Advanced Television

Elemental 4K tech for South Korea telcos

May 25, 2016

Elemental Technologies, a specialist in software-defined video solutions, is providing the technology platform for a rush of new Ultra HD OTT and DTH services in South Korea. Market leaders telco KT and SK Broadband have both launched UHD services using Elemental HEVC software.

KT is one of the leading telecommunications company in South Korea. It launched its media business seven years ago, and is expecting 20 per cent revenue growth in 2016, and to boost its pay TV subscriber base by a half million to bring its total subscribers to approximately seven million. The UHD channels KT has added to its SkyLife DTH service are important elements in attracting those new viewers.

SK Broadband, also a telco leader in South Korea, is investing 320 billion Won ($265m) in its own creative content this year, which is equivalent to nearly half the country’s drama budget. It is also investing in its delivery infrastructure to meet continually growing demand, and to provide 4K content to more of its subscribers.

“South Korea is at the forefront of 4K in Asia,” said David Godfrey, Elemental vice president for the region. “Elemental is very excited to be working with both KT and SK Broadband on their UHD multiscreen services from initial launch to recent expansions. Audiences are clearly voting with their subscriptions for the crisp, lifelike images of 4K video.”

Categories: Articles, Equipment, Telco, UHD