The question around the globe is whether to move to Ultra High Definition 4K now or wait until industry standards have been finalised, which might only happen in 2017 or later. Where does that leave Africa?
After reports that 4K was not on the cards for MultiChoice, Screen Africa spoke to their broadcast technology division that confirmed that they have not made a definite decision whether or not to broadcast in 4K. “We are simply not offering it at present,” says Nyiko Shiburi, group general manager. “4K is still very new on the market and there is still much development that needs to be done before it can become a broadcasting standard.”
Shiburi confirmed that MultiChoice will keep an eye on international developments as standards for 4K broadcasting begin to emerge. In July 2015 broadcaster FujiTV became the first commercial broadcaster to start streaming 4K in Japan, with a commitment of 19 channels on air by 2018. There are eight channels available in Europe in 4K, India is testing in 4K and Sky Europe will start transmitting in 4K at the end of 2016 with assurances in the US that 4K broadcasting will commence this year.
“4K is still a developing technology internationally. 4K content is just emerging so true 4K content is currently rare. 4K is not just about higher resolution but also a high dynamic range and better colour. The standards for 4K broadcasting have not been fully developed yet and relatively few TVs offer HDR and better colour,” says Shiburi.
Ultra-High Definition 4K is very much the next step for broadcasters worldwide but when that step will be taken is still up in the air. In South Africa the scope of 4K television is still limited, so for now MultiChoice is focusing on expanding their HD offering. “We believe HD offers good quality viewing to our customers. Many South Africans, and DStv customers, still don’t have HD viewing in their homes. This is why we now offer HD on all our packages and have a single view HD decoder on the market, which is manufactured here in South Africa,” adds Shiburi.
As with all new technology, it is about setting clear standards and also getting the right equipment into customers’ homes. “Even though some international operators offer 3D broadcast, not many customers have got equipment capable of receiving 3D broadcasts, which is why this has not taken off to the extent it was originally predicted,” says Shiburi.
MultiChoice continues to follow new technologies and advancements and says for now HD is quite enough for South Africa. The question remains: do consumers want 4K and will they pay more for it?
