SES and Samsung have demonstrated the world’s first DVB broadcast of high dynamic range Ultra HD (UHD) TV that uses High Dynamic Range (HDR) technology.
The transmission from an SES satellite at 19.2 degrees East uses existing DVB UHD Phase 1 specifications and BBC Research & Development’s High Dynamic Range (HDR) technology directly to a Samsung SUHD TV.
Developed by BBC R&D, the Hybrid Gamma (HDR) technology enables simultaneous delivery of Standard Dynamic Range to existing UHD TVs and High Dynamic Range to new generation UHD TVs from the same content payload.
The demo took place as the annual SES Industry Days in Luxembourg taking place on Wednesday and Thursday this week.
“High Dynamic Range (HDR) will significantly enhance how consumers will experience television in the future,” said Thomas Wrede, Vice President, Reception Systems at SES. “An introduction of any HDR technology must be backwards compatible with existing DVB UHD 1 Phase 1 flat screen TVs that are already in consumers’ homes. SES and Samsung, with this transmission over the ASTRA satellite system, are demonstrating that this backwards compatibility is possible today.”
“Samsung is delighted to participate in this demonstration of a monumental step forward for the broadcast industry,” added John Adam, head of business development and industrial affairs at Samsung Research UK. “By delivering UHD TV services that can address the growing market of UHD Phase 1 TVs, while also providing the best experience to consumers who are investing in the next generation of TV, Samsung is ready to fully endorse the BBC Research & Development’s HDR technology as part of our overall drive towards the best consumer experience in UHD TV.”
The demonstration is a major milestone for the Ultra HD broadcast chain and its use of existing DVB Broadcast Networks.
