UPDATED. The Netherlands is one of fifteen countries in the world where the World Cup will be broadcast in 4k/Ultra HD.
During the World Cup, a special version of NPO 1 is available through participating distributors, where the matches are broadcast in UHD. Viewers need a suitable set-top box and TV to watch Ultra HD TV through participating distributors (satellite, cable or IP TV). It is expected that a total of several tens of thousands of Dutch people will already be able to make use of this during this World Cup.
Although no official announcements have been made by Dutch distributors, it seems likely that KPN will offer the special 4k version of NPO 1 via its top-of-the line set-top boxes for its IPTV service Interactieve TV. Ziggo will also be testing a 4k STB, making the cabler a suitable distribution candidate. UPDATE – KPN has now confirmed it will carry NPO 1 UHD for its 4k STB subscribers; by contrast, Ziggo has said that it will not carry the 4k channel.
NPO said the World Cup broadcasts are a joint cooperation between NPO, NOS, EBU and Belgian pubcaster VRT, RedBee Media, Ateme, as well as distributors and screen suppliers. The UHD signal is according to DVB UHD-1 Phase 2 specification, in this case 4K resolution and HLG high dynamic range, wide color gamut according to BT2020.
The announcement by NPO was preceded by several other broadcasters, who announced Ultra HD broadcasts of the matches, including Israel, Germany and Switzerland.
Last October, FIFA said all 64 matches in the tournament would for the first time ever be produced in Ultra High Definition with High Dynamic Range.
The organisation said 37 cameras, of which eight would feature UHD/HDR and 1080p/SDR dual output, and another eight with 1080p/HDR and 1080p/SDR dual output, will cover every match. Further eight Super-slow-motion and two Ultra-motion cameras, a cable-cam and a cineflex heli-cam, will ensure high-class pictures will be available from every angle in each stadium.
