BT Sport has successfully delivered the UK’s first live 8K broadcast of a top-tier sporting event into the home.
The transmission of the March 26 Premiership Rugby match between Saracens v Bristol Bears enabled BT Sport to explore OB and production workflows for live 8K broadcasts – testing the ability to run 8K HDR with match coverage, domestic presentation and playout including ad insertion.
In this new test:
- BT Media & Broadcast provided contribution links from Tottenham to Stratford
- Sony Image Products and Solutions Europe who provided two UHC-8300 cameras and a PWS-4500 server to record the output
- Samsung Electronics UK provided its QN800 Neo QLED 8K Televisions to BT Sport Stratford Studios
- EMG UK provided the 8K truck and onsite facilities
- Fujinon who provided a 22:1 wide angle and 86:1 box lens
- Appear provided 8K contribution encoders and decoders integrated into the Vena network
- Synamedia provided the 8K distribution/streaming encoder and origin server
Jamie Hindhaugh, chief operating officer, BT Sport, said: “BT Sport continues to lead the industry with innovation that provides our customers with the best sports viewing experience in the UK. Whether it’s last season’s launch of the Matchday Experience features on our App, or, our recent trials of 5G-enabled augmented reality viewing, we’re on a mission to take our viewers to the heart of sport.”
The broadcaster had previously partnered Samsung for the UK’s first public live 8K sports broadcast delivered on a closed circuit around a UEFA Europa League match between Arsenal and Olympiacos. It had also demonstrated one of the world’s first live 8K sports broadcasts showcasing the Gallagher Premiership Rugby 7s tournament into RAI Amsterdam during IBC 2019.
“Empowering 8K viewing, as BT has proven, addresses demands for more immersive experiences that bring sports fans closer to the game with pin-sharp sports scenes,” said Elke Hungenaert, Vice President, Product Management, Synamedia. “Our VIVID Compression advanced AI-based algorithms enable the 8K ecosystem with never-before-seen video quality and density at scale and cost-effectively today. There’s no need to wait any longer – the future of streaming live sports successfully in 8K has officially arrived.”
There is no indication that BT is planning any permanent 8K service into the home.
