Sky Germany presents its Ultra High Definition roadmap at the 4K Summit

Their first experience dates back to December 2012 when they captured a Bundesliga match in Ultra High Definition using a Sony F65 camera. Today they have two linear channels in UHD.

Stephan Heimbecher, director of innovation and standardization at Sky Germany, has reviewed in the 4K Summit that is being celebrated these days in Malaga some of the operator's milestones in relation to Ultra High Definition.

Their first experience dates back to December 2012 when they captured a Bundesliga match in Ultra High Definition using a camera. Sony F65 in a production concept that is more cinematic than television. Throughout 2013 and 2014, a dozen pilot experiences were developed on soccer fields. The first live end-to-end 4K UHD production was carried out in April 2014 using six cameras in an experience in which they were able to test different technological possibilities.

“This experience allowed us to become aware that we could combine UHD and HD in the same production,” he commented.

Between mid-2015 and mid-2016, Sky spent almost a year without producing anything in UHD until it clarified how the standardization of UHD HDR would arise. In August 2015, it carried out an end-to-end test at the 2015 Super Cup with a pilot broadcast in HDR BT.2100.

In July 2016, they carried out some matches of a beach volleyball championship in multi-camera (4 cameras) in HD SDR and UHD HDR, testing the possibility of HDR in both HLG and PQ.

“This experience helped us create a production guide on how to handle a production of this type in extreme lighting conditions, fast-moving focus…,” he acknowledged.

In October 2016, Sky Germany officially launched two linear channels in UHD and a new set-top box that supports Ultra High Definition. Thanks to the collaboration with Sky UK, these channels maintain stable programming in UHD with the broadcast of sporting events, films and fiction.
Now, Sky has its sights set on two major sporting events: Russia 2018 and Tokyo 2020.