EURO 2016 sees first rollout of 4K UHD in MENA by BeIN MEDIA

beIN MEDIA Group has integrated Technicolor’s 4K Ultra High Definition technology into its broadcast platform for the Middle East and North Africa. The 4K rollout — the first ever in the MENA region — comes in time for UEFA EURO 2016 football tournament, and TV viewers will be able watch seven matches of the football tournament in sharper, more vibrant and more realistic imagery.

4K UHD technology displays images at over eight million pixels (3,840 x 2,160), providing pictures with an ultra-high resolution. By integrating Technicolor’s high-end 4K media server set top box technology into the beIN 4K UHD receiver, beIN is broadcasting UEFA Euro’s four quarter-final matches, the semi-final matches and the final championship match in 4K. beIN will broadcast 4K matches on a dedicated channel called ‘beIN 4K’. Plans are already in motion for beIN to deliver a steady supply of 4K content through partnerships with other entertainment and sports entities.

“This launch illustrates beIN’s commitment to deliver advanced, high-quality and innovative sports and entertainment to our customers in the MENA region.  It shows the leadership role the region is playing in adopting the latest technologies for home entertainment and how beIN is shaping entertainment in MENA region,” said Yousef Al Obaidly, Deputy CEO of beIN MEDIA Group.

Technicolor’s 4K technology not only provides 4K UHD resolution to homes in the MENA region, it also includes a single layer transmission technology that uses 10-bit HEVC encode/decode so content can be rendered on any television, whether it is 4K capable or not. In addition, there is built-in WiFi and satellite support as well as a powerful, integrated hard disk that optimises beIN’s 4K UHD receiver.  This means the solution from beIN and Technicolor can act as a home server for multiple viewing devices.

“beIN’s partnership with Technicolor will accelerate the arrival of next generation of visual experiences that provide explosive, multi-media and immersive entertainment. We are excited to work with such a technology-driven company,” said Mercedes Pastor, President of Technicolor Connected Home, EMEA.