Advanced Television

SES launches 4K demo channel for UK

February 12, 2015

By Chris Forrester

Satellite operator SES is now broadcasting a 4K/Ultra High Definition channel over the UK and Ireland from 28.2 degrees East. The new channel is simulcasting the UHD demonstration channel that is currently at SES’s primary European orbital position of 19.2 degrees East.

The channel’s 4K clips features a mix of colourful and extremely detailed scenes that demonstrate the clarity of Ultra HD television – urban sports, exotic animals and nature, cityscapes – along with footage of SES headquarters in Betzdorf.

Through its collaboration with industry partners, SES says it is signalling its determination to continue to lead the UHD experience and make it a commercial reality. The Ultra-HD content is broadcast using the DVB UHD-1 Phase 1 specifications and is encoded in the HEVC Main 10 standard.

The 4K signals can be received with a standard satellite dish connected to an Ultra-HD flat screen TV featuring an integrated satellite tuner and HEVC decoder.

Mike Chandler, managing director of ASTRA (GB) Ltd, SES’s subsidiary in the UK said: “We are delighted to have set up this demonstration channel at the prime orbital position for the UK market. We are making use of the capacity to enable UK and Irish retailers, installers and enthusiasts to understand the technology that makes UHD possible, and what it will mean for their viewing experience. We encourage our trade partners to show our Ultra-HD demo channel at their points of sale for demonstration purposes.”

Reception parameters:

Transponder: 2.038

Satellite: ASTRA 2E

Frequency: 12.441 GHz

Polarisation: Vertical

Symbol Rate: 29.5 MS/s

Modulation: DVB-S2 QPSK

FEC: 3/4

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