Scenarist, the developer of Hollywood-standard professional Blu-ray Disc authoring, has launched the UHDG, a global focus group of high-end authoring facilities, technology companies and service providers that will work with Scenarist "during the critical development phases of its authoring systems for the new Ultra HD Blu-ray format."

UHDG members include Deluxe Digital Services, CMD-Craigman Digital, DTS, Dolby Laboratories and BluFocus, in the US; Q-TEC and Daikin Industries in Japan; GLS Studios in Germany and D-STUDIO Services in Belgium.

Members will gain early access to Scenarist's new tools so they can acquire the necessary expertise in the new format, create test titles and provide feedback to Scenarist during the development.

The Blu-ray Disc Association (BDA) announced extensions to the Blu-ray Disc format at CES 2014. The new format is to be called Ultra HD Blu-ray (UHD-BD) and includes support for ultra high definition, high dynamic range 4K video, increased content storage and Digital Bridge, the ability to legitimately export contents from BD titles to other electronic formats.

"Ultra HD Blu-ray will provide a premium movie watching experience that includes thrilling HDR video, immersive audio and exciting features that consumers will love," said Victor Matsuda, chairman of the Blu-ray Disc Association promotions group. "We applaud Scenarist's efforts in engaging the authoring community with the UHDG. Such work is an essential component to the successful launch of the Ultra HD Blu-ray format later this year."

Scenarist is targeting the release of its Ultra HD Blu-ray authoring system in the third-quarter of 2015.

Story filed 03.05.15