BVE Analysis: ATG Danmon sees strong interest in 4K UHD

ATG Danmon has reported a well-attended and successful BVE 2015, held at the London ExCel February 24-26. “BVE came at a very interesting time in the development of the broadcast business,” said ATG Danmon Commercial Director Russell Peirson-Hagger. “Ultra high definition is on everybody’s mind given the rapid rollout of highly cost-efficient 4K cameras and displays. It is no longer in the realm of speculation but is now taking on serious commercial potential. UHD content is already available from online sources such as Netflix though it needs at least a 15.6 megabits per second sustained internet pipeline.

“Like the first European broadcast HD channels 15 years ago, the initial UHD broadcasts will be satellite-to-home subscription services. The direct-to-home satellite broadcaster Tata Sky has launched India’s first commercial UHD television channel in partnership with Ericsson. In Europe, the SES UHD demonstration channel is now available on the ASTRA 2E satellite and two major UK sports channels are reported to be gearing up to introduce UHD services,” said Peirson-Hagger.

“In terms of production infrastructure, UHD makes very heavy demands on devices such as slow-motion processors,” added Jonathan Hughes, Head of Systems Integration. “HD still has a healthy future and upscales very well on latest-generation domestic UHD television displays. Quite a lot of HD system upgrade projects came under discussion at BVE, fueled by the simple reality that equipment wears out whether it is dedicated baseband hardware or IT-based.

“Demand for software-integration services continues, including the Dalet AmberFin range of broadcast file management and transcoding tools, FileCatalyst file transfer software plus the latest Vidcheck and Aurora products for automated quality control and correction of file-based video and audio.”