Winter Olympics to showcase first 8K HDR broadcasts

You can't beat a big sporting event when it comes to pushing forward TV technology - and the Pyeongchang Winter Olympics look set to be no different. The 2018 Winter Games, which begin on Friday 9th February, look set to deliver the largest ever live 8K production. Yes, we said 8K TV.

Not only that, the 8K video from Pyeongchang will also feature HDR, in what's claimed to be a world first for a broadcast of this scale. The IBC reports around 90 hours of content will be captured in 8K HDR using the HLG format, which was developed by Japanese broadcaster NHK and the BBC.

As well as serving as a testing ground for future broadcasts, the 8K feed will be down-converted on site to provide the 4K HDR output for this year's event. This 4K video will be taken by a number of broadcasters, including DirecTV, the Dish Network and NBC in the US. DirecTV Is even serving its on-demand 4K HDR coverage with Dolby Atmos sound for those with the means (i.e. an Atmos speaker set-up or soundbar) to enjoy it.

Joe is the Content Director for What Hi-Fi? and Future’s Product Testing, having previously been the Global Editor-in-Chief of What Hi-Fi?. He has worked on What Hi-Fi? across the print magazine and website for almost 20 years, writing news, reviews and features on everything from turntables to TVs, headphones to hi-fi separates. He has covered product launch events across the world, from Apple to Technics, Sony and Samsung; reported from CES, the Bristol Show, and Munich High End for many years; and written for sites such as the BBC, Stuff and The Guardian. In his spare time, he enjoys expanding his vinyl collection and cycling (not at the same time).