SES is hoping that its proposed 4K test channel will provide a showcase for the new Ultra High Definition Format.
Speaking at a customer briefing in London, Norbert Hoelzle, senior vice president commercial Europe, said the TV displays were already available, admittedly at a significant price point, though set-top boxes remained absent.
“We want to have channels for customers to test it. We’re not talking Sky or Canal+ as they can make their own plans. We want to enable customers and other people to test it and this is what we will do this year to make it testable, so everyone can see what it is.”
Reflecting on the launch of HD, Hoelzle said he anticipated the new ecosystem would be driven by the consumer manufacturers to promote new sales.
Asked whether the new format would impact the prices for transponder capacity, Hoelzle responded that while in theory the amount of capacity required to house 4K broadcasts was double that needed by HD, he said the new Codecs available meant that it would mean the same levels would be required as today.
