NHK Begins Public Testing of Ultra HD

Japanese broadcaster NHK, which first began research into HDTV more than four decades ago, has begun conducting public testing of its Ultra HD standard.

NHK’s Ultra HD technology delivers 7680 x 4320 resolution, which is up to 16 times greater than HDTV. The super-fast prototype cameras can capture data at a rate of 4000fps, with an audio component that is 22.2 channels (as compared to today s 5.1 surround sound).

As part of the first public test in

Tokyo, the broadcaster is using ATEME s MPEG-4 AVC (H.264) encoding technology. It is cooperating closely with NHK Labs in the design and development of the standard.

Ultra HD cameras, recorders, encoders and projectors are currently under development with a 2009 date for the introduction of the full specification for Ultra HD. NHK estimates that satellite transmission tests will begin in 2011, and by 2020, Ultra HD will be ready for broadcast to households.