Two New Codecs Chosen for Blu-Ray Format

By Ian Bell Updated April 18, 2005

Blu-ray Disc was developed to enable recording, rewriting, and playback of high-definition (HD) video and to store large amounts of data (25 GB for single layer, 50 GB for dual layer on asingle-sided disc). In addition to the Dolby technologies mentioned above as optional codecs, the BDA selected Dolby Digital as a mandatory audio standard for Blu-ray Disc in September 2004.

Dolby Digital Plus is an extension of Dolby Digital, an approved audio standard for DVD-Video worldwide and for North American digital cable and digital television broadcasting. While providing bit-rate and channel extendibility for future formats, Dolby Digital Plus is designed to be fully compatible with the millions of A/V receivers equipped with Dolby Digital technology in the market today.

Dolby Digital Plus is also designed to offer discrete channel coverage to 7.1 or more channels, as well as new streaming and mixing capabilities for the future needs of content creators and providers. Consumers may one day watch a feature-length movie with the director’s commentary streamed directly from the studio’s website.

MLP Lossless technology, licensed by Dolby, fulfills both industry content creation and consumer demand for lossless audio in next-generation media. Bit-for-bit identical during playback to the original studio masters, MLP Lossless enables discrete multichannel reproduction beyond present 5.1 or 7.1 applications. Additionally, MLP Lossless coding efficiencies enable more bits to be allocated to picture quality and special features. Discs with MLP Lossless can provide extremely high digital audio quality and ample data space for value-added content.

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Audio / Video

McIntosh’s new $8,000 AVR: gigantic power, with a Dolby Atmos catch

The McIntosh MHT300 Home Theater Receiver.

New York-based prestige audio brand McIntosh this week launched the MHT300, an $8,000, 7.2-channel home theater receiver that boasts a monstrous 120 watts to 150 watts per channel of power. That's right: up to 1,050 total watts. But what's impressive about this is that all that legendary McIntosh power is distributed to all seven channels, making for some serious movie-watching sound from all directions. Well, kinda.

The McIntosh MHT300 Home Theater Receiver will let you hear "every explosion, car chase, and high-speed fighter jet flyby," according to a press release, at 120 watts per channel into 8-Ohm speakers or 150 watts per channel with 4-Ohm speakers, with all seven channels driven.

Audio / Video

BluOS will be updated to 4.0 with a fresh look, new features

Two phones showing different screens of BluOS 4.0.

Lenbrook International, the company that creates BluOS, says that the software is going to get a major update in the spring, to version 4.0. BluOS controls wireless speakers from Bluesound, as well as a variety of audio gear from NAD, Dali, and PSB. The change will bring a cleaner look to the interface, as well as several enhancements to how the app works.

“BluOS 4.0 brings added depth to personalized, multiroom hi-res listening,” said Andrew Haines, BluOS product manager, in an emailed press release. “This comprehensive redesign of the mobile app interface reflects a commitment to delivering seamless user experiences for BluOS users.”

Audio / Video

The best Blu-ray players for 2023

The Sony UBP-X700M player.

Maybe, just maybe, you've watched everything on your streaming services. Or maybe you're off the grid at the cottage and have a killer Blu-ray collection. Either way, one of the best ways to fully experience the splendor of a 4K picture and sound, while also unlocking the full potential of your TV and AV components, is with a Blu-ray player.

With its stellar picture, impressive codec support, and affordable price tag, our team ranks Sony’s UBP-X700M as the best Blu-ray player currently on the market. But we understand that what works for someone else might not work for you. Depending on what you’re looking for, some of the other best Blu-ray players we’ve rounded up might be a much better fit.