. If the PS4 could read a 66GB disc, I'm sure they and many other developers would have taken advantage of the additional storage already.

Of course, if by some miracle, Sony manages to pull it off with a firmware update, great! If it doesn't... Well, there's nothing we can do.

[Geoff D]

Originally Posted by kristoffer

Will this be available as a software update on 2.0 sets?

If it's a transmission of packet-related metadata (HDMI could always transmit the HDR image itself AFAIK, but with no metadata the display would be flying blind as to how to process it) then I don't see why it couldn't be done via a firmware update, but the display itself would need to have one form of HDR or another to begin with, natch. I think AV Forums' review of the latest UHD Samsung mentioned something about a firmware update to enable HDR, and I'd hazard a guess and say that HDMI 2.0a will be it.

[Penton-Man]

Originally Posted by bailey1987

Wow, is that the digital bridge they mention from time to time? Sounds very James Bond whatever it is. If that technology was applied across the entire entertainment industry CD's in particular, there would be no need for laws which allow you to copy CD's. I can't see the pirates liking it much especially if they think about it the way I just were. Is SeeQVault a dead cert for Ultra HD Blu-ray?

I would say that unless something usual intervenes, it is very likely, at the very minimum, as an optional feature.

[Penton-Man]

Originally Posted by Wendell R. Breland

...I feel fairly certain none with HDMI 2.0 with HDCP 2.2 complaint inputs are available.

This rather economical 4K monitor fits your interface criteria…
http://usa.canon.com/cusa/profession...9336%3A2279871

[bailey1987]

Question about this HDMI 2.0a:

Does anybody know if any of the other specifications have changed? The official HDMI site still only lists white papers for 2.0, I have searched but all other news outlets just repeat the press release, any insiders here?

[bailey1987]

Originally Posted by Penton-Man

I would say that unless something usual intervenes, it is very likely, at the very minimum, as an optional feature.

I like the idea of it, however, will it carry over to special features? I like watching trailers when I am commuting, ideally if it's on the disk it will copy over, obviously interactive content I can understand not working what with it requiring JavaScript, but if it's just a video I can't see why they would forget that. Trailers in particular are just an advert so why not give them away?

[Penton-Man]

Originally Posted by bailey1987

...I have searched but all other news outlets just repeat the press release, any insiders here?

That is a yes, as HDMI proven here - https://forum.blu-ray.com/showthread...ed#post8166457 (plus, 2 posts above)

[dublinbluray108]

I've seen the first pair of 4K TV's while out in Dublin today.

They are from the Sony range and I seen them in HMV in Dundrum Town Centre (Dundrum Shopping Mall). The TV's were showing 4K content which included footage from a Fashion Show named Design Forum in London and some outdoor footage of another city as well.

The PQ off the two sets looked amazing. The colours off both TV's were both really vivid and deep. I was looking at the TV too much which made me miss out on obtaining the model numbers of them by accident though.

The most expensive model for sale there had a price tag of €9,199 (US$10,016). The cheapest model was priced at around €2,000 ($2,177). A home projection screen demo which wasn't switched on was also located beside the two TV's.

There was also other HE stuff being sold there like vinyl players, headphones and some Blu players.

[Kirsty_Mc]

Not strictly Blu-Ray related, but may be of interest to our compression codec junkies:-

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-32140732

[bailey1987]

http://www.4-traders.com/DTS-INC-910...Home-20164357/

CALABASAS, Calif., April 9, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- DTS, Inc. (Nasdaq: DTSI), a global leader in audio technology solutions, has unveiled further details about DTS:X, its open, next-generation, object-based, multi-dimensional audio technology. DTS:X replicates a real-world sound environment that transports the audience into a new dimension of sound immersion by delivering truly captivating entertainment experiences in the cinema and at home. The technology also provides numerous customization options for cinema and home theater owners.

Unlike existing surround sound systems, DTS:X is not tied to prescribed speaker configurations or a specific number of audio channels. DTS:X adapts to the viewing environment, allowing for a flexible speaker configuration that best fits the viewing space. DTS:X more accurately conveys the fluid movement of sound to create a richer entertainment soundscape than has previously been possible by moving sound objects to and through specific locations within - in front of, behind, above and beside the audience, precisely where the mixer placed them.

