Backward Compatible 3D Blu-ray Spec Officially Confirmed

Posted 12/17/2009 at 7:35pm | by Ryan Whitwam

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Did you just buy a shiny new Blu-ray player for a loved one this holiday season? Well, there’s already a new feature it doesn’t have according to the Blu-ray Disk Association (BDA). The BDA has finally approved a standard for 3D Blu-ray disks, and it will be backwards compatible with 2D setups. So, while your gear might not support 3D, it will still work as a regular Blu-ray. If you don’t care about 3D, that new player might not be such a bad deal.

The 3D movies will use the Multiview Video Coding (or MVC) allowing them to run in full 1080p. Interestingly, the 3D movies will actually take up 50% less space than 2D content. It’s likely that you’ll need new equipment whenever this format takes off. Sony has helpfully managed to work out a way to make the PS3 compatible with the new standard.  Then you just need HDMI 1.4 cables and a compatible screen. If having stuff shoot out of the TV at you isn’t your idea of a relaxing movie experience, keep your old equipment and be thankful for the backwards compatibility.