Giant leap for TV sport
Foxtel’s 4K to bring super high definition
THE high-definition TV of the future is coming to a screen near you with Foxtel yesterday unveiling plans for Australia’s first dedicated 4K channel.
Cricket fans will be among the first to benefit from the giant leap in TV resolution with all Australian Tests, One Day Internationals and selected Big Bash matches to be shot in 4K for the first time.
The next generation of tele- vision was launched at a starstudded event at Fox Studios in Sydney last night with cricket commentators Shane Warne, Adam Gilchrist and Allan Border walking the red carpet.
They were joined by actors Celia Ireland, Susie Porter and Jenni Baird and presenters Paul Murray, Hannah Hollis, Lara Pitt and Mark Bosnich.
Foxtel chief executive Patrick Delany said the new broadcast was “the next chapter in the ultimate viewing and content experience”.
The new 4K format delivers super high definition with enough pixels to fill almost four of the current 1080 pixel HD screens.
“From today, any set-top box sold by Foxtel will be 4Kenabled, so get ready to see content like never before,” Mr Delany said.
“And from October, Foxtel will launch Australia’s first ever 4K channel.”
Live cricket matches will be broadcast alongside documentaries, concert specials and feature films on the dedicated 4K channel, which will be broadcast to satellite subscribers using Foxtel’s iQ4 settop box.
Currently, Australians can only access 4K content from 4K Blu-ray discs, or online services including Stan and Netflix. But they work only with a consistent high-speed broadband connection.
“For the odd episode or the odd movie, streaming might be OK,” said Mr Delany. “It’s never guaranteed in terms of delivery so you will never see live sport over the internet in 4K.”
By contrast the new Foxtel channel will screen the Australia v South Africa One Day International in 4K on November 4. The company will also investigate broadcasting “selected rugby league” matches and overseas 4K sports content such as Formula One and Wimbledon.
Foxtel satellite users who subscribe to its Sports and HD packages will be able to view the new 4K channel. They will need access to a 4K-compatible TV to see the difference in quality.