"DTS:X is built on the foundation of providing an open, adaptable solution for content creators, cinemas and homes to fulfill our goal of bringing immersive audio to as many people around the world as possible," said Jon Kirchner, chairman and CEO of DTS, Inc. "Until recently, sound in movie theaters and in our homes has been dictated by a standardized speaker layout. Through the use of object-based audio, DTS:X is able to scale immersive soundtrack presentations across a wide range of playback systems, from efficient to extravagant, while staying true to the content creator's vision. This approach delivers the most authentic three-dimensional audio experience ever, making the audience feel as if they are in the center of the action."

DTS:X + CINEMA
In 1993, DTS revolutionized cinema sound, delivering "Jurassic Park's" award-winning 5.1-channel soundtrack on CD-ROM, which was synchronized to the picture using a time code printed on the film. Twenty-two years later, DTS:X, the industry's newest audio solution, is no longer limited to channels or tied to a speaker layout and is now delivered as part of the Digital Cinema Package.

The foundation of DTS:X is MDA, DTS' license fee-free, open platform for creation of object-based immersive audio. MDA gives movie studios unprecedented control over the specific placement, movement and volume of sound objects. The platform also enables sound engineers to "mix once" for both immersive and conventional cinemas in a combined object- and channel-based audio format, allowing content to be easily distributed beyond the theater for streaming, broadcast, optical media and more.

"MDA is DTS' license fee-free contribution to the professional audio community for mixing and storage of immersive audio content," said Kirchner. "MDA fits perfectly within today's production workflow, and a combination of MDA and DTS:X provides a complete end-to-end workflow, from creation to exhibition."

The DTS:X licensing program in cinema will offer theater owners the opportunity to provide their audience the most compelling, immersive sound experience possible. This can be achieved for almost any room configuration by installing DTS:X-approved equipment and working with the recommended speaker installation guidelines.

To ensure quality and provide flexibility within the DTS:X program, DTS has partnered with industry-leading server, sound rendering and processing companies. GDC Technology, QSC and USL, have developed and made available DTS:X-ready components that process and render MDA files.
-- GDC Technology - develops, manufactures and sells digital cinema servers
and provides a comprehensive suite of digital cinema products, services
and solutions for exhibitors and distributors
-- QSC - designs and manufactures professional audio systems and solutions
for professional installed, portable, production and cinema sound
customers worldwide
-- USL - is engaged in the design, manufacture, and sale of motion picture
audio equipment and sound processors


GDC Technology is an initial partner integrating DTS:X into theaters.
-- GDC Technology - boasts the largest installed base of digital cinema
servers in the Asia-Pacific region, and the second largest, globally
-- GDC is the worldwide DTS:X certification agent with an exclusive in
Asia
-- GDC will make MDA firmware updates available to theater owners over
to its existing installed server base of more than 40,000 servers
starting in May 2015
-- GDC will provide DTS:X installation and certification for
approximately 350 screens throughout Asia beginning in May 2015


"GDC is committed to offering state-of-the-art technology to its customers. We chose DTS:X because we believe it will transform the movie theater experience for audiences around the world," said Dr. Man-Nang Chong, founder and CEO of GDC Technology. "Theater owners will appreciate the easy integration and flexible solutions that DTS:X offers as they upgrade their screens to this superior sound experience. Audiences win too. Because of the flexibility in speaker layout that DTS:X offers, immersive audio is now available to a larger number of theaters of all sizes than ever before."

DTS is presently working with several major studios and mixing stages in Los Angeles, Northern California and Canada that are evaluating DTS:X. DTS:X content announcements will be made by the studios when ready, in alignment with DTS.

