Eutelsat and Samsung used the giant IFA electronics show to announce a dedicated 4K/Ultra HDTV channel, and Eutelsat’s 3rd ‘test 4K channel to go on air. The idea is for this channel to show a rolling loop of high-quality video for Samsung-equipped retail outlets.  Samsung unveiled a 98” 4K set at IFA (along with a new 55” OLED display) although the 98” is strictly in the domain of Russian oligarchs and sporting superstars who can afford the minimum $40,000 price tag.  Samsung also showed off a 110” U-HDTV display.  Eutelsat is using its 10A craft for the transmissions.

Markus Fritz, Eutelsat’s recently appointed Director of Commercial Development and Marketing, added: “This showcase underscores the full compatibility of our satellites with the most advanced and sophisticated broadcasting services. Having launched the first demonstrations of Ultra HD in  January, we are delighted to take the most exciting development in TV to a new level with Samsung. As a core broadcasting infrastructure for the direct delivery of Ultra HD content to consumer TV sets, we are proud to demonstrate once again Eutelsat’s pioneering role in driving innovative TV broadcasting technologies for the broadcast industry.”

SES has also been showcasing 4K at IFA, and will do much more at the IBC broadcasting technology show in a few days, in co-operation with Sony, Harmonic, Pace, Broadcom and some other key integrators, not least Sky Deutschland which seems to be happy to make much of the running as far as Rupert Murdoch’s European Sky-branded pay-TV services are concerned.

Other posts by :

1. Norway wants a satellite constellation
2. Crossroads backs AST SpaceMobile
3. FCC examines SpaceX’s 15,000 sat-constellation plan
4. EchoStar: “Severe uncertainty” led to spectrum sales
5. Netflix gets downgrade on Warner Bros move
6. UK trims Orbex investment
7. Euro-bank sets up €500m space fund
8. Revenue jump forecast for Eutelsat
9. Moody’s upgrades Eutelsat’s debt rating

Categories: Articles, Broadcast, DTH/Satellite, UHD, Ultra-HD/4K