The Vienna State Opera will use Elemental video processing solutions to stream the world’s first live production in 4K high-efficiency video coding (HEVC) delivered via MPEG-DASH over the internet.
Set for 7 pm CET on Wednesday May 7, the production of Verdi’s Nabucco with opera star Plácido Domingo in the title role will be streamed for global viewing on UHD smart TVs as well as to a 65-inch Samsung UHD TV at the opera house.
The new Wiener Staatsoper Samsung smart TV app will have been released ahead of the performance and is the first such app with fully integrated UHD playout functionality that will allow viewers worldwide to watch the broadcast at their respective prime time, through Vienna State Opera’s unique time-shift feature.
Vienna State Opera maintains the world’s largest repertoire of opera and ballet works, holding 60 titles and more than 300 performances per season. Producing more than 40 live broadcasts annually, the Vienna State Opera, also known as Wiener Staatsoper, is a leader in the use of innovative technology for the arts and is making nearly all of its 2014/2015 season productions accessible to viewers via the Internet, smart TVs and mobile devices.
“Our multiscreen offer, VOD services and user-selectable two-channel live programme provide new and exciting ways for fans to experience the arts with the highest levels of accessibility and artistry,” said Christopher Widauer, director of digital development for the Vienna State Opera. “The flexibility, speed and power of solutions from Elemental and the unique ability to stream 4K video using HEVC and MPEG-DASH, are vital for us to broaden the possibilities for opera and ballet viewing experiences.”
In addition to 4K HEVC real-time video streaming, Elemental supports live streaming and video-on-demand (VOD) for the Wiener Staatsoper full HD livestreaming service, which enables viewers to purchase a selection of live performances over the web to be enjoyed on computers, mobile devices (iOS and Android), connected TVs and on Samsung smart TVs, time-shifted for optimal viewing in each local market. Elemental also supports a Vienna State Opera companion application that shows subtitles and score sheets through a second screen app in sync with broadcasts.
“Vienna State Opera has been at the forefront of opera technology for some time – dating back to the nineteenth century when it was one of the first opera houses to have its own fire department and could assure patrons of artistic performances that were both stunning and safe,” said John Nemeth, VP of sales EMEA for Elemental. “Elemental is honored to support Vienna State Opera in its on-going technology innovation to increase access to the arts.”
