The time is right to build a production environment
ready for next-generation 4K and 8K video.
Specifications have matured significantly since 1995, when NHK first
broke ground in UHDTV systems research. SMPTE (Society of Motion Picture
& Television Engineers) later established UHDTV video format
specifications in 2007, followed the next year by 22.2 channel audio
format specifications. Finally, UHDTV parameters were recommended in an
international specification by ITU-R (International Telecommunication
Union Radiocommunication Sector) in 2012.
In Japan, a series of meetings held after the publication of an official
4K/8K roadmap have paved the way for next-generation broadcasting. The
second interim report in July 2015 called for pilot 4K/8K satellite
broadcasts (using right-hand circular polarization) to begin in 2016,
followed by actual broadcasts in 2018 (using left-hand circular
polarization), aiming for widespread adoption in anticipation of the
Tokyo Olympics in 2020.
Technical specifications for next-generation 4K/8K broadcasting services
have been investigated, verified, and evaluated by a group formed in
2013 called the Next Generation Television & Broadcasting Promotion
Forum (NexTV-F), which led efforts to test 4K broadcasts from 2014.
NexTV-F merged with the Association for Promotion of Digital
Broadcasting (Dpa) in April 2016 to form the Association for Promotion
of Advanced Broadcasting Services (A-PAB). As for 8K, NHK has organized
pilot satellite broadcasts (on channel 17, using right-hand circular
polarization) from August 1, 2016. Preparations are underway for
adoption in 2018.
In the U.S., YouTube helped pioneer high-resolution
content online in 2010 by supporting 16:9 video with a horizontal
resolution of 4096 pixels. Support for UHD was introduced in December
2013, followed by support for 8K in June 2015. Since companies in
various industries formed the UHD Alliance in January 2015, this group
has promoted content production at and above 4K resolution. 4K content
became available for streaming from Amazon Prime Video and Netflix as of
September 2015.
Although the broadcast industry had long taken a wait-and-see approach,
it finally responded as the environment for 4K streaming became more
fully established around 2014. Satellite TV company DISH Network
introduced 4K service in summer 2015, followed by live 4K programming
from DirecTV in 2016. Meanwhile, the four leading networks of ABC, CBS,
NBC, and Fox are moving ahead in 4K broadcasts of live sports events.
In South Korea, pilot 4K terrestrial broadcasting began
in 2012, followed by trials over a period of a few months in 2012–2014.
4K cable TV broadcasting was initially tested in 2013, with satellite
broadcasts by SkyUHD the following year.
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