The Internationale Funkausstellung Berlin (the Berlin Radio Show or IFA) was first held in 1924 as an industrial exhibition, and was one of the first places in the world to receive a demonstration of a working television. Taking place in September every other year after the Second World War, it was then extended to become an annual event in 2005. Now held as one of biggest, if not the biggest, consumer electronics trade shows on the planet, the IFA generates between 2 and 3 billion euros worth of product orders every year, from hundreds of thousands of happy and amazed visitors.
Known for its groundbreaking and world-changing unveilings, this year’s IFA will be held at the Berlin Expocenter City, between the 4th and the 9th of September. One thing that has people talking in 2015 is the buzz around the new proposed Ultra HD Blu-ray system. Yes, Blu-ray is getting a major reboot, and it seems to have been timed perfectly to coincide with the biggest electronics fair in the world. It’s all eyes on Berlin…
The Blu-ray Disc Association (BDA) have just released information that they will commence licensing of the new Ultra HD Blu-ray format from the 24th of August this year. This means that all of the major manufacturers are expected to reveal hardware and/or unveil plans for the future of Blu-ray home cinema. This is bound to draw a lot of attention from the press and eager resolution buffs alike.
But what does Ultra HD Blu-ray have in store, and what is it likely to set you back?
Well, the new format will be in the super clear 3840 x 2160 resolution, with frame rates of up to 60 per second, and will be compatible with equally impressive new sound set ups, like Dolby Atmos. So, bigger, clearer, more immersive, mind blowing stuff. Of course, you will need a 4K TV ready to handle the increased resolution, as well as purchasing a new Ultra HD Blu-ray player, which are expected to be available before the year is out. The price for these new players is expected to be around two to three times the price of a current HD equivalent, so our guess is as good as yours there.
The next generation of home cinema is approaching fast. Keep an eye on Berlin this September for all the big updates.
We are now over a year on and I’m note sure if Blu Ray Ultra can stop the death of the humble disk. Streaming is the future it now seems.
Well 4k is truly here in terms of sources and displays. and it looks amazing. Ultra HD looks fantastic on any screen but larger screens and projectors really benefit from the extra detail in the video image.