DTS:X + AVRs
Manufacturers representing nearly 90 percent of the home AVR and surround processor market will launch DTS:X-enabled products beginning in early Summer 2015, with additional manufacturer and model announcements to follow in the coming months. Confirmed AVR partners include:
-- Denon - AVR-X7200W available now / DTS:X firmware upgrade later in 2015
-- Integra - launching several models by Fall 2015
-- Marantz - AV8802 available now / DTS:X firmware upgrade later in 2015
-- Onkyo - launching several models by Fall 2015
-- Pioneer - details to follow
-- Steinway Lyngdorf - P200 Surround Sound Processor available Summer 2015
/ DTS:X firmware upgrade in Fall 2015
-- Theta Digital - Casablanca IVa available Summer 2015
-- Trinnov Audio - Altitude32 available now / DTS:X firmware upgrade Summer
2015
-- Yamaha - launching DTS:X ready models in Fall 2015


DTS:X solutions are also available for 2015 AV receiver silicon platforms representing the majority of the DSP platform market share, including Cirrus Logic, Analog Devices and Texas Instruments.

For home theater system owners, DTS:X provides personalization, flexibility and control for the most optimized listening experience possible. Key features include:

Backward Compatibility - DTS:X builds upon existing DTS-HD Master Audio to provide backward compatibility with existing DTS bitstreams and speaker layouts. In short, all features of DTS-HD Master Audio are supported and enable an immersive audio experience for older content.
-- The DTS:X content is backward compatible with the DTS-HD decoder
-- The DTS:X decoder supports DVD, Blu-ray Disc (BD) and streaming media
file formats
-- DTS:X can spatially reformat stereo, 5.1 or 7.1 content to take full
advantage of all speakers in a surround system
-- Objects are never lost; if the object is embedded, it can be
extracted and used in the rendered experience


Dialog Control - AVR owners will be able to control the volume of specific audio elements at home, such as increasing dialog volume to match their listening preferences.
-- Dialog, as an object, can be lifted out from the background sounds when
clarity and intelligibility are desired
-- Content creators have the choice to implement this feature in their
content mix


Flexible Speaker Layout - With flexible speaker layouts and remapping technology, DTS:X allows the placement of home theater speakers virtually anywhere. The freedom of object-based audio enables optimized playback on a multitude of speaker layouts, with any number of speakers. The DTS speaker remapping engine supports any speaker configuration within a hemispherical layout based around the listening position in the room.
-- 2015 DTS:X AVRs can support up to 11.2 speaker output channels
-- Content created for a specific speaker layout can be remapped for
playout through a different layout
-- Enables remapping of outputs to custom or OEM-defined speaker layouts,
and remapping legacy content to new output configurations
-- Support for 32 speaker locations (subject to each manufacturer's product
capabilities)
-- Metadata-based spatial mapping renders the ideal 3D sound image to
actual speaker layouts


Lossless - DTS is known for lossless, master audio quality with no compromise, delivering dynamic bit allocation. DTS:X supports lossless encoding for the highest audio quality possible. In situations where bitrate is of high concern, DTS:X can also operate in a high-quality lossy mode.
-- Supports up to 96k for object mixes
-- Still supports up to 192k for stereo and multi-channel mixes
-- DTS:X is true to the audio master, delivers in the highest quality and
preserves its fidelity


DTS Headphone:X
As part of DTS' strategy to support the entire ecosystem of sound, from cinema to home to mobile, consumers can also access an engaging audio experience over their mobile devices with DTS Headphone:X, which enhances any ordinary pair of headphones with fully immersive surround sound. With DTS technology, even the smallest screens will sound huge. Immerse yourself at http://listen.dts.com/pages/dts-x?tracking=DTSX and http://listen.dts.com/pages/headphon...ing=HeadphoneX.

For more information about DTS, please visit http://listen.dts.com, or connect with DTS on Facebook and Twitter (@DTS_Inc).

About DTS, Inc.
Since 1993, DTS, Inc. (Nasdaq: DTSI) has been dedicated to making the world sound better. Through its pioneering audio solutions for mobile devices, home theater systems, cinemas and beyond, DTS provides incredibly high-quality, immersive and engaging audio experiences to listeners everywhere. DTS technology is integrated in more than two billion devices globally, and the world's leading video and music streaming services are increasingly choosing DTS to deliver premium sound to their listeners' network-connected devices. For more information, please visit http://listen.dts.com.