NHK announced it will launch its new 8K Ultra-High Definition broadcasting service on December 1st.
For more information visit: www.nhk.or.jp
Unedited press release follows:
The World’s First 8K Broadcasting Service Begins December 1st!
26th November 2018 — NHK will launch two new channels, NHK BS4K and NHK BS8K, on December 1st. NHK has been developing ultra – high definition 8K image systems since 1995 and NHK BS8K will be the world’s first 8K channel. The content will be further enhanced and facilities installed to target full – scale dissemination by the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic year of 2020.
NHK BS8K
NHK BS8K is positioned as the flagship channel for enjoying the highest quality visual images, 22.2 channel audio, and most attractive content as well. The programs will provide viewers with a sense of full immersion in each scene, imparting the feeling of presence in the stadium or concert hall, or gazing directly upon the actual masterpieces at an art museum.
The music programs will include concerts by three of the world’s greatest orchestras, including the Vienna Philharmonic. Art broadcasts will feature masterpieces of the Louvre and the works of Katsushika Hokusai. The core content will also include TV dramas and nature programs and, in cooperation with NASA, scenes of the Earth shot from the International Space Station (ISS).
NHK BS8K will be broadcast from 10:00 to 22:10 about 12 hours daily. Further information about 8K can be found at http://www.nhk.or.jp/8k/index_e.html#
NHK BS4K
NHK BS4K is positioned as the gateway channel for ultra – high definition visual images. The special program to launch this channel will be the world’s first live 4K relay from Antarctica.
In addition to its own special 4K programs, this channel’s diverse line – up will also include 4K versions of popular 2K programs currently being broadcast on NHK’s terrestrial and satellite channels. Valuable video archives stored on film are being digitally remastered in 4KHDR, too, to enhance the colors and luminance to the full. NHK BS4K will be broadcast from 06:00 to 24:00 for 18 hours daily.