Japan to embrace 4K before Super Hi-Vision
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Despite NHK saying that state run broadcaster will go straight to 8K (Super Hi-Vision), those with 4K TVs will be pleased to hear of 4K broadcast plans in 2014.
4K TV was the darling of CES 2013 and despite high prices, the 3,840 × 2,160 pixels of the new sets gave a glimpse of a brighter, crisper, bigger screen viewing future. For Japanese viewers, that future could start in July 2014 according to the Asahi newspaper, in time for the final match of the 2014 football World Cup which is set to take place in Brazil.
During the London Olympics last year Keiichi Kubota, NHK’s Executive Director-General for Engineering, told 3D Focus that Japan would bypass 4K and go straight to the far superior 8K format as there would not be an appetite for broadcasters to upgrade again within a few years of 4K.
The target date for Super Hi-Vision experimental broadcasting could be brought forward to 2016 and progress is being made with 'true 3D'.
According to Futuresource Consulting, Broadcasters and Pay TV operators are already trialling the technology due to the need to continue innovation and maintain competitiveness. TV Globo in Brazil are very proactive in evaluating 4K thanks to the 2016 Olympics and Futuresource Consulting quoted DirecTV, Sky, Comcast, Canal + and SES Astra as all looking at the technology. In fact, a few operators are expected to launch 4K channels in 2014.
ASTRA already operate a free 4K channel across Europe.
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