New UHD content for Eutelsat’s 4K channel

FunBox 4KInternational channel operator SPI International and German broadcaster Anixe are both demoing 4K content through Eutelsat Communications’ Hot Bird 4K1 channel.

SPI International is previewing its first native Ultra HD content on the channel, which will appear on its own 4K FunBox UHD commercial network, which is scheduled to launch this autumn via Eutelsat’s Hot Bird satellite.

Anixe will air 15 minutes of exclusive Ultra HD content on Hot Bird 4K1 – including extracts of lifestyle and documentary programmes, a cooking show and outdoor productions.

Both sets of content will be demoed by Eutelsat at the ANGA COM conference in Cologne this week.

“Twelve months after launch, our demo channel is established as a platform of choice and progress for partners in the broadcasting chain and is attracting increasing attention from terrestrial network operators who want to deliver more 4K content to viewers,” said Markus Fritz, director of commercial development and marketing at Eutelsat.

Hot Bird 4K1 launced in May 2014, broadcasting at at 50 frames per second with 10-bit colour depth, and last year partnered to show UHD content from Red Bull.

The channel can be received direct-to-home and by cable and IP network operators on 4K TVs equipped with “suitable demodulators and HEVC decoders.”

SPI International’s new FunBox UHD will be available via cable and IP network operators and DTH communities in Germany and other key TV markets in the Hot Bird footprint.

“With 4K FunBox UHD viewers will be able to experience more nuance, faster frame rates, exceptional contrast dynamics and extended colours,” said SPI International’s Berk Uziyel – the executive director of Filmbox International.

Uziyel said SPI International it is demoing wildlife documentaries, content including the San Francisco skyline, a study of cloud movements and skylight as well as Ultra HD footage of Asian cities by night. “We are also planning to add sports programming and musical events, all in 4K quality,” he said.

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