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Japan to Begin 4K HDTV Broadcast Test Run on June 2
posted on by Lynzee Loveridge
Japanese broadcasters are planning a test run of 4K-resolution broadcasts on June 2. The stations will broadcast scripted live-action television and music programming to satellite and cable subscribers in part to compete with similar developments in Europe, the United States, and South Korea.
The national public broadcaster NHK, key commercial television stations , and satellite station SKY Perfect JSAT will participate. Subscribers will need to purchase both a television and a tuner with 4K support. In addition to planned tests of music and drama programming, stations are considering airing the 2014 FIFA World Cup in 4K.
Japan's Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications announced last year that the country would be the world's first to broadcast in 4K-resolution, with aims to begin in July. The stations are projecting programs and pay-to-view broadcasts will air in 4K by 2016. The ministry aims to spur demand for new televisions that offer four times the pixels of the current "full high vision" standard (Japanese for 1080p HDTV).
Source: Nihon Keizai Shimbun via Otakomu
