Audio Video News

Thomson's Technicolor Is Testing Blu-ray

SV Staff  |  Oct 6, 2008

Nothing like buying a shiny new Blu-ray Disc movie, and discovering that its BD-Live or BD-Java feature doesn't work properly, or takes forever to load. Kinda sucks, doesn't it?

Technicolor, a division of Thomson, has opened a facility to test those features, and give a thumbs up or thumbs down. Sort of like the Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval.

Approved by the Blu-ray Disc Association, the new Blu-ray Disc Testing Center will be located in Burbank, California.

Why do they need such extensive testing?

"Because Blu-ray Discs feature cutting edge video, audio, and interactive features (BD-Jive and BD-Live), a sophisticated level of testing is required to ensure compatibility and flawless operation of all players available on the market before the discs are publicly released. Technicolor's test center is categorized as a 'content verifier' testing facility, approved by the BDA and tasked with testing commercial audiovisual (AV) content for the Association."
           

"Technicolor, as an expert in Blu-ray Disc production, recognizes the need for improved quality control and format verification for Blu-ray Discs to ensure better compatibility and performance. The creation of a testing center directly addresses the demand by studios and content producers to create a knowledge center for improving disc compatibility and performance, and accelerate the release of Blu-ray Disc titles into the market."

If a technology is going to be accepted, it needs to be flawless in its early stages, while establishing that "first impression" with consumers. This is a great step towards making sure everyone's experience with Blu-ray is a good one. -Leslie Shapiro

Technicolor

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