Advanced Television

SES to launch 4K channels for Europe

April 10, 2013

By Chris Forrester

The 4K logo was being showcased prominently at this week’s MIPTV programming market in Cannes, where there were three dedicated sessions devoted to encouraging 4K production for TV, and sponsored in part by Sony. SES played an active part in the ‘broadcasters’ panel with Norbert Hoelzle (CCO) speaking alongside the BBC’s Mike Gunton (head of the BBC’s Natural History Unit) and Gary Davey, head of programming from Sky Deutschland.

But there’s more. On April 18-19 SES is inviting some 200 manufacturers, industry participants and 4K players from around the globe to a 4KHD ‘workshop’ at the Luxembourg Chamber of Commerce, and close to its headquarters, as part of its ‘Industry Day’ for Ultra-HDTV, hybrid-TV and other technology advances.

Delegates will look at how the industry is shaping up and preparing for 4K, hearing the latest forecasts for 4K take-up and likely future developments.  SES is also known to be planning to launch a series of dedicated Ultra-HD demo channel over Europe.

“SES is taking the initiative to drive Ultra HD and work with broadcasters, manufacturers, and trade partners to build an environment where all market partners can develop their Ultra HD expertise and knowhow,” says Norbert Hoelsle. “As a global satellite operator, we have the ideal infrastructure to help content providers and broadcasters to test and develop their Ultra HD content. Like in the introduction of HD, satellite is ideally placed as an infrastructure to bring highest quality broadcasting to large audiences. SES will strongly support the development of the next generation ecosystem and serve as an interface, catalyst and enabler for all stakeholders.”

 

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