:Ultra-high-definition television

Ultra-high-definition television is also known as Ultra HD, UHD, UHDTV, and 4K.{{cite news |title=Ultra High Definition Television: Threshold of a new age |publisher=ITU |url=http://www.itu.int/net/pressoffice/press_releases/2012/31.aspx |date=May 24, 2012 |access-date=July 31, 2012}}{{cite news |title=4K and 8K UHDTV defined |publisher=EBU Technical |url=http://tech.ebu.ch/news/4k-and-8k-uhdtv-defined-16may12 |date=May 19, 2012 |access-date=July 31, 2012}}{{cite news |title=UHDTV to be name for both 4K and 8K television standard? |work=Techradar |url=http://www.techradar.com/us/news/television/uhdtv-to-be-name-for-both-4k-and-8k-television-standard-1082328 |date=May 28, 2012 |access-date=July 31, 2012}}{{cite news |title=Whatever happened to 4K? The rise of "Ultra HD" TV |first=Casey |last=Johnston |work=Ars Technica |url=https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2013/01/whatever-happened-to-4k-the-rise-of-ultra-hd-tv/ |date=January 9, 2013 |access-date=January 12, 2013}}{{cite news |title=Ultra HD TVs stole the show at CES 2013, but they're just part of the puzzle |first=Benjamin 'Ben' |last=Drawbaugh |publisher=Engadget |url=https://www.engadget.com/2013/01/11/ultra-hd-tvs-stole-the-show-at-ces-2013/ |date=January 11, 2013 |access-date=January 8, 2013}} In Japan, 8K UHDTV will be known as Super Hi-Vision since Hi-Vision was the term used in Japan for HDTV.{{cite web |title='Super Hi-Vision' as Next-Generation Television and Its Video Parameters |website=Information Display |url=http://informationdisplay.org/IDArchive/2012/NovemberDecember/FrontlineTechnologySuperHiVisionasNextGen.aspx |access-date=27 December 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181206053227/http://informationdisplay.org/id-archive/2012/november-december/frontline-technology-super-hi-vision-as-next-gen|archive-date=6 December 2018}}{{cite web |title=Super Hi-Vision: The Next Generation of TV |website=NHK |url=http://www.nhk.or.jp/strl/open2011/tenji/04_e.html |access-date=12 January 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130725201624/http://www.nhk.or.jp/strl/open2011/tenji/04_e.html |archive-date=25 July 2013}} In the consumer electronics market companies had previously only used the term 4K at the 2012 CES but that had changed to "Ultra HD" during CES 2013. "Ultra HD" was selected by the Consumer Electronics Association after extensive consumer research, as the term has also been established with the introduction of "Ultra HD Blu-ray".{{cite web |title=Ultra High-Def TV: Super-Sizing An Immersive Experience |first=Gary |last=Arlen |website=Consumer Electronics Association |url=http://www.ce.org/i3/Features/2013/January-February/Ultra-High-Def-TV-Super-Sizing-An-Immersive-Experi.aspx |date=6 January 2013 |access-date=17 January 2013}}

{{Infobox

| title = Super Hi-Vision/8K Specifications {{cite news |title=Super Hi-Vision Production Devices for Mobile |publisher=NHK |url=http://www.nhk.or.jp/strl/open2013/tenji/tenji03/index_e.html |access-date=May 18, 2013}}{{cite news |title=The international standard for Super Hi-Vision TV |publisher=NHK |url=http://www.nhk.or.jp/pr/marukaji/m-giju337.html |date=August 23, 2012 |access-date=August 29, 2012}}

| label1 = Number of pixels

| data1 = 7680×4320

| label2 = Aspect ratio

| data2 = 16:9

| label3 = Viewing distance

| data3 = 0.75 H

| label4 = Viewing angle

| data4 = 100°

| label5 = Colorimetry

| data5 = Rec. 2020

| label6 = Frame rate

| data6 = 120 Hz progressive

| label7 = Bit depth

| data7 = 12 bits per channel (RGB)

| label8 = Audio system

| data8 = 22.2 surround sound

| label9 = Sampling rate

| data9 = 48/96 kHz

| label10 = Audio bit depth

| data10 = 16/20/24 bits

| label11 = Number of audio channels

| data11 = 24 ch

| label12 = Upper layer

| data12 = 9 ch

| label13 = Middle layer

| data13 = 10 ch

| label14 = Lower layer

| data14 = 3 ch

| label15 = LFE

| data15 = 2 ch

| label16 = Uncompressed video bit rate

| data16 = 144 Gbit/s

}}

{{See also|Rec. 2020|DisplayPort#DisplayID|l2=DisplayPort: DisplayID}}

Two resolutions are defined as UHDTV:

• UHDTV-1 is 3840 pixels wide by 2160 pixels tall (8.3 megapixels), which is four times as many pixels as the {{resx|1920×1080}} (2.07 megapixels) of current 1080p HDTV (full HDTV).
• Also known as 2160p, and 4K UHD. Although roughly similar in resolution to 4K digital cinema formats, it should not be confused with other 4K resolutions such as the {{resx|4096×2160}} DCI 4K/Cinema 4K. The total number of pixels of RGB stripe type is 8.3 megapixels.
• UHDTV-2 is 7680 pixels wide by 4320 pixels tall (33.18 megapixels), also referred to as 4320p and 8K UHD, which is sixteen times as many pixels as current 1080p HDTV, which brings it closer to the detail level of 15/70 mm IMAX.{{Citation |publisher=Dibeg |contribution-url=http://www.dibeg.org/news/previous_doc/0208BrazilSET/D012NHKreseach.pdf#page=39 |contribution=Research Activities of NHK Science and Technical Research Laboratories |title=SET Open House |place=BR |year=2002}}{{Citation |place=JP |url=http://www.nhk.or.jp/strl/publica/bt/en/fe0018.pdf#page=2 |title=Progress on Large, Wide-screen Image Presentation |publisher=NHK STRL |journal=Broadcast Technology |number=18 |date=Spring 2004}} NHK advertises the 8K UHDTV format with 22.2 surround sound as Super Hi-Vision, which can be broadcast with H.264 codecs.{{cite book |chapter-url=https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-642-12802-8_6 |doi=10.1007/978-3-642-12802-8_6 |chapter=Super Hi-Vision and Its Encoding System |title=High-Quality Visual Experience |series=Signals and Communication Technology |date=2010 |last1=Sakaida |first1=Shinichi |pages=157–175 |isbn=978-3-642-12801-1}}

The human visual system has a limited ability to discern improvements in resolution when picture elements are already small enough or distant enough from the viewer. At some home viewing distances and current TV sizes, HD resolution is near the limits of resolution for the eye and increasing resolution to 4K has little perceptual impact, if consumers are beyond the critical distance (Lechner distance) to appreciate the differences in pixel count between 4K and HD. One exception is that even if resolution surpasses the resolving ability of the human eye, there is still an improvement in the way the image appears due to higher resolutions reducing spatial aliasing.

UHDTV provides other image enhancements in addition to pixel density. Specifically, dynamic range and color are greatly enhanced, and these impact saturation and contrast differences that are readily resolved greatly improve the experience of 4KTV compared to HDTV. UHDTV allows the future use of the new Rec. 2020 (UHDTV) color space which can reproduce colors that cannot be shown with the current Rec. 709 (HDTV) color space.

In terms of CIE 1931 color space, the Rec. 2020 color space covers 75.8%, compared to coverage by the DCI-P3 digital cinema reference projector color space of just 53.6%, 52.1% by Adobe RGB color space, while the Rec. 709 color space covers only 35.9%. UHDTV's increases in dynamic range allow not only brighter highlights but also increased detail in the greyscale. UHDTV also allows for frame rates up to 120 frames per second (fps).{{cite news |title=BT.2020: Parameter values for ultra high-definition television systems for production and international programme exchange |publisher=ITU |url=http://www.itu.int/rec/R-REC-BT.2020-0-201208-I/en |date=August 23, 2012 |access-date=August 24, 2012}}

UHDTV potentially allows Rec. 2020, higher dynamic range, and higher frame rates to work on HD services without increasing resolution to 4K, providing improved quality without as high of an increase in bandwidth demand.

