Singulus tests 100GB, 4K-ready Blu-ray discs
The Blu-ray Disc Association has teased that a 4K-friendly disc format is coming, but Singulus isn't willing to wait to make some announcements of its own. The German company just finished production tests of a Blu-ray disc that squeezes 100GB into three layers, making it "ideal" for 4K movies. Sounds good, doesn't it? Unfortunately, the company hasn't said much more about the technology -- we don't know if the discs have the BDA's support, whether they're compatible with existing players, or when they enter mass production. We've reached out for more details; in the meantime, we'd advise saving up for the exotic TV you'll need to watch 4K movies in any format.
[Image credit: Diego Correa, Flickr]
Show full PR text
SINGULUS TECHNOLOGIES Presents Production Technology for 100 GB Blu-ray Disc
September 10, 2013
* First successful production tests for 100 GB Blu-ray Disc
* Innovative production machines developed under the brand name BLULINE III
* New ultra-high definition TV format in the spotlight at the IFA
* 100 GB Blu-ray Disc ideal for playback of movies in 4K resolution
Kahl am Main, September 10, 2013 - The SINGULUS TECHNOLOGIES AG (SINGULUS TECHNOLOGIES) developed a new replication line under the product name BLULINE III for the manufacturing of triple-layer Blu-ray Discs with a storage capacity of 100 GB. Production equipment by SINGULUS TECHNOLOGIES enables the production of next generation optical discs on the basis of the current BLULINE II machines for dual-layer Blu-ray Discs.
Dr.-Ing. Stefan Rinck, Chief Executive Officer of the SINGULUS TECHNOLOGIES AG, comments: "Just in time for the market introduction of the new ultra-high definition television technology (4K or Ultra-HD), we completed the development of the production technology for the new triple-layer Blu-ray Discs with 100 GB storage capacity". Dr. Rinck adds: "For SINGULUS TECHNOLOGIES, in the Optical Disc segment the year 2013 has been very positive overall. Until the end of this year's August we received significantly more orders for Blu-ray Disc production machines than in the prior-year period. We also see good opportunities for the sales of our Blu-ray production equipment in the future. The positive life cycle of the Blu-ray Disc will continue for some years with the launch of the new ultra-high definition television format".
The further advancement of today's Blu-ray Discs, the triple-layer Blu-ray Discs with 100 GB storage capacity, is the preferred playback medium for the new 4K technology. With the realization of a new and specifically designed data compression method for the ultra-high definition technology, the storage volume per information layer can be increased from 25 GB to 33 GB. In its committees, the Blu-ray Disc Association (BDA) is currently discussing the specifications of new, global standards. SINGULUS TECHNOLOGIES already completed the marketable concept of a new replication line.
At the IFA 2013 media and technology companies provide insights into the future of television: Sky, Astra, Sony, Harmonic, the Fraunhofer Heinrich-Hertz-Institute and the German TV-Platform present ultra-high definition. The new generation of high definition television provides four times the resolution (3,840 x 2,560 pixels) of HDTV. 4K will become less expensive: in Berlin a Chinese manufacturer is presenting new Ultra-HD TVs with a price tag of less than € 2,000.
