BBC acknowledges importance of UHD

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BBC acknowledges importance of UHD --

Wed, 18 Sep 2013 14:33

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SCREEN AFRICA EXCLUSIVE: Ian Dormer reports from Amsterdam: Although the BBC does not have a dedicated channel or output for it, the corporation does recognise how important UHD (ultra high definition or 4K) is becoming.

The BBC has two natural history series underway in UHD and there are a few dramas already in the pipeline. It has joined the Digital Television Groups (DTG) high profile forum team to deal with UHD issues under the joint chairmanship of Andy Quested, head of technology, BBC UHD, and Sky chief engineer Chris Jones.

It is all about future proofing, long term archiving, high-value content sales and giving the public a better experience, said Quested at IBC. Referring to the need for a forum on the subject, Quested commented, We (the broadcasters) are all at different points on the timeline but it is one timeline, and when we have the right standards, we can make programmes.

Chris Jones, who represents commercial TV broadcaster Sky, says: Sky has to look at when UHD will be of benefit to the viewer. We want to avoid the confusion that surrounded HD and create a harmonious understanding of what UHD will be when it is delivered.

There is a growing demand for UHD transmission to start sooner than later, and although it is the high-end of the market that is calling for it, UHD will ultimately be easier to broadcast than HD was in the earlier phases of its introduction, thanks to technology advances and the introduction of the new HEVC (High Efficiency Video Codec).

The first live test transmission of UHD took place here at IBC yesterday at the Intel stand, with a screening of a Premier League rugby match between Saracens and Gloucester in London.

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