TDF partners with Envivio to air French Open in 4K

French transmission services provider TDF is using Envivio HEVC video processing to broadcast the French Open tennis tournament in 4K. 

TDF is using Envivio’s Muse 4K Ultra HD compression technology to live-stream the action to compatible 4K TV sets in France, with TDF to deliver various matches from the Centre Court in DVB-T2 format to French DTT service TNT.

The companies claim this is the first DTT broadcast video transmission delivered in 4K, using HEVC (H.265) compression.

“Envivio has provided an outstanding contribution for the debut of live 4K HEVC video transmissions over a DTT network at the French Open tournament. The sharpness and rich quality of the video is absolutely stunning, and we are excited to present this emerging technology for the first time in France,” said Alain Komly, deputy director at TDF.

Separately, last week’s final game of the Spanish BBVA football league between FC Barcelona and Atlético de Madrid was filmed in 4K by three Sony PMW-F55 cameras and distributed internationally in the format by Mediapro.

Sony said it is “continuing to stress the importance of carrying out 4K tests in preparation for the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil, where it will produce all 64 matches in HD, including three in 4K.”