The Blu-Ray Disc Association reportedly has put together a new batch of standards for its next-generation 4K version. The new 4K Blu-ray discs are expected to be released towards the middle or end of 2015, and will support three different High Dynamic Range technologies. These include specs from both Dolby Vision; the HDR system that is being offered by Philips; and a joint HDR standard that comes from Technicolor, part of its MPEG/SMPTE proposals.
The new Blu-ray 4K disc specifications fit within the “Recommendation 2020” protocol advocated by the European Broadcasting Union (EBU). HDR is expected to deliver much wider color gamuts and “better pixels” to dramatically improve the visual quality of the 4K resolution screens.
Both the new 4K Blu-ray discs and players may be available commercially by the end of the year