BBC broadcasting World Cup matches in 4K resolution

The British Broadcasting Corporation plans to redefine the meaning of “British broadcasting” this summer by streaming a couple of World Cup matches in 4k, ultra high-definition (UHD).

4k resolution, as you may recall, is embodied by the up-and-coming generation of consumer televisions with a horizontal resolution of approximately 4,000 pixels. The total resolution area is essentially four times that of 1080p, so prepare to see football players (or soccer players for all you North Americans) and all their gloriously hideous detail.
Unfortunately, the entire event itself will not be in 4K, but only the quarter final, the final, and one other match. This event marks one of first few times a live event was shot and streamed in UHD over the air.

But don’t expect to watch 4K television in your home even if you’re an early adopter; not because users require an Internet connection capable of downloading approximately 20 Mbits/s to view content seamlessly, but because the event will only air via satellite in a few pre-designated BBC research facilities.

“It's a good idea for the BBC to trial these things and the results on a large screen look impressive but it also needs to be realistic about the potential to push this across current broadcast networks,” said Toby Syfret, an analyst at Enders research group.

The broadcasting network hopes the trials will provide a clearer understanding on what the most efficient distribution model is for such a robust format. Since most consumers do not yet own 4K televisions given their exorbitant pricing models, periodic exposure is an excellent way to slowly introduce the budding technology, incite interest, and persuade manufacturers to lower prices. 

Aside the luxury-marked price barrier, the second most detrimental factor preventing wider 4K proliferation is limited availability of content. The BBC is not the first to broadcast a live event in 4K — Russia has already done this with the Sochi Olympics — but the incident represents a growing body of interest.

Via BBC