First dedicated ultra-high-definition television broadcasts launch

A new channel, based in Paris but beamed Europe-wide via the EUTELSAT 10A satellite, is so far the only official broadcast source of native content designed specifically for the next generation of television displays.

By: AFP
Updated on: Jan 16 2013, 12:23 IST

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There had been numerous speculations that the latest iPhone would be called iPhone 5. Somehow, the name iPhone 4S dampened the spirits a bit even though the hardware got a very good upgrade.

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There had been numerous speculations that the latest iPhone would be called iPhone 5. Somehow, the name iPhone 4S dampened the spirits a bit even though the hardware got a very good upgrade.

For consumers who have already purchased a 4K UHD TV the announcement is good news. With the exception of Sony -- which is currently bundling UHD content with its range-topping XBR-84X900 and which confirmed at this year's CES that it will be setting up a dedicated 4k UHD delivery system due to launch in the US this summer -- there is very little currently available that can bring these TVs and their huge displays to life, aside from some 4K-ready content on YouTube or self-shot footage on a number of high-end and sports cameras, such as the Go Pro Hero 3, which can film in 4K, if only at 14 frames a second.

Eutelsat Communications will be broadcasting at the full 50 frames a second for the full ultra-high-definition experience, but there is one caveat; the content is mostly demonstration-based programming. The channel is expected to serve as proof of concept and as a workshop for other broadcasters and TV industry organizations so that they can develop their own ultra-high definition offerings and business plans in time for when the technology and its adoption become more widespread.