File:Fuji UHDTV prototype camera, 2006.jpg

File:8K Camera (2009 version).jpg

The first displays capable of displaying 4K content appeared in 2001, as the IBM T220/T221 LCD monitors.

NHK researchers built a UHDTV prototype which they demonstrated in 2003.{{cite journal |url=http://www.nhk.or.jp/digital/en/technical_report/pdf/ibc200301.pdf |title=Ultrahigh-Definition Video System with 4000 Scanning Lines |first=M |last=Kanazawa |journal=SMPTE Motion Imaging |year=2003 |publisher=NHK |access-date=December 11, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120401180144/http://www.nhk.or.jp/digital/en/technical_report/pdf/ibc200301.pdf |archive-date=April 1, 2012 |url-status=dead |display-authors=etal}} They used an array of 16 HDTV recorders with a total capacity of almost 3.5{{nbsp}}TB that could capture up to 18 minutes of test footage. The camera itself was built with four {{convert|2.5|inch|mm|adj=on}} CCDs, each with a resolution of only {{resx|3840×2048}}. Using two CCDs for green and one each for red and blue, they then used a spatial pixel offset method to bring it to {{resx|7680×4320}}.{{efn|The resulting lines in the image alternate between pixels from the green-1 and red CCDs, and pixels from the blue and green-2 CCDs.}} Subsequently, an improved and more compact system was built using CMOS image sensor technology{{cite book |first=I |last=Takayanagi |title=2003 IEEE International Solid-State Circuits Conference, 2003. Digest of Technical Papers. ISSCC. |chapter=A 1 1/4 inch 8.3M pixel digital output CMOS APS for UDTV application |date=February 2003 |publisher=Proc. IEEE Int. Solid-State Circuits Conf |volume=1 |pages=216–217 |place=San Francisco, CA |display-authors=etal |doi=10.1109/ISSCC.2003.1234273 |isbn=0-7803-7707-9 |s2cid=6509705}} and the CMOS image sensor system was demonstrated at Expo 2005, Aichi, Japan, the NAB 2006 and NAB 2007 conferences, Las Vegas, at IBC 2006 and IBC 2008,{{cite journal |first=Kris |last=Sangani |date=October 11, 2008 |title=A game of LeapFrog |journal=Engineering & Technology |volume=3 |issue=17 |page=8 |issn=1750-9637 |url=http://kn.theiet.org/magazine/issues/0817/game-o-leapfrog-0817.cfm |access-date=October 31, 2008 |doi=10.1049/et:20081720 |doi-broken-date=December 7, 2024 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090110085701/http://kn.theiet.org/magazine/issues/0817/game-o-leapfrog-0817.cfm |archive-date=January 10, 2009}} Amsterdam, Netherlands, and CES 2009. A review of the NAB 2006 demo was published in a broadcast engineering e-newsletter.{{cite journal |date=May 2, 2006 |title=Ultra HD draws crowds, interest at NAB2006 |journal=BroadcastEngineering HD Technology Update E-newsletter |url=http://broadcastengineering.com/newsletters/hd_tech/20060502/ultra-hd-interest-20060502/ |access-date=February 14, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070204023553/http://broadcastengineering.com/newsletters/hd_tech/20060502/ultra-hd-interest-20060502/ |archive-date=February 4, 2007 |url-status=dead}} Individuals at NHK and elsewhere projected that the timeframe for UHDTV to be available in domestic homes varied between 2015 and 2020 but Japan was to get it in the 2016 time frame.{{cite web |url=http://www.satmagazine.com/story.php?number=243539090 |title=INSIGHT – Super HD: Technology Jump? |date=November 2008 |access-date=June 28, 2014 |work=satmagazine.com |publisher=Satnews Publishers |last=Forrester |first=Chris |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130930143332/http://www.satmagazine.com/story.php?number=243539090 |archive-date=September 30, 2013 |url-status=live}}

On November 2, 2006, NHK demonstrated a live relay of a UHDTV program over a 260 kilometer distance by a fiber-optic network.{{cite journal |url=http://www.nhk.or.jp/strl/publica/bt/en/to0025.pdf |title=World's First Live Relay Experiment of Super Hi-Vision |journal=Broadcast Technology|publisher=NHK |access-date=27 November 2023}} Using dense wavelength division multiplex (DWDM), 24{{nbsp}}Gbit/s speed was achieved with a total of 16 different wavelength signals.

On December 31, 2006, NHK demonstrated a live relay of their annual Kōhaku Uta Gassen over IP from Tokyo to a {{cvt|450|in|m}} screen in Osaka. Using a codec developed by NHK, the video was compressed from 24{{nbsp}}Gbit/s to 180{{ndash}}600{{nbsp}}Mbit/s and the audio was compressed from 28{{nbsp}}Mbit/s to 7{{ndash}}28{{nbsp}}Mbit/s.{{cite web |url=http://www.nhk.or.jp/digital/en/super_hi/03_2_super.html |title=Super Hi-Vision live relay over IP |access-date=January 15, 2008 |date=April 3, 2007 |place=JP |publisher=NHK |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120526074017/http://www.nhk.or.jp/digital/en/super_hi/03_2_super.html |archive-date=May 26, 2012}} Uncompressed, a 20-minute broadcast would require roughly 4 TB of storage.

The SMPTE first released Standard 2036 for UHDTV in 2007.{{cite news |title=Beyond HD |publisher=Broadcast Engineering |url=http://broadcastengineering.com/hdtv/ultra-high-definition-video-1110/ |date=November 1, 2010 |access-date=May 11, 2012}} UHDTV was defined as having two levels, called UHDTV1 ({{resx|3840|2160}}) and UHDTV2 ({{resx|7680|4320}}).{{cite news |title=More pixels, More immersive television experience |issue=7 |publisher=EBU Technical |first=Hans |last=Hoffmann |pages=8–9 |url=http://tech.ebu.ch/docs/tech-i/ebu_tech-i_007.pdf |date=March 1, 2011 |access-date=May 11, 2012}}

In May 2007, the NHK did an indoor demonstration at the NHK Open House in which a UHDTV signal ({{resx|7680|4320}} at 60{{nbsp}}fps) was compressed to a 250{{nbsp}}Mbit/s MPEG2 stream.{{cite news |title=Super Hi-Vision |publisher=EBU Technical |first=Masayuki |last=Sugawara |page=5 |place=CH |url=http://tech.ebu.ch/docs/techreview/trev_2008-Q2_nhk-ultra-hd.pdf |access-date=December 21, 2012}} The signal was input to a 300{{nbsp}}MHz wide band modulator and broadcast using a 500{{nbsp}}MHz QPSK modulation. This "on the air" transmission had a very limited range (less than 2 meters), but shows the feasibility of a satellite transmission in the 36,000{{nbsp}}km orbit.

