Strategy Analytics David Mercer discusses the challenges broadcasters face with HFR
By Contributor
Published: May 6, 2020
Strategy Analytics' David Mercer discusses the challenges broadcasters face with HFR
target=_blank title=Share on LinkedIn class=share-linkedin> Strategy Analytics' David Mercer discusses the challenges broadcasters face with HFR
https://www.tvbeurope.com/features/high-frame-rates-the-final-piece-in-the-ultra-hd-jigsaw title=Share via Email class=share-email>
Under the broad banner of Ultra HD' we have seen the commercial introduction of many improvements in video technology in recent years. Spatial resolution (4K), wide colour gamut (WCG), high dynamic range (HDR) and next-generation audio (NGA) all now feature regularly in consumer devices such as TVs, streamers and set-top boxes, as well as in services delivered by OTT providers and, albeit to a lesser extent, in linear broadcasts.
One enhancement which remains largely absent, however, is high frame rate (HFR). It's worth remembering that the frame rates used in today's TV and video services have hardly changed since the first broadcasts began in the 1930s. The story of why they were chosen is beyond the scope of this article, but suffice to say that the industry is still tied to what movie producers and electricity companies were doing nearly a hundred years ago.
HFR was first discussed as the early analogue HDTV standards were emerging back in the 1980s. The BBC's R&D department began its own HFR work in 2008 and demonstrations were then given regularly at industry events before it ran the first large-scale broadcast trial at the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
Anyone who saw HFR demonstrations couldn't fail to be impressed. The switch to 100 or 120 frames per second (fps), compared to today's 50/60 standards, lends dramatic improvement to footage involving panning or rapid motion such as fast-moving sports, spinning wheels or even bouncing balls. An EBU study last year focused on material gathered at the 2018 European Athletics Championships in Berlin and included steeplechase, discus, 400m, long jump and javelin. The conclusions suggested that around 1.5 points of subjective quality (based on a 5 point scale) can be gained by offering 100fps compared to 50fps.
The EBU trial also suggested that HFR HD can offer similar quality to HFR 4K. HFR HD would also require lower bandwidth and be compatible with current HDMI standards. For this reason some observers suggest that broadcasters should offer HFR as an upgrade to their HD services before adding it to Ultra HD channels. The problem with this argument is marketing and packaging: pay-TV broadcasters would have to explain why Ultra HD doesn't include the latest technology while ordinary HD does, especially when it makes HD look nearly as good as Ultra HD.
The advantages of HFR for sport seem clear, but perhaps less so for other genres of video and TV. One genre which merits its own separate frame rate discussion is movies, where there is an almost religious devotion to the century-old 24fps technique widely recognised as the cornerstone of the film look. In spite of occasional attempts to introduce faster frame rates (most famously by Peter Jackson with his Hobbit series) there are few signs that this will become a trend any time soon.
Broadcasters also face the challenge of delivering services to viewers with old, or even not-so-old, equipment which can't handle new technologies. Very few TVs today are HFR-capable. Both DVB and ATSC have agreed dual-layer approaches to delivering SFR/HFR compatible signals, but it will be some years before both TVs and set-top boxes supporting these standards are being used in significant numbers. As usual OTT providers will have an advantage because they can introduce relatively cheap new devices or apps for subscribers who want to upgrade quickly, and can deliver both SFR and HFR versions of the same programme.
In conclusion, and unfortunately given its potential to enhance the experience, the majority of viewers are unlikely to see the benefits of HFR until later this decade. When it does happen expect sports broadcasters and rights holders to be frontrunners, and OTT providers rather than linear broadcasters to take the lead in distribution and delivery.
But as with everything these days, we have to qualify our projections with the added uncertainties posed by the pandemic. Its impact on the sports industry has already been devastating and may affect finances for a long time as clubs, competitions and rights holders adapt to the new world of social distancing. I have always felt that sports would be the primary driver of many innovations in video technology over the longer term, at both production and consumer levels, given its global impact and strong revenue streams. But the heightened uncertainties will require revised adoption models and timeframes to be developed across the value chain, and HFR may have to take its place in a long queue of competing business priorities.
SubscribeFor more stories like this, and to keep up to date with all our market leading news, features and analysis, sign up to our newsletter here.
Most recent headlines
05/01/2027
Worlds first 802.15.4ab-UWB chip verified by Calterah and Rohde & Schwarz to be ...
07/10/2026
Dalet, a leading technology and service provider for media-rich organizations, today announced the latest Long-Term Supported (LTS) release of Dalet Flex. Build...
06/09/2026
June 9 2026, 23:00 (PDT) Dolby and MagentaTV Bring Fans Closer to the FIFA Worl...
04/08/2026
Dalet, a leading technology and service provider for media-rich organizations, t...
15/07/2026
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is a big deal for DAZN, which has distribution rights in three markets: Italy, Spain, and Japan. Each requires a different editorial app...
15/07/2026
As sports-media organizations manage rapidly growing content libraries and incre...
