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Mehul Kapadia

Tata Communications claims it has become the first company to deliver a live 4K feed from a Formula 1 event, after broadcasting live footage from a practice session at the Singapore Grand Prix over the weekend. 

The footage was delivered end-to-end over Tata Communications’ Global Video Connect Network to Formula One Management’s technical headquarters in Biggin Hill in the UK, where it was demonstrated to a group of broadcasters.

“Last year we were able to showcase our broadcast capabilities by transmitting a live JPEG 2000 feed from the same Grand Prix in Singapore. This year we have taken a huge step in next generation broadcast with the first-ever transmission of a live 4K feed from a Formula 1 event,” said Mehul Kapadia, managing director F1 Business, Tata Communications.

John Morrison, Formula One Management’s chief technical officer added: “4K is an exciting new technology which could have great potential when it comes to sports broadcasting. We are focused on given F1 fans the best possible experience, which is why we are pleased to be supporting Tata Communications in bringing 4K closer to reality.”

Tata Communications said it typically provides 120 megabits per second (mbps) for JPEG 2000 but during the Biggin Hill showcase it provided 500mbps for a single feed.