SVG Summit 2017: Dome Productions’ Mike Johnson, AT&T Entertainment Group’s John Ward Break Down UHD/HDR

Execs discuss lessons learned, challenges faced, and the promising future for the potentially revolutionary technology

As 2017 nears its conclusion, there was one more bit of sports-television history to be made: DirecTV delivered an NHL game in UHD/HDR (high dynamic range) on Dec. 14.

Although UHD and HDR production have become a part of everyday sports production in the UK, in the U.S., the case has yet to be made to compel sports-production teams to embrace 4K and HDR on a large level. That tide may change in 2018, placing many production teams on a steep learning curve. Fortunately, a number of executives in the industry have experience working in HDR and UHD.

In this Keynote Conversation from the 2017 SVG Summit, SVG’s Jason Dachman speaks with Dome Productions Director of Engineering Mike Johnson and AT&T Entertainment Group SVP, Content Operations, John Ward about some of the practical challenges in HDR and UHD production and how it will change the way your team works.

Watch the entire conversation here:

Here are some highlights from the talk:

Johnson opened up the conversation with a brief update on the work that Dome Productions is doing  in 4K and HDR in Canada:

What are the next steps that need to be taken on the production side for this emerging technology? Ward offered his take:

So, after many years of trials, tests, tweaks, and discussions, has 4K production fully arrived? Ward said he is feeling confident and enjoying many fewer sleepless nights:

Johnson and Ward discussed their perspectives on their favorite events to watch in UHD:

For more coverage of the SVG Summit, including stories, panel highlights, and video interviews from the show floor, CLICK HERE.