In 2008, Aptina Imaging announced the introduction of a new CMOS image sensor specifically designed for the NHK UHDTV project.{{cite press release |url=http://www.aptina.com/news/press/aptina_imaging_introduces_new_high_performance_cmos_sensor_for_high_definition_broadcasting_video_camera/ |title=Aptina Imaging introduces new high-performance CMOS sensor for high-definition broadcasting video camera}} During IBC 2008 Japan's NHK, Italy's RAI, BSkyB, Sony, Samsung, Panasonic Corporation, Sharp Corporation, and Toshiba (with various partners) demonstrated the first ever public live transmission of UHDTV, from London to the conference site in Amsterdam.{{cite web |url=http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1058514 |title=IBC Plans Two HD Firsts |access-date=October 3, 2008 |date=September 18, 2008 |publisher=AVS Forums}}{{cite magazine |place=UK |url=http://www.broadcastnow.co.uk/news/2008/05/live_superhd_tv_to_debut_at_ibc.html |title=Live super-HD TV to debut at IBC |access-date=October 3, 2008 |date=May 27, 2008 |magazine=Broadcast Now}}

On June 9, 2010, Panasonic announced that its professional plasma display lineup would include an {{convert|152|inch|m|adj=on}} plasma display with 4K resolution. At the time of announcement, it was the largest 4K display and the largest television.{{cite press release |url=https://news.panasonic.com/global/press/data/en100609-3/en100609-3.html |title=Panasonic to Launch the World's FirstUltra-Large Full HD 3D Professional Plasma Displays |access-date=January 16, 2021 |date=June 9, 2010}}

On September 29, 2010, the NHK partnered up and recorded The Charlatans live in the UK in the UHDTV format, before broadcasting over the internet to Japan.{{cite news |place=UK |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-11436939 |publisher=BBC |work=News |title='Historic' broadcast of super HD from UK to Japan |date=September 29, 2010}}

On May 19, 2011, Sharp in collaboration with NHK demonstrated a direct-view {{cvt|85|in|cm}} LCD display capable of {{resx|7680×4320}} pixels at 10 bits per channel.{{cite web |date=May 19, 2011 |url=https://www.engadget.com/2011/05/19/sharp-shows-off-the-worlds-first-super-hi-vision-lcd-with-16x-m/ |work=En gadget |title=Sharp and NHK SHV display demonstrations}} It was the first direct-view Super Hi-Vision-compatible display released.{{cite news |title=Sharp and NHK Successfully Develop 85-Inch Direct-View LCD Compatible with Super Hi-Vision, a World First |publisher=Sharp |url=http://sharp-world.com/corporate/news/110519.html |date=May 19, 2011 |access-date=October 5, 2012}}

Before 2011, UHDTV allowed for frame rates of 24, 25, 50, and 60{{nbsp}}fps. In an ITU-R meeting during 2011, an additional frame rate was added to UHDTV of 120{{nbsp}}fps.{{cite news |title=Beyond HDTV AT ITU-R |issue=10 |publisher=EBU Technical |first=David |last=Wood |page=14 |url=http://tech.ebu.ch/docs/tech-i/ebu_tech-i_010.pdf |place=CH |date=December 1, 2011 |access-date=May 11, 2012}}

On February 23, 2012, NHK announced that with Shizuoka University they had developed an 8K sensor that can shoot video at 120{{nbsp}}fps.{{cite web |title=NHK developing 8K ultra HD image sensor that shoots at 120 fps |website=The Verge |first=Andrew |last=Websteron |url=https://www.theverge.com/2012/2/23/2818815/nhk-ultra-hd-image-sensor |date=February 23, 2012 |access-date=May 11, 2012}}{{cite news |title=NHK develops 8K camera sensor with 120FPS video |publisher=Electronista |url=http://www.electronista.com/articles/12/02/25/nhk.33mp.sensor.shoots.8k.at.high.speed/ |date=February 25, 2012 |access-date=May 11, 2012}}{{cite news |title=Information |publisher=NHK |url=http://www.nhk.or.jp/pr/marukaji/m-giju319.html |date=February 23, 2012 |access-date=May 11, 2012 }}

In April 2012, Panasonic, in collaboration with NHK announced a {{cvt|145|in|cm}} display ({{resx|7680×4320}} at 60{{nbsp}}fps), which has 33.2 million 0.417{{nbsp}}mm square pixels.{{cite news |title=145-inch Ultra High Definition plasma display|publisher=DIGINFO TV |url=http://www.diginfo.tv/v/12-0072-r-en.php |date=April 28, 2012 |access-date=August 1, 2012}}

In April 2012, the four major South Korean terrestrial broadcasters (KBS, MBC, SBS, and EBS) announced that in the future, they would begin test broadcasts of UHDTV on channel 66 in Seoul.{{cite news |title=Progression of 3DTV and Ultra High Definition Television |publisher=Technical Review |page=27 |url=http://content.yudu.com/Library/A1x55i/TechnicalReviewApril/resources/29.htm |date=June 1, 2012 |access-date=September 22, 2012}}{{cite news |title=UHDTV Broadcasting Tested by Terrestrial Stations |publisher=etnews.com |author=Jun Ji-youn |url=http://english.etnews.com/communication/2619925_1300.html |date=July 24, 2012 |access-date=September 22, 2012}} At the time of the announcement, the UHDTV technical details had not yet been decided. LG Electronics and Samsung are also involved in UHDTV test broadcasts.

In May 2012, NHK showed the world's first ultra-high-definition shoulder-mount camera.{{cite news |title=World's first Ultra High Definition shoulder-mount camera |publisher=DIGINFO TV |url=http://www.diginfo.tv/v/12-0092-d-en.php |date=May 23, 2012 |access-date=August 1, 2012}} By reducing the size and weight of the camera, the portability had been improved, making it more maneuverable than previous prototypes, so it could be used in a wide variety of shooting situations. The single-chip sensor uses a Bayer color-filter array, where only one color component is acquired per pixel. Researchers at NHK also developed a high-quality up-converter, which estimates the other two color components to convert the output into full resolution video.

Also in May 2012, NHK showed the ultra-high-definition imaging system it has developed in conjunction with Shizuoka University, which outputs 33.2-megapixel video at 120{{nbsp}}fps with a color depth of 12{{nbsp}}bits per component.{{cite news |title=NHK 33 Megapixel 120fps Ultra High Definition imaging system |publisher=DIGINFO TV |url=http://www.diginfo.tv/v/12-0091-d-en.php |date=May 25, 2012 |access-date=August 1, 2012}}{{cite news |title=120 Hz Super Hi-Vision Image Sensor |publisher=NHK |url=http://www.nhk.or.jp/strl/open2012/html/tenji/013_e.html |access-date=October 5, 2012}} As ultra-high-definition broadcasts at full resolution are designed for large, wall-sized displays, there is a possibility that fast-moving subjects may not be clear when shot at 60{{nbsp}}fps, so the option of 120{{nbsp}}fps has been standardized for these situations. To handle the sensor output of approximately 4 billion pixels per second with a data rate as high as 51.2{{nbsp}}Gbit/s, a faster analog-to-digital converter has been developed to process the data from the pixels, and then a high-speed output circuit distributes the resulting digital signals into 96 parallel channels. This {{convert|1.5|in|mm|abbr=on}} CMOS sensor is smaller and uses less power when compared to conventional ultra-high-definition sensors, and it is also the world's first to support the full specifications of the ultra-high-definition standard.

During the 2012 Summer Olympics in Great Britain, the format was publicly showcased by the world's largest broadcaster, the BBC,{{cite web |url=http://www.medianewsline.com/news/151/ARTICLE/4930/2009-08-13.html |title=BBC: World's largest broadcaster & Most trusted media brand}} which set up 15-meter-wide screens in London, Glasgow, and Bradford to allow viewers to see the Games in ultra-high definition.{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/media/2011/aug/28/bbc-3d-vision-london-olympics |location=London |work=The Guardian |first=Mark |last=Sweney |title=BBC plans to use 3D and 'super hi-vision' for London Olympics |date=August 28, 2011}}{{cite news |title=London's digital Olympics |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/news/9433163/Londons-digital-Olympics.html |newspaper=The Telegraph |access-date=August 23, 2012}}

On May 31, 2012,{{cite news |title=Sony releases world's first 4K home theater projector |publisher=gizmag.com |url=http://www.gizmag.com/sony-vpl-vw1000es-4k-projector/22760/ |date=May 31, 2012 |access-date=August 29, 2012}} Sony released the VPL-VW1000ES 4K 3D Projector,{{cite news |title=Sony 4K home theater projector |publisher=sony.com |url=https://dealersource.sel.sony.com/dsweb/p/builtin/sony_4k_home_theater.html |date=December 19, 2011 |access-date=August 29, 2012}} the world's first consumer-prosumer projector using the 4K UHDTV system, with the shutter-glasses stereoscopic 3D technology priced at US$24,999.99.{{cite news |title=Projector Central |publisher=projectorcentral.com |url=http://www.projectorcentral.com/Sony-VPL-VW1000ES.htm |date=August 29, 2012 |access-date=August 29, 2012}}{{cite news |title=B & H Photo Video |publisher=bhphotovideo.com |url=http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/842241-REG/Sony_VPL_VW1000ES_HOME_THEATER_4K_ES.html/c/product/#inpage:IN+STOCK |date=February 29, 2012 |access-date=August 29, 2012}}

