Panasonic has unveiled its next generation Blu-Ray player at CES, capable of full 4K resolution playback at 60 frames per second. It’s designed to support video processing technologies that are expected to be included in the upcoming Ultra HD Blu-Ray standards.
The prototype player is capable of 100 Mbps high bit rate playback at a resolution of 3,840 x 2,160. It includes support for BT.2020 (a color gamut standard that significantly improves color reproduction) and perhaps more importantly, High Dynamic Range. The tech greatly expands peak brightness from 100 nit to 1,000-10,000 nit, allowing for better texturing of bright light sources, such as sun, as well as reflected light.
4K TVs are becoming increasingly affordable, meaning that more of them will be making their way into the homes in 2015 than ever before. That fact makes the Panasonic’s prototype player a great development, but given the popularity of content streaming services like Netflix and Amazon Instant Video, it’s unlikely that Ultra HD Blu-Rays will enjoy the same level of success as their HD predecessors.
As it’s a prototype, there’s no word on pricing or availability for Panasonic’s new player, but the company has stated that it’s working hard on further research and development, and will participate in the newly-formed UHD Alliance – which includes members such as Dolby, Netflix, Panasonic, Samsung, Sony, Twentieth Century Fox and Warner Bros, and aims to set the bar for the burgeoning 4K UHD industry.
Source: Panasonic
