Japanese public broadcaster NHK and FOX Sports hosted a demo of 8K Super Hi-Vision video technology and 22.2 channel surround sound at the Zanuck Theater on the Fox Studio lot in Los Angeles this past week. The footage was transmitted live from three FIFA Women’s World Cup games at the BC Place Stadium in Vancouver, BC. The matches included U.S. vs. Australia, June 8; Japan vs. Cameroon, June 12, and U.S. vs. Nigeria, June 16.
Each match was presented live with ambient sound from the stadium, but no commentary, enhancing the feeling of being present at the game.
To date, most demonstrations of NHK’s Super Hi-Vision 8K technology in the U.S. have been limited to trade shows and featured pre-recorded programming.
“We’re proud to work with FIFA and NHK to provide an opportunity to watch the next generation of television as the U.S. Women’s National Team plays in Women’s World Cup,” said FOX Sports’ Head of Business Operations, David Nathanson. “8K images have incredible clarity, and for those watching these matches it will be the next best thing to being at the games in-person.”
NHK’s 8K Super Hi-Vision features a 33 megapixel picture that is 8-times sharper than 4K and 16 times sharper than HD. When coupled with the 22.2 channel surround sound system, it brings audiences into the heart of the action.
The company has been developing Super Hi-Vision since 1995, from production equipment such as cameras and microphones, to broadcast delivery systems, to receivers for home or business use.
NHK’s rollout of Super Hi-Vision will continue with test broadcasts from a number of major events including the 2016 NFL Super Bowl, the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro and the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Moscow. NHK intends to have the format fully operational in time for the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo.