On August 22, 2012, LG announced the world's first 3D UHDTV using the 4K system.{{cite news |title=LG launches world's first 84-inch UD 3D TV with unparallel picture quality |publisher=LG Newsroom |url=http://www.lgnewsroom.com/newsroom/contents/62370 |date=August 22, 2012 |access-date=August 24, 2012}}

On August 23, 2012, UHDTV was officially approved as a standard by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), standardizing both 4K and 8K resolutions for the format in ITU-R Recommendation BT.2020.{{cite news |title=TV with 16 times resolution of HDTV passed by UN standards body |publisher=Techworld |first=Jay |last=Alabaster |url=http://news.techworld.com/personal-tech/3377560/tv-with-16-times-resolution-of-hdtv-passed-by-un-standards-body/ |date=August 23, 2012 |access-date=August 24, 2012}}

On September 15, 2012, David Wood, Deputy Director of the EBU Technology and Development Department (who chairs the ITU working group that created Rec. 2020), told The Hollywood Reporter that South Korea plans to begin test broadcasts of 4K UHDTV next year.{{cite news |title=Forget HDTV, Because Ultra-HDTV Is on the Horizon |work=The Hollywood Reporter |first=Carolyn |last=Giardina |url=http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/forget-hdtv-because-ultra-hdtv-370554 |date=September 15, 2012 |access-date=September 16, 2012}}{{cite news |title=David Wood, Contributor to 8K TV System Recommendation, to Receive SMPTE Progress Medal |work=The Hollywood Reporter |url=http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/society-motion-picture-television-engineers-david-wood-367505 |date=September 3, 2012 |access-date=September 16, 2012}}{{cite news |title=Awards: EBU department deputy head recognised as technology leader |publisher=EBU |url=http://www.ebu.ch/en/union/news/2011/tcm_6-73351.php |date=September 12, 2011 |access-date=September 16, 2012}} Wood also said that many broadcasters have the opinion that going from HDTV to 8K UHDTV is too much of a leap and that it would be better to start with 4K UHDTV. In the same article, Masakazu Iwaki, NHK Research senior manager, said that the NHK plan to go with 8K UHDTV is for economic reasons since directly going to 8K UHDTV would avoid an additional transition from 4K UHDTV to 8K UHDTV.

On October 18, 2012, the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) announced that it had been unanimously agreed by the CEA's Board of Industry Leaders that the term "Ultra High-Definition", or "Ultra HD", would be used for displays that have a resolution of at least 8 megapixels with a vertical resolution of at least 2,160 pixels and a horizontal resolution of at least 3,840 pixels.{{cite news |title=Consumer Electronics Industry Announces Ultra High-Definition |publisher=Consumer Electronics Association |url=http://www.ce.org/News/News-Releases/Press-Releases/2012-Press-Releases/Consumer-Electronics-Industry-Announces-Ultra-High.aspx |date=October 18, 2012 |access-date=October 20, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160529142543/http://www.cta.tech/news/news-releases/press-releases/2012-press-releases/consumer-electronics-industry-announces-ultra-high.aspx |archive-date=29 May 2016}}{{cite magazine |title=CEA Votes for Ultra High-Definition |magazine=Broadcasting & Cable |url=http://www.broadcastingcable.com/article/489971-CEA_Votes_for_Ultra_High_Definition.php |first=George |last=Winslow |date=October 18, 2012 |access-date=October 20, 2012}}{{cite news |title=Consumer Electronics Association Gives 4K a Name |publisher=Home Media Magazine |url=http://www.homemediamagazine.com/consumer-electronics/consumer-electronics-association-gives-4k-name-28627 |first=Chris |last=Tribbey |date=October 18, 2012 |access-date=October 22, 2012}}{{cite magazine |title=4K Technology Renamed 'Ultra High-Definition' |magazine=PC Magazine |url=https://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,2411197,00.asp |first=Stephanie |last=Mlot |date=October 19, 2012 |access-date=December 11, 2012}} The Ultra HD label also requires the display to have an aspect ratio of 16:9 or wider and to have at least one digital input that can carry and present a native video signal of {{resx|3840×2160}} without having to rely on a video scaler. Sony announced they would market their 4K products as 4K Ultra High-Definition (4K UHD).{{cite web |title=Sony bucks Ultra High-Definition name, to use '4K UHD' instead |website=The Verge |url=https://www.theverge.com/2012/10/19/3527162/sony-to-use-4k-uhd-nomenclature |last=D'Orazio |first=Dante |date=October 19, 2012 |access-date=October 22, 2012}}

On October 23, 2012, Ortus Technology Co., Ltd announced the development of the world's smallest {{resx|3840×2160}} pixel LCD panel with a size of {{cvt|9.6|in|cm}} and a pixel density of 458{{nbsp}}px/in.{{cite news |title=Announce"World's smallest size 4K2K"Color TFT LCD|publisher=Ortustech |url=http://www.ortustech.co.jp/english/news/20121023.html |date=October 23, 2012 |access-date=October 27, 2012}}{{cite news |title=Japanese Firm Announces 'World's Smallest' 4k2k LCD Panel |publisher=Tech-On |url=http://techon.nikkeibp.co.jp/english/NEWS_EN/20121025/247705/ |first=Shinya |last=Saeki |date=October 25, 2012 |access-date=October 27, 2012}}{{cite news |title=Ortus shows 9.6-inch LCD panel with 4K resolution |publisher=Electronista |url=http://www.electronista.com/articles/12/10/25/japans.ortus.shows.smallest.lcd.with.4k.resolution.458ppi/ |date=October 25, 2012 |access-date=October 27, 2012}} The LCD panel is designed for medical equipment and professional video equipment.

On October 25, 2012, LG Electronics began selling the first flat panel Ultra HD display in the United States with a resolution of {{resx|3840x2160}}.{{cite news |title=LG's 84-inch 4K ultra high definition TV goes on sale in the US next month for $19,999 |publisher=Engadget |url=https://www.engadget.com/2012/09/06/lg-84-inch-4k-uhdtv/ |first=Richard |last=Lawler |date=September 6, 2012 |access-date=October 26, 2012}}{{cite news |title=New Ultra HD TVs arrive in stores |newspaper=USA Today |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/personal/2012/10/25/ultra-hd-tvs-hit-market/1653665/ |first=Mike |last=Snider |date=October 25, 2012 |access-date=October 26, 2012}}{{cite news |title=Street Price set at $16,999 for LG's 84-in 4K Ultra HD TV |publisher=CEPro |url=http://www.cepro.com/article/street_price_set_at_16999_for_lgs_84-in_4k_ultra_hd_tv/ |first=Julie |last=Jacobson |date=October 25, 2012 |access-date=October 26, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140102195615/http://www.cepro.com/article/street_price_set_at_16999_for_lgs_84-in_4k_ultra_hd_tv/ |archive-date=January 2, 2014}} The LG 84LM9600 is an {{convert|84|in|cm|abbr=on}} flat panel LED-backlit LCD display with a price of US$19,999 though the retail store was selling it for US$16,999.

On November 29, 2012, Sony announced the 4K Ultra HD Video Player—a hard disk server preloaded with ten 4K movies and several 4K video clips that they planned to include with the Sony XBR-84X900.{{cite news |title=Sony's First Collection of 4K Ultra HD Content for the Home Now Available For Consumers |publisher=Sony |url=https://news.sel.sony.com/en/press_room/consumer/television/release/64159.html?CSRT=16233021794348780052 |date=November 29, 2012 |access-date=November 29, 2012}}{{cite news |title=Sony's First Collection of 4K Ultra HD Content for the Home Now Available For Consumers |publisher=PRNewswire |url=http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/sonys-first-collection-of-4k-ultra-hd-content-for-the-home-now-available-for-consumers-181358331.html|date=November 29, 2012 |access-date=November 29, 2012}}{{cite news |title=Sony's 4K Ultra HD Video Player revealed, COO Phil Molyneux tells us what 'only Sony can do' |first=Richard |last=Lawler |publisher=Engadget |url=https://www.engadget.com/2012/11/29/sony-4k-ultra-hd-video-player-phil-molyneux/ |date=November 29, 2012 |access-date=November 29, 2012}} The preloaded 4K movies are The Amazing Spider-Man, Total Recall (2012), The Karate Kid (2010), Salt, Battle: Los Angeles, The Other Guys, Bad Teacher, That's My Boy, Taxi Driver, and The Bridge on the River Kwai. Additional 4K movies and 4K video clips will be offered for the 4K Ultra HD Video Player in the future.

