New video encoding format approved

The current video encoding used by Bluray players, TV broadcasts, satellite and streaming services is called MPEG-4 or AVC (Advanced Video Coding) and was standardized in May 2003.

But recently The International Telecommunication Union has approved a new video encoding format called High Efficiency Video Coding (HEVC) which will be successor to MPEG-4 format. The biggest improvment with the new encoding format is that it will be 50% more efficient than MPEG-4. Which mean it can produce the same picture quality at half bit rate, doubling data compression ratio compared to MPEG-4.

The new format will support 4K (Ultra high definition) and up to 8192×4320 resolution, and due to its effiency it will be used for future 4K streaming.

New H.265 video standard approved, will allow for high-quality video at half the bitrate | The Verge

Good news for you smoke, now you can crack open that piggy bank and get one of those swiss army knives Blu ray,and SACD players dirt cheap when ths new stuff comes out. :) just had to rub it in...lol

Why waste money on obsolete format when new one is on the horizon :)

I imagine with the new video format approved, next generation bluray players (4K) will start rolling out next year.

Your right, but we all know you won't pony up the cash to buy one :)