15/07/2026
HBS director of digital Johannes Franken talks SVG Europe through the operation built to serve FIFA World Cup 2026 rights holders remotely from Stratford, east ...
15/07/2026
IBC has unveiled the conference program for IBC2026, with this year's event ...
15/07/2026
Software-defined wideband RF platform supports 96-kHz monitoring, streamlined fr...
15/07/2026
New AI-powered module enables broadcasters and content owners to extract dialogu...
15/07/2026
Weeklong gathering at EBU headquarters will test new IPMX capabilities and expand certified product ecosystem...
15/07/2026
Force Tech has announced the appointment of Bryan Adams, CTS, as Vice President of Integration. Adams will oversee AV and broadcast integration project delivery...
15/07/2026
USA Sports has announced an exclusive English-language agreement with the Bundes...
15/07/2026
ITV Sport's FIFA World Cup 2026 coverage has been produced from one of the m...
15/07/2026
Program will provide professional camera kits, training, and technical support to participating local newsrooms...
15/07/2026
San Francisco church becomes first U.S. deployment of the 2 M/E production switcher...
15/07/2026
Former ESPN and NFL Network executive to advise startup league on media, distribution, technology, and fan engagement...
15/07/2026
The Houston-based RSN is the live-game home of the Astros and Rockets...
15/07/2026
Launched alongside new FreqSoft installer
Designed to bridge the gap between hardware and software, Freqport's FreqInOut FO1 unit provides a simple way ...
15/07/2026
Save up to 55% on software until 23 July 2026
Expressive E have just launched their Summer Offer sale, with discounts of up to 55% now applied across their ...
15/07/2026
Real-time stem-separation tool updated
zplane have recently released a new and improved version of their real-time stem-separation plug-in which they say ma...
15/07/2026
A new benchmark in bass enhancement
Described as a new benchmark in bass enhancement , Baby Audio's latest release has been designed to augment the lo...
15/07/2026
DMC Production's AR 1 and AR 2 units reverse the conventional OB workflow, keeping all production-critical processing at the venue while operators work remo...
15/07/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
15/07/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
15/07/2026
GigaCloud, a leading Ukrainian cloud service provider, and Cubbit, the first geo-distributed cloud storage enabler, today announced a new Business Alliance Part...
15/07/2026
SMPTE, the global society for media professionals, technologists, and engineers, has announced the launch of the SMPTE 110th Anniversary Campaign, a fundraising...
15/07/2026
Studio Technologies, a leading manufacturer of high-quality audio, video, and fiber-optic solutions, unveils the new StudioComm Model 762 Stereo Level Control, ...
15/07/2026
COW Jobs: Producer, Virtual Events - Hybrid, Full Time, Salaried
Brie Clayton July 15, 2026
0 Comments
Producer, Virtual Events (Hybrid | Full-time | ...
15/07/2026
Brazilian media organization builds nationwide CDN with Broadpeak's high-performance software for low-latency streaming and new content distribution service...
15/07/2026
DHD announces a new utility designed to increase the efficiency of its audio mixing systems during initial installation and subsequent configuration.
Anyone w...
15/07/2026
BCNEXXT Brings Next-Generation Vipe to IBC2026, Breaking the 1:1 Channel-to-Server Ratio New innovations liberate broadcasters from legacy playout infrastructur...
15/07/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
15/07/2026
Share
Copy link
Facebook
X
Linkedin
Bluesky
Email...
15/07/2026
Wednesday 15 July 2026
Screeners and press pack now available: Gomorrah: The Or...
15/07/2026
Trinity's Treasures features Ruth Negga, Eleanor McEvoy, and David Norris, a...
15/07/2026
Join geographer Dr Susan Hegarty, Engineer Tim Joyce and Architect Orla Murphy a...
15/07/2026
Home to leading manufacturers, robotics pioneers, infrastructure builders and gaming, of course, Japan is one of the world's centers of AI - building across...
14/07/2026
South end zone videoboard, cloud-based control system will be ready for 2026 football season...
14/07/2026
Redesigned website, enhanced mobile app unify content, ticketing, and personalized fan engagement...
14/07/2026
Agreement spans sponsorship sales, digital monetization, radio production, and new practice facility naming rights...
14/07/2026
Independent league adds 14 regional sports network affiliates, growing distribut...
14/07/2026
New strategy aims to unify competitions, content, fan engagement, and commercial...
14/07/2026
ESPN and Disney+ become exclusive home of PFL events in key international MMA market...
14/07/2026
Gill will oversee engineering, technology, and sports operations across the company's 64 local television stations...
14/07/2026
Submitted by North American Broadcasters Association (NABA)
As broadcasters con...
14/07/2026
Modernized mobile unit combines HOME Apps, mc 56 console, and IP infrastructure ...
14/07/2026
Every match of the 32-team tournament will air across ION and Scripps Sports platforms in English and Spanish...
14/07/2026
FloHockey to stream every game of the annual international tournament under four...
Strategy Analytics David Mercer discusses the challenges broadcasters face with HFR
