DEG announces UHD disc packaging
November 11, 2015
As part of its ongoing efforts to advocate and promote entertainment platforms, products and distribution channels, industry association DEG: The Digital Entertainment Group has developed new artwork and other design elements for the package for Ultra-HD Blu-ray content.
The package, which was developed in cooperation with Anchor Bay Entertainment, HBO Home Entertainment, Lionsgate, Paramount Home Media Distribution, Sony Pictures Home Entertainment, Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment, Universal Pictures Home Entertainment and Warner Bros. Home Entertainment, is intended to drive more rapid adoption of the new Ultra-HD Blu-ray format as well as create greater overall consistency in merchandising and messaging.
“The DEG is pleased to have worked closely with content owners in coordinating the development of both the artwork and messaging for Ultra-HD Blu-ray packaging,” said Amy Jo Smith, President, DEG. “Ultra-HD Blu-ray will provide an outstanding video and audio experience for 4K Ultra-HD TV owners and the DEG is confident that this effort will be appreciated by retailers and consumers alike”.
The new Blu-ray ‘Elite’ package conforms to retail display requirements and features a carbonised black colour with metallic silver text and logo. The 4K Ultra HD logo will serve as the header of the package while the Ultra-HD Blu-ray logo will be featured on the spine, back cover and disc. The new header will help to differentiate Ultra-HD movies from current Blu-ray titles and is aligned with the Ultra-HD message used by the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) to promote the latest compatible televisions. According to IHS DisplaySearch, sales of UHD TVs are expected to reach 100 million units by year 2019.
Additionally, the new Ultra HD Blu-ray package is flexible enough to allow for either single disc or combo pack options; the latter of which provides consumers with both UHD and Blu-ray HD versions of the movie or TV programme. The package’s ‘future proof’ design is versatile enough to add a variety of other new features, including High Dynamic Range (HDR) and the latest immersive audio formats.
To help support this initiative, the DEG, in partnership with the CEA, will deliver the UHD message nationwide next year via a series of satellite media tours. These will promote the newest titles for home viewing, along with a number of UHD televisions.
The new UHD Blu-ray titles will be available with the launch of UHD Blu-ray players which are expected in early 2016. The DEG is also working with a number of other platforms and service providers, including Amazon, Comcast, DirecTV, Google Play, and Kaleidescape, to promote UHD.