NHK Broadcasts 8K Super Hi Vision For First Time
HONG KONG – Japanese public broadcaster NHK has for the first time transmitted video signals in 8K definition over a significant distance.
The successful experiment – broadcasting from Hitoyoshi to a receiving station 27 km away – is a major step forward with its proposed 8K Super Hi Vision broadcasting operations.
The company has been experimenting with 8K since the 1980s and has said that it plans to start broadcasting some sports, documentaries and special events in the format from 2016.
It has built special cameras and focusing devices and previously experimented recording the opening and closing ceremonies of the London 2012 Olympic Games. In Cannes last year the company showed off “Beauties A La Carte,” (pictured) a 27-minute short film that was the first narrative film shot using the new technology.
Super Hi Vision uses 33 million pixels per frame and offers a resolution higher than recordings using IMAX 70mm.
But getting optimal use from the new technology would require TV sets significantly larger than are currently available. And some analysts suggest that if it is ever adopted widely other factors such as higher frame rate, better sound and color might be more influential than simply providing better resolution alone.
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