On November 30, 2012, Red Digital Cinema Camera Company announced that they were taking pre-orders for the US$1,450 REDRAY 4K Cinema Player, which can output 4K resolution to a single 4K display or to four 1080p displays arranged in any configuration via four HDMI{{nbsp}}1.4 connections.{{cite news |title=REDRAY 4K Cinema Player |publisher=Red Digital Cinema |url=http://www.red.com/products/redray |date=November 30, 2012 |access-date=December 1, 2012}}{{cite news |title=Redray 4K Cinema Player is ready to pre-order: $1,450 for high-res, high framerate home viewing |publisher=Engadget |url=https://www.engadget.com/2012/11/30/redray-4k-cinema-player-1-450-pre-order/ |first=Richard |last=Lawler |date=November 30, 2012 |access-date=December 7, 2012}} Video output can be DCI 4K ({{resx|4096×2160}}), 4K Ultra HD, 1080p, and 720p at frame rates of up to 60{{nbsp}}fps with a color depth of up to 12{{nbsp}}bpc with 4:2:2 chroma subsampling. Audio output can be up to 7.1 channels. Content is distributed online using the ODEMAX video service. External storage can be connected using eSATA, Ethernet, USB, or a Secure Digital memory card.

On January 6, 2013, the NHK announced that Super Hi-Vision satellite broadcasts could begin in Japan in 2016.{{cite magazine |title=Japan's NHK eyes 8K TV broadcasting from 2016 |first=Martyn |last=Williams |magazine=PC World |url=http://www.pcworld.idg.com.au/article/445664/japan_nhk_eyes_8k_tv_broadcasting_from_2016/ |date=January 6, 2013 |access-date=January 23, 2013}}

On January 7, 2013, Eutelsat announced the first dedicated 4K Ultra HD channel.{{cite news |title=Eutelsat Launches Europe's First Dedicated Ultra HD (4K) Channel |publisher=PRNewswire |url=http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/eutelsat-launches-europes-first-dedicated-ultra-hd-4k-channel-185893172.html |date=January 7, 2013 |access-date=January 8, 2013}}{{cite news |title=Eutelsat Launches Europe's First Dedicated Ultra HD (4K) Channel |publisher=Eutelsat |url=http://www.eutelsat.com/news/compress/en/2013/pdf/PR0313-Ultra-HD.pdf |date=January 7, 2013 |access-date=January 8, 2013}}{{cite news |title=First Ultra HD channel goes live in Europe |first=Ben |last=Drawbaugh |publisher=Engadget |url=https://www.engadget.com/2013/01/14/first-ultra-hd-channel-goes-live-in-europe/ |date=January 14, 2013 |access-date=January 15, 2013}}{{cite news |title=Eutelsat provides Europe's first ultra HD channel |first=Philip |last=Hunter |publisher=Broadcast Engineering |url=http://broadcastengineering.com/hdtv/eutelsat-provides-europes-first-ultra-hd-channel |date=January 11, 2013 |access-date=January 15, 2013}} Ateme uplinks the H.264/MPEG-4 AVC channel to the Eutelsat 10A satellite. The 4K Ultra HD channel has a frame rate of 50{{nbsp}}fps and is encoded at 40{{nbsp}}Mbit/s. The channel started transmission on January 8, 2013. On the same day Qualcomm CEO Paul Jacobs announced that mobile devices capable of playing and recording 4K Ultra HD video would be released in 2013{{Update inline|date=August 2015}} using the Snapdragon 800 chip.{{cite news |title=Snapdragon 800 Series and 600 Processors Unveiled |first=Raj |last=Talluri |publisher=Qualcomm |url=http://www.qualcomm.com/media/blog/2013/01/07/snapdragon-800-series-and-600-processors-unveiled |date=January 7, 2013 |access-date=January 10, 2013}}{{cite magazine |title=Mobiles that capture 4K 'Ultra HD' coming this year, confirms Qualcomm CEO |first=Nate |last=Lanxon |magazine=Wired |url=https://www.wired.co.uk/news/archive/2013-01/08/4k-tablets |date=January 8, 2013 |access-date=January 10, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130111024642/http://www.wired.co.uk/news/archive/2013-01/08/4k-tablets |archive-date=January 11, 2013}}{{cite news |title=Qualcomm unveils Snapdragon 800 chips, aimed at 'premium' mobiles |first=Charlie |last=Osborne |work=ZDNet |url=https://www.zdnet.com/article/qualcomm-unveils-snapdragon-800-chips-aimed-at-premium-mobiles/ |date=January 8, 2013 |access-date=January 10, 2013}}

On January 8, 2013, Broadcom announced the BCM7445, an Ultra HD decoding chip capable of decoding High Efficiency Video Coding (HEVC) at up to {{resx|4096|2160}} at 60{{nbsp}}fps.{{cite news |title=BCM7445 |publisher=Broadcom |url=http://www.broadcom.com/products/Cable/Cable-Set-Top-Box-Solutions/BCM7445 |access-date=January 8, 2013}}{{cite news |title=Broadcom Unveils World's First UltraHD TV Home Gateway Chip |publisher=Broadcom |url=http://www.broadcom.com/press/release.php?id=s732069 |date=January 8, 2013 |access-date=January 8, 2013}}{{cite news |title=Broadcom's new ARM-based chip boosts Ultra HD TV into living rooms of the future |first=Joseph |last=Volpe |publisher=Engadget |url=https://www.engadget.com/2013/01/08/broadcoms-arm-based-chip-ultra-hd-tv/ |date=January 8, 2013 |access-date=January 8, 2013}}{{cite news |title=Broadcom unveils first Ultra HD TV home gateway chip |first=Dean |last=Takahashi |work=VentureBeat |url=https://venturebeat.com/2013/01/08/broadcom-launches-first-ultra-hd-tv-home-gateway-chip/ |date=January 8, 2013 |access-date=January 8, 2013}} The BCM7445 is a 28{{nbsp}}nm ARM architecture chip capable of 21,000 Dhrystone MIPS with volume production estimated for the middle of 2014. On the same day THX announced the "THX 4K Certification" program for Ultra HD displays.{{cite news |title=THX Unveils New 4K Certification Program for Ultra High-Definition Displays |publisher=THX |url=http://www.thx.com/press-releases/thx-unveils-new-4k-certification-program-for-ultra-high-definition-displays/ |date=January 8, 2013 |access-date=January 12, 2013}}{{cite news |title=THX Unveils New 4K Certification Program for Ultra High-Definition Displays |work=Yahoo! Finance |url=https://finance.yahoo.com/news/thx-unveils-4k-certification-program-133000114.html |date=January 8, 2013 |access-date=January 12, 2013}}{{cite news |title=THX Unveils New 4K Certification Program for Ultra High-Definition Displays |publisher=Business Wire |url=http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20130108005125/en/THX-Unveils-4K-Certification-Program-Ultra-High-Definition |date=January 8, 2013 |access-date=January 12, 2013}} The certification involves up to 600 tests and the goal of the program is so that "content viewed on a THX Certified Ultra HD display meets the most exacting video standards achievable in a consumer television today".

