Eutelsat launches HDR, ultra HD channel

Eutelsat has launched an ultra HD channel showing HDR (High Dynamic Range) content using HLG (Hybrid Log-Gamma) technology, the new HDR standard developed by the BBC and NHK.

Eutelsat has partnered with 4EVER-2, the French collaborative project on Ultra HD, ATEME and Samsung to demo HDR Ultra HD at IBC this week.

Called “Hotbird 4k2 HDR”, the new channel is broadcasting across Europe from Eutelsat’s flagship Hotbird neighbourhood and is showing sports, cultural and wildlife content from the 4EVER-2 consortium, dBW Communication, The Explorers Network and RAICom.

The channel is broadcast at 50 frames per second, with 10 bits of colour depth (one billion colours) in the BT2020 environment.
“This new channel will benefit players in the broadcasting chain who are seeking to acquire expertise in HDR Ultra HD broadcasts,” said Eutelsat’s senior vice president, new TV formats, Michel Chabrol.

“Since Ultra HD blazed a trail three years ago Eutelsat’s strategy has been to support our customers as they embrace the race to the highest image quality. HDR is the newest step in this adventure and one that gives new meaning to the industry ambition to deliver a spectacular and immersive viewing experience.”