BT claims UK 8K sports broadcast first
February 28, 2020
BT Sport and Samsung have screened the UK’s first public live 8K sports broadcast, with a screening of the UEFA Europa League match between Arsenal and Olympiacos (round of 32).
BT Sport and Samsung collaborated to deliver the broadcast live from the Emirates Stadium using a bespoke BT Sport 8K outside broadcast set up, delivered to Samsung QLED 8K TVs.
Samsung showcased the match on its flagship QLED 8K TV, which it said offered “a glimpse into the future of entertainment technology, providing an unprecedented viewing experience. With resolution that is four times that of 4K, with a total of 33 million pixels supported by HDR10+, the Samsung QLED 8K TV offers picture perfection that makes viewers feel as though they are really part of the action”.
The showcase builds on BT and Samsung’s extensive relationship, with the companies combining expertise and technology to create entertainment experiences that are at the cutting edge of innovation.
“For 50 years Samsung has pioneered the TV category; from the launch of the World’s first Digital Colour TV in 1998, the world’s thinnest TV in 2002, the first double-sided LCD screen in 2006 and then one of our biggest advancements to date; the first company to bring 8K TVs to the UK in 2018,” commented Dan Hastings, Director of TV and AV at Samsung UK. “We have shown that we never rest when it comes to pursuing meaningful innovations that could supercharge the way people consume content. It is great that we can add showing the first 8K broadcast to that list with BT Sport in 2020.”
“BT Sport has a rich history of leading the industry with broadcast innovation to provide our customers the best viewing experience in the UK,” added Jamie Hindhaugh, chief operating officer, BT Sport. “Whether it’s last season’s launch of the world’s first regular high dynamic range service, BT Sport Ultimate, or, our world-leading remote production activity we’re constantly working to provide the best possible experience. Today’s broadcast in partnership with Samsung continues BT’s mission to take our viewers to the heart of sport and serve them the ultimate viewing experience.”