BT Sport and Samsung team up for ‘UK’s first public live 8K sports broadcast’

BT Sport and Samsung have teamed up to screen what the pair say is the UK’s first public live 8K sports broadcast, with a screening of the UEFA Europa League match between Arsenal and Olympiacos.

BT Sport and Samsung collaborated to deliver the broadcast live from the Emirates Stadium using a bespoke BT Sport 8K outside broadcast set up, delivered to Samsung QLED 8K TVs.

Samsung showcased the match on its flagship QLED 8K TV in 8K resolution and HDR10+.

BT Sport last year launched BT Sport Ultimate, described as the world’s first service to feature regular programming in HDR, as well as 4K UHD and Dolby Atmos. BT and Samsung said that the latest 8K broadcast over IP enhances the potential of BT Sport Ultimate and builds on BT and Samsung’s extensive relationship, with the companies combining expertise and technology to create entertainment experiences that are at the cutting edge of innovation.

Dan Hastings, director of TV and AV at Samsung UK said: “For 50 years Samsung has pioneered the TV category; from the launch of the World’s first Digital Colour TV in 1998, the world’s thinnest TV in 2002, the first double-sided LCD screen in 2006 and then one of our biggest advancements to date; the first company to bring 8K TVs to the UK in 2018. We have shown that we never rest when it comes to pursuing meaningful innovations that could supercharge the way people consume content. It is great that we can add showing the first 8K broadcast to that list with BT Sport in 2020.”

Jamie Hindhaugh, chief operating officer, BT Sport, said: “BT Sport has a rich history of leading the industry with broadcast innovation to provide our customers the best viewing experience in the UK. Whether it’s last season’s launch of the world’s first regular high dynamic range service, BT Sport Ultimate, or, our world-leading remote production activity we’re constantly working to provide the best possible experience. Today’s broadcast in partnership with Samsung continues BT’s mission to take our viewers to the heart of sport and serve them the ultimate viewing experience.”