EBU tests impact of higher frame rates for UHDTV

The EBU is conducting a series of subjective tests to gauge the impact of higher frame-rates for UHDTV services in Munich this week.

The tests, conducted by the EBU’s Broadcast Technology Futures group, make up of the heads of research labs of the BBC, IRT, Rai and NHK, is conducting tests at he IRT’s facilities.

The move follows subjective UHDTV resolution tests last February that revealed that higher resolutions would not be enough to create a clearly perceptible difference compared to HDTV.

The latest round of tests coincides with work being carried out to investigate other parameters required to generate a more immersive experience with UHDTV. These include include higher dynamic range and extended colour space as well as frame rates.

The tests are designed to address questions including whether the current UHDTV standard specified by the ITU, which includes only the 120Hz higher frame rate, needs to be revised to incorporate other rates that are multiples of 50Hz. The EBU said that early indications supported the idea that higher frame rages are more appreciated by observers than higher resolution.