Massimo Bertolotti (Sky Italy): "It is the optimal time to adopt 4K because it coincides with migration to IP environments"

Migration to IP environments and generalization from here to next year of the sale of HDR compatible screens convert this moment to adopt 4K according to the director of Innovation and Multimedia distribution in Sky Italy.

Massimo Bertolotti, director of Innovation and Multimedia distribution in Sky Italy, has come one more year to the 4K Summit to share Sky's experience in ultra high definition. Bertolotti began his speech ensuring that "the ultra high definition cannot be left alone in high resolution. The HDR goes much further and does not only have to do with technology, but in offering a new experience to the user in order to win in real value. Without a doubt, the HDR offers a new experience."
In the case of Sky Italy they have chosen to use HLG technology.

"We want to innovate but not generate an excessive impact on consumers. Many people have 4K screens but not with enough bits to support all types of HDR. HDR HLG is the option that offers us the greatest compatibility," Bertolotti admits.

In his opinion both the collection systems and the infrastructure are ready to produce events in 4K live. However, he admits that "infrastructure costs are still problematic ... but at some point we will have to face it and we should do it now." And, according to the Sky manager, it is the optimal time to adopt 4K because it coincides with migration to IP environments and generalization from here to next year of the sale of HDR compatible screens.

One of the key aspects for this development is harmonization. "For the user it is very compaole to identify the dispthons that are compatible. There are too many UHD logos by the consumer industry," he says.

Another confusion comes from interoperability "as already happened in 2006 with the takeoff of high definition," admits.

Virtual reality

Sky Italy is using 4K resolutions in its virtual reality projects. The Sky VR application, available in all the countries where it operates, is gaining popularization. The application is available for free and offers a wide immersive video range in 360 degrees for Samsung Gear VR and Oculus Rift devices.

At the moment they have produced several sporting and musical events and in the next few days a chapter of the series will be taken to virtual reality Gomorrah. Soon, Sky plans live production in VR of the final of a talent show.