On January 14, 2013, Blu-ray Disc Association president Andy Parsons stated that a task force created three months ago is studying an extension to the Blu-ray Disc specification that would add support for 4K Ultra HD video.{{cite magazine |title=Blu-ray looks ahead to 4K |last=Perenson |first=Melissa J. |magazine=PC World |url=http://www.pcworld.com/article/2024919/blu-ray-looks-ahead-to-4k.html |date=January 14, 2013 |access-date=January 17, 2013}}{{cite news |title=Ultra HD Blu-ray discs being researched by the BDA |first=Gareth |last=Halfacree |publisher=expertreviews.co.uk |url=http://www.expertreviews.co.uk/blu-ray-players/1297180/ultra-hd-blu-ray-discs-being-researched-by-the-bda |date=January 16, 2013 |access-date=January 17, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130118042748/http://www.expertreviews.co.uk/blu-ray-players/1297180/ultra-hd-blu-ray-discs-being-researched-by-the-bda|archive-date=January 18, 2013}}

On January 25, 2013, the BBC announced that the BBC Natural History Unit would produce Survival—the first wildlife TV series recorded in 4K resolution. This was announced after the BBC had experimented with 8K during the London Olympics.{{cite news |title=HD? 3D? No, the future of television is 4K – and it's brought to you by some very sharp meerkats |first=Ian |last=Burrell |newspaper=The Independent |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/tv/news/hd-3d-no-the-future-of-television-is-4k--and-its-brought-to-you-by-some-very-sharp-meerkats-8467820.html |date=January 25, 2013 |access-date=January 28, 2013}}{{cite news |title=Meerkats to go Ultra HD in BBC's first 4K broadcast |first=Kate |last=Solomon |work=TechRadar |url=http://www.techradar.com/news/tv/television/meerkats-to-go-ultra-hd-in-bbcs-first-4k-broadcast-1127915 |date=January 28, 2013 |access-date=January 28, 2013}}

On January 27, 2013, Asahi Shimbun reported that 4K Ultra HD satellite broadcasts would start in Japan with the 2014 FIFA World Cup.{{cite web |title=Japan promised Ultra HD TV broadcasts two years early |first=Tony |last=Smith |website=The Register |url=https://www.theregister.co.uk/2013/01/28/japan_promised_ultra_hd_tv_early/ |date=January 28, 2013 |access-date=January 28, 2013}}{{cite news |title=Japan wants to bring 4K Ultra HD broadcasts to televisions by next year |first=Ricardo |last=Bilton |work=VentureBeat |url=https://venturebeat.com/2013/01/27/japanese-government-4k-broadcasting/ |date=January 27, 2013 |access-date=January 28, 2013}} Japan's Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications decided on this move to stimulate demand for 4K Ultra HD TVs.

On February 21, 2013, Sony announced that the PlayStation 4 would support 4K resolution output for photos and videos but wouldn't render games at that resolution.{{cite news |title=PS4 will output video in 4K, but not games |first=JC |last=Fletcher |publisher=Joystiq |url=http://www.joystiq.com/2013/02/21/ps4-will-output-video-in-4k-but-not-games/ |date=February 21, 2013 |access-date=February 21, 2013}}{{cite web |title=PS4 will support 4K for 'personal contents' like photos, but not games |author=Alexa Ray Corriea |website=Polygon |url=http://www.polygon.com/2013/2/21/4013432/playstation-4-4k-output-games |date=February 21, 2013 |access-date=February 21, 2013}}

On March 26, 2013, the Advanced Television Systems Committee (ATSC) announced a call for proposals for the ATSC 3.0 physical layer that specifies support for {{resx|3840|2160}} resolution at 60{{nbsp}}fps.{{cite news |title=Call for Proposals for ATSC-3.0 Physical Layer |publisher=Advanced Television Systems Committee |url=http://www.atsc.org/cms/standards/ATSC-3-PHY-CFP.pdf |date=March 26, 2013 |access-date=April 15, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130509105751/http://www.atsc.org/cms/standards/ATSC-3-PHY-CFP.pdf |archive-date=May 9, 2013}}{{cite news |title=Advanced Television Systems Committee Invites Proposals for Next-Generation TV Broadcasting Technologies |publisher=Advanced Television Systems Committee |url=http://www.atsc.org/cms/index.php/communications/press-releases/315-advanced-television-systems-committee-invites-proposals-for-next-generation-tv-broadcasting-technologies |date=March 26, 2013 |access-date=April 15, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130401051516/http://www.atsc.org/cms/index.php/communications/press-releases/315-advanced-television-systems-committee-invites-proposals-for-next-generation-tv-broadcasting-technologies |archive-date=April 1, 2013}}{{cite news |title=ATSC seeks proposals for ATSC 3.0 physical layer |publisher=Broadcast Engineering |url=http://broadcastengineering.com/standards/atsc-seeks-proposals-atsc-30-physical-layer |date=March 27, 2013 |access-date=April 15, 2013}}{{cite magazine |title=ATSC Seeks Next-Gen TV Physical Layer Proposals |first=Doug |last=Lung |magazine=TV Technology |url=http://www.tvtechnology.com/article/atsc-seeks-next-gen-tv-physical-layer-proposals/218643 |date=March 28, 2013 |access-date=April 15, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130520070147/http://www.tvtechnology.com/article/atsc-seeks-next-gen-tv-physical-layer-proposals/218643 |archive-date=May 20, 2013}}

On April 11, 2013, Bulb TV created by Canadian entrepreneur Evan Kosiner announced a 4K linear channel and VOD content to cable and satellite companies in North America.{{cite web |url=http://www.techvibes.com/blog/4000-pixel-bulb-tv-evan-kosiner-2013-04-11 |title=Canadian Serial Entrepreneur to Launch First 4,000-pixel Television Signal, Bulb TV |date=11 April 2013 |access-date=12 November 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130812145554/http://www.techvibes.com/blog/4000-pixel-bulb-tv-evan-kosiner-2013-04-11 |archive-date=12 August 2013}}{{cite web |url=http://digitalmediazone.ryerson.ca/blog/canadian-serial-entrepreneur-to-launch-first-4000-pixel-television-signal-bulb-tv/ |title=Young media mogul granted TV licence |date=12 April 2013 |access-date=12 November 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130514073746/http://digitalmediazone.ryerson.ca/blog/canadian-serial-entrepreneur-to-launch-first-4000-pixel-television-signal-bulb-tv/ |archive-date=14 May 2013}}{{cite web |url=http://www.mediacastermagazine.com/news/canadian-cat-b-channel-plans-4k-video-feed/1002228320/?&ref=rss&ctid=1002228320&er=NA |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141205021043/http://www.mediacastermagazine.com/news/canadian-cat-b-channel-plans-4k-video-feed/1002228320/?&ref=rss&ctid=1002228320&er=NA |url-status=usurped |archive-date=December 5, 2014 |title=Canadian Cat B Channel Plans 4K Video Feed |date=16 April 2013 |access-date=12 November 2013}}{{cite web |url=http://www.csimagazine.com/csi/Bulb-TV-to-turn-on-4k.php |title=Bulb TV to turn on 4k |date=12 April 2013 |access-date=12 November 2013}} The channel planned to be licensed by the Canadian Radio-Television and Telecommunications Commission to provide educational content.{{cite web |title=Broadcasting Decision CRTC 2012-268 |url=http://www.crtc.gc.ca/eng/archive/2012/2012-268.pdf |website=CRTC.gc.ca |publisher=Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission |first=Evan |last=Kosiner |date=May 4, 2012 |access-date=March 13, 2015}}

On April 19, 2013, SES announced the first Ultra HD transmission using the HEVC standard.{{cite news |title=SES to pioneer first Ultra HD transmission in new standard at SES Industry Days |publisher=SES S.A. |url=http://www.ses.com/4233325/news/2013/15034396 |date=April 19, 2013 |access-date=April 19, 2013}}{{cite news |title=SES to pioneer first Ultra HD transmission in new standard at SES Industry Days |work=Yahoo Finance |url=https://finance.yahoo.com/news/ses-pioneer-first-ultra-hd-072200294.html |date=April 19, 2013 |access-date=April 19, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140102192834/http://finance.yahoo.com/news/ses-pioneer-first-ultra-hd-072200294.html |archive-date=January 2, 2014}}{{cite news |title=SES UltraHD transmission via satellite and HEVC compression successful |first=Michael |last=Grotticelli |publisher=Broadcast Engineering |url=http://broadcastengineering.com/satellite/ses-ultrahd-transmission-satellite-and-hevc-compression-successful |date=April 19, 2013 |access-date=April 19, 2013}} The transmission had a resolution of {{resx|3840|2160}} and a bit rate of 20{{nbsp}}Mbit/s.

