Samsung and KT trial 8K video via satellite

Samsung and KT Sky Life have used a satellite’s Ka band to send 8K video data successfully compressed and retransmitted terrestrially. 

The two firms used South Korea’s Cheollian satellite to perform the test, with KT Sky Life using the satellite’s Ka band to transmit 8K video.

An antenna on the ground received the signal, which then decoded and transmitted the data in real-time via HDMI to a 82-inch Samsung QLED TV.

According to reports, the two firms trialled the 8K broadcasting using the latest data compression standard.

• Read more: Compression the silver bullet for making 4K and 8K fly

The H.265 standard was employed, which is 50% more efficient than the H.264 standard, to compress the video data.

The data was then transmitted using the DVB-S2x satellite digital broadcasting standard.

Samsung and KT Sky Life said the successful trial shows that 100Mbps-level 8K satellite broadcasting is possible and commercially viable.

Samsung and KT’s broadcasting subsidiary first showcased their 8K broadcasting technology last year on Samsung’s 2018 QLED TV.

• Read more UHD: 4K is here and now, but what about 8K?

Last week, Samsung also filmed football matches with 8K cameras and committed to provide more content using the next-generation resolution and was the first to commercialise 8K resolution earlier this year.

Vendors are gearing up to showcase their 8K technology at the Tokyo Olympics next year, which will likely give the much-needed momentum for mass commercialisation.

The competition for 8K broadcasting is ramping up, NHK, Japan’s public broadcaster and went ‘live’ with a 12-hours-a-day 8K channel back in December 2018.

Almost all IMAX films are captured in at least 8K which are suitable for broadcast. K2 Studios are producing extensively in 8K for the giant screen industry with a portfolio of more than 70 movies and have been shown in IMAX Theatres, museums and science centres such as the Smithsonian in Washington DC.