Sky begins 4K production trials
BroadcastNow reports BSkyB conducted a ultra-high definition test last week, using Sony and Canon cameras to film Arsenal’s Champions League tie with Olympiakos in 4K resolution
“Stunning pictures but higher frame rates needed”
Talking to Broadcast, Sky director of operations Darren Long said: “It’s too early for us to talk about whether or not 4K may form part of our future roadmap, but we are keen to learn more about its potential ahead of next-generation TV sets coming to market.”
Talking about the results of the trial which captured the game at a resolution of 3,840 x 2,160 pixels, he added “The key to us is to ensure quality and when showing footballers running, it was clear that there was too much camera blur; we feel 120 frames a second is the right speed. We’re liaising with standards bodies and working with manufacturers to understand the camera’s capabilities and to improve the technology.”
Ultra-high definition has two standards – 4K and 8K. The national Japanese broadcaster NHK believes 4K should be skipped and have committed to starting 8K (also known as Super Hi-Vision) trial broadcasts as early as 2016.
As with 3D, 4K cameras have come down in price considerably although 4K televisions have a way to go before they are affordable – Sony's 4K 84” TV costs a whopping $25,000!
Read the full story on Broadcast here.
FREE WEEKLY 3D NEWS BULLETIN –