On May 9, 2013, NHK and Mitsubishi Electric announced that they had jointly developed the first HEVC encoder for 8K Ultra HD TV, which is also called Super Hi-Vision (SHV).{{cite news |title=NHK and Mitsubishi Develop First HEVC encoder for 8K Super Hi-Vision |publisher=CDRinfo |url=http://www.cdrinfo.com/Sections/News/Details.aspx?NewsId=36639 |date=May 9, 2013 |access-date=May 9, 2013}}{{cite news |title=NHK and Mitsubishi develop the first H.265 encoder for 8K video |first=Jon |last=Fingas |publisher=Engadget |url=https://www.engadget.com/2013/05/09/nhk-and-mitsubishi-develop-the-first-h-265-encoder-for-8k-video/ |date=May 9, 2013 |access-date=May 9, 2013}}{{cite news |title=NHK and Mitsubishi Electric Corporation successfully develop World's First HEVC encoder for 8K "Super Hi-Vision" |publisher=Mitsubishi Electric |url=http://www.mitsubishielectric.com/news/2013/0509-b.pdf |date=May 9, 2013 |access-date=May 9, 2013}}{{cite news |title=NHK and Mitsubishi Electric Corporation Successfully Develop World's First HEVC Encoder for 8K "Super Hi-Vision" |publisher=Yahoo |work=Finance |url=https://finance.yahoo.com/news/nhk-mitsubishi-electric-corporation-successfully-070000159.html |date=May 9, 2013 |access-date=May 9, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140102192718/http://finance.yahoo.com/news/nhk-mitsubishi-electric-corporation-successfully-070000159.html |archive-date=January 2, 2014}} The HEVC encoder supports the Main 10 profile at Level 6.1 allowing it to encode 10{{nbsp}}bpc video with a resolution of {{resx|7680|4320}} at 60{{nbsp}}fps. The HEVC encoder has 17 3G-SDI inputs and uses 17 boards for parallel processing with each board encoding a row of {{resx|7680|256}} pixels to allow for real time video encoding. The HEVC encoder is compliant with draft 4 of the HEVC standard and has a maximum bit rate of 340{{nbsp}}Mbit/s.{{cite news |title=Super Hi-Vision HEVC Real-time Encoder |publisher=NHK |url=http://www.nhk.or.jp/strl/open2013/tenji/tenji06/index_e.html |access-date=May 17, 2013}} The HEVC encoder was shown at the NHK Science & Technology Research Laboratories Open House 2013 that took place from May 30 to June 2.{{cite news |title=Open House |year=2013 |publisher=NHK |url=http://www.nhk.or.jp/strl/open2013/index_e.html |access-date=May 9, 2013}} At the NHK Open House 2013 the HEVC encoder used a bit rate of 85{{nbsp}}Mbit/s, which gives a compression ratio of {{ratio|350:1}}.{{cite news |title=8K Ultra HD compact camera and H.265 encoder developed by NHK with UHD trial broadcasts slated for 2016 |publisher=Diginfo TV |url=http://www.diginfo.tv/v/13-0043-r-en.php |date=May 31, 2013 |access-date=June 5, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130603001013/http://www.diginfo.tv/v/13-0043-r-en.php |archive-date=June 3, 2013}}{{cite news |title=8K Ultra HD compact camera and H.265 encoder developed by NHK #DigInfo |publisher=YouTube |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XhLLjrkSroQ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211104/XhLLjrkSroQ |archive-date=2021-11-04 |url-status=live |date=May 31, 2013 |access-date=June 5, 2013}}{{cbignore}}

On May 21, 2013, Microsoft announced the Xbox One, which supports 4K resolution ({{resx|3840|2160}}) video output and 7.1 surround sound.{{cite news |title=Xbox One Hardware and Specs: 8-Core CPU, 8 GB RAM, 500 GB Hard Drive and More |first=Sharif |last=Sakr |publisher=Engadget |url=https://www.engadget.com/2013/05/21/xbox-one-hardware-and-specs/ |date=May 21, 2013 |access-date=May 21, 2013}}{{cite news |title=Microsoft's Mehdi: Xbox One Can Do 4K Gaming; More Original Content Coming |first=Matthew 'Matt' |last=Hickey |work=Forbes |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/matthickey/2013/05/21/microsofts-mehdi-xbox-one-can-do-4k-gaming-more-original-content-coming/ |date=May 21, 2013 |access-date=May 21, 2013}}{{cite news |title=Microsoft Unveils Xbox One: The One and Only Machine One Needs in the Living Room |first=Anton |last=Shilov |publisher=Xbit |url=http://www.xbitlabs.com/news/multimedia/display/20130521194411_Microsoft_Unveils_Xbox_One_The_One_and_Only_Machine_One_Needs_in_the_Living_Room.html |date=May 21, 2013 |access-date=May 21, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130609120947/http://www.xbitlabs.com/news/multimedia/display/20130521194411_Microsoft_Unveils_Xbox_One_The_One_and_Only_Machine_One_Needs_in_the_Living_Room.html |archive-date=June 9, 2013}} Yusuf Mehdi, corporate vice president of marketing and strategy for Microsoft, has stated that there is no hardware restriction that would prevent Xbox One games from running at 4K resolution.

On May 30, 2013, Eye IO announced that their encoding technology was licensed by Sony Pictures Entertainment to deliver 4K Ultra HD video.{{cite news |title=eyeIO Delivers Unprecedented Viewing Experience for Sony Pictures Content on Sony 4K UltraHD TVs |publisher=Eye IO |url=http://eyeio.com/eyeio-delivers-unprecedented-viewing-experience-for-%e2%80%a8sony-pictures-content-on-sony-4k-ultrahd-tvs/ |date=May 30, 2013 |access-date=June 5, 2013}}{{cite news |title=Sony Gears Up for 4K Ultra HD Internet Movie Service |first=Todd |last=Sprangler |work=Variety |url=https://variety.com/2013/digital/news/sony-gears-up-for-4k-ultra-hd-internet-movie-service-1200489195/ |date=May 30, 2013 |access-date=June 5, 2013}} Eye IO encodes their video assets at {{resx|3840|2160}} and includes support for the xvYCC color space.

In mid-2013, a Chinese television manufacturer produced the first 50-inch UHD television set costing less than $1,000.{{cite web |url=http://www.techlicious.com/blog/meet-the-first-4k-tv-to-cost-under-1000/ |title=Meet the First 4K TV to Cost Under $1,000 |author=Fox Van Allen |access-date=March 16, 2014}}

On June 11, 2013, Comcast announced that they had demonstrated the first public U.S.-based delivery of 4K Ultra HD video at the 2013 NCTA show.{{cite web |title=Comcast Harnesses the Power of Its Network to Demonstrate the Future of Broadband Speed and 4K Ultra HD Video |website=MarketWatch |url=http://www.marketwatch.com/story/comcast-harnesses-the-power-of-its-network-to-demonstrate-the-future-of-broadband-speed-and-4k-ultra-hd-video-2013-06-11 |date=June 11, 2013 |access-date=June 14, 2013}}{{cite news |title=Comcast Debuts First Public U.S.-Based Delivery of 4K Ultra HD at NCTA 2013 |first=Anthony 'Tony' |last=Werner |publisher=Comcast |url=http://corporate.comcast.com/comcast-voices/comcast-debuts-first-public-u-s-based-delivery-of-4k-ultra-hd-at-ncta-2013 |date=June 11, 2013 |access-date=June 14, 2013}} The demonstration included segments from Oblivion, Defiance, and nature content sent over a DOCSIS 3.0 network.

