MIPCOM 2017 – CANNES. Japanese public broadcaster NHK will launch an 8K satellite channel in December 2018.
The broadcaster is showcasing the 8K format, which it calls Super Hi-Vision, at this year’s MIPCOM again. NHK started 8K test broadcasts on August 1, 2016, and now says it will begin satellite broadcasting in December 2018.
NHK will cover the 2018 Winter Olympic Games in South Korea in 8K, after which the broadcaster will embark on a tour of Europe with its 8K outside broadcast vehicle shooting original content and working with co-producers to create programming for the new 8K channel.
8K UHD (4320p) offers a resolution of 7680 × 4320 (33.2 megapixels). 8K also offers a richer sound experience with 22.2 multi-channel sound, which has been developed by NHK Science & Technical Research Laboratories. It uses 24 speakers (including two subwoofers) arranged in three layers.