On June 13, 2013, ESPN announced that they would end the broadcast of the ESPN 3D channel by the end of that year and would "...experiment with things like UHDTV."{{cite news |title=With ESPN out, is 3-D TV dead? |first=Douglas 'Doug' |last=Gross |publisher=CNN |url=http://www.cnn.com/2013/06/13/tech/gaming-gadgets/3d-tv-dead/ |date=June 11, 2013 |access-date=June 14, 2013}}

On June 26, 2013, Sharp announced the LC-70UD1U, which is a {{cvt|70|in|cm}} 4K Ultra HD TV.{{cite news |title=Sharp® Unveils AQUOS® Ultra HD LED TV |publisher=PRNewswire |url=http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/sharp-unveils-aquos-ultra-hd-led-tv-213115231.html |date=June 26, 2013 |access-date=June 27, 2013}}{{cite news |title=Sharp Unveils First THX-Certified Ultra HD TV |publisher=Home Theater |url=http://www.hometheater.com/content/sharp-unveils-first-thx-certified-ultra-hd-tv |date=June 26, 2013 |access-date=June 27, 2013}} The LC-70UD1U is the world's first TV with THX 4K certification.

On July 2, 2013, Jimmy Kimmel Live! recorded in 4K Ultra HD a performance by musical guest Karmin, and the video clip was used as demonstration material at Sony stores.{{cite magazine |title='Jimmy Kimmel Live' Films Karmin Performance in 'Ultra HD' |first=Carolyn |last=Giardina |magazine=The Hollywood Reporter |url=http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/behind-screen/jimmy-kimmel-live-films-karmin-579769 |date=July 3, 2013 |access-date=July 3, 2013}}

On July 3, 2013, Sony announced the release of their 4K Ultra HD Media Player with a price of US$7.99 for rentals and US$29.99 for purchases.{{cite news |title=Announcing: Sony's First All 4K Ultra HD Media Player and Content Download Service |author=Katie |publisher=Sony |url=https://blog.sony.com/2013/07/sony-4k-media-player/ |date=July 3, 2013 |access-date=July 9, 2013}}{{cite web |title=Sony's 4K Ultra HD player now available, rentals to cost $7.99 with purchases priced at $29.99 |first=Chris |last=Welch |website=The Verge |url=https://www.theverge.com/2013/7/3/4491404/sony-4k-ultra-hd-media-player-availability |date=July 3, 2013 |access-date=July 9, 2013}} The 4K Ultra HD Media Player only worked with Sony's 4K Ultra HD TVs.

On July 15, 2013, the CTA published CTA-861-F, a standard that applies to interfaces such as DVI, HDMI, and LVDS.{{cite news |title=CEA Announces Publication of New DTV Interface Standard |work=Business Wire |url=http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20130715006388/en/CEA-Announces-Publication-DTV-Interface-Standard |date=July 15, 2013 |access-date=July 17, 2013}} The CTA-861-F standard adds support for several Ultra HD video formats and additional color spaces.

On September 2, 2013 Acer announced the first smartphone, dubbed Liquid S2, capable of recording 4K video.{{Citation |newspaper=Phone arena |url=http://www.phonearena.com/news/4K-video-recording-with-a-mobile-Acer-Liquid-S2-6-phablet-arrives_id46966 |title=4K video recording with a mobile: Acer Liquid S2 6 phablet arrives |date=September 4, 2013}}

On September 4, 2013, the HDMI Forum released the HDMI 2.0 specification, which supports 4K resolution at 60{{nbsp}}fps.{{cite news |url=http://www.hdmi.org/press/press_release.aspx?prid=133 |title=HDMI Forum releases version 2.0 of the HDMI specification |publisher=HDMI forum |date=September 4, 2013 |access-date=September 4, 2013}} On the same day, Panasonic announced the Panasonic TC-L65WT600—the first 4K TV to support 4K resolution at 60{{nbsp}}FPS.{{cite web |title=Panasonic 65WT600 4K Ultra HD TV is the first to boast HDMI 2.0 and 60fps |first=Nicholas 'Nick' |last=Hide |website=CNET |url=http://reviews.cnet.com/flat-panel-tvs/panasonic-tx-l65wt600/4505-6482_7-35827201.html |date=September 4, 2013 |access-date=September 4, 2013}}{{cite news |title=Panasonic TX-L65WT600 is world's first 4K TV with HDMI 2.0 |first=Vincent |last=Teoh |publisher=HDTVtest |url=http://www.hdtvtest.co.uk/news/panasonic-txl65wt600-201309043297.htm |date=September 4, 2013 |access-date=September 4, 2013}} The Panasonic TC-L65WT600 has a {{cvt|65|in|cm}} screen, support for DisplayPort{{nbsp}}1.2a, support for HDMI{{nbsp}}2.0, an expected ship date of October, and a suggested retail price of US$5,999.

On September 12–17, 2013,{{cite web |url=http://www.ibc.org/page.cfm/Action=VCalendarIndex|title=IBC2014 – IBC2013 Conference Dates |work=ibc.org |date=17 April 2014 |access-date=17 April 2014 |author= |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140417183832/http://www.ibc.org/page.cfm/Action=VCalendarIndex |archive-date=17 April 2014 |url-status=live}} at the 2013 IBC Conference in Amsterdam, Nagra introduced an Ultra HD User Interface called Project Ultra based on HTML5, which works with OpenTV 5.{{cite web |url=http://www.broadcastingcable.com/news/news-articles/ibc-nagra-demoes-project-ultra/127547?rssid=20065 |title=IBC: Nagra Demoes Project Ultra |work=broadcastingcable.com |date=September 16, 2013 |quote=OpenTV |access-date=April 17, 2014 |first=George |last=Winslow |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140417184346/http://www.broadcastingcable.com/news/news-articles/ibc-nagra-demoes-project-ultra/127547?rssid=20065 |archive-date=April 17, 2014 |url-status=live}}

On October 4, 2013, DigitalEurope announced the requirements for their UHD logo in Europe.{{cite news |title=4K TVs Allowed To Display UHD Logo Without Ultra HD Colour Space |first=Michael 'Mike' |last=Wheatley |publisher=HDTVtest |url=http://www.hdtvtest.co.uk/news/uhd-logo-201310043374.htm|date=October 4, 2013 |access-date=October 19, 2013}} The DigitalEurope UHD logo requires that the display support a resolution of at least {{resx|3840|2160}}, a {{ratio|16|9}} aspect ratio, the Rec. 709 (HDTV) color space, 8{{nbsp}}bpc color depth, a frame rate of 24, 25, 30, 50, or 60{{nbsp}}fps, and at least 2-channel audio.

On October 29, 2013, Elemental Technologies announced support for real-time 4K Ultra HD HEVC video processing. Elemental provided live video streaming of the 2013 Osaka Marathon on October 27, 2013, in a workflow designed by K-Opticom, a telecommunications operator in Japan. Live coverage of the race in 4K Ultra HD was available to viewers at the International Exhibition Center in Osaka. This transmission of 4K Ultra HD HEVC video in real-time was an industry-first.{{cite news |title=Elemental Technologies hails world's first real-time 4K HEVC transmission |publisher=Sports Video Group |place=Europe |url=http://svgeurope.org/blog/headlines/elemental-technologies-hails-worlds-first-real-time-4k-hevc-transmission/ |date=October 30, 2013 |access-date=November 7, 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140108190435/http://svgeurope.org/blog/headlines/elemental-technologies-hails-worlds-first-real-time-4k-hevc-transmission/ |archive-date=January 8, 2014}}

On November 28, 2013, Organizing Committee of the XXII Olympic Winter Games and XI Paralympic Winter Games 2014 in Sochi chief Dmitri Chernyshenko stated that the 2014 Olympic Winter Games would be shot in 8K Super Hi-Vision.{{Citation |url=http://tasstelecom.ru/news/one/26042 |title=Tass telecom |place=RU}}

On December 25, 2013, YouTube added a "2160p 4K" option to its videoplayer. Previously, a visitor had to select the "original" setting in the video quality menu to watch a video in 4K resolution. With the new setting, YouTube users can much more easily identify and play 4K videos.{{cite web |url=http://www.hdtvtest.co.uk/news/youtube-2160p-201312253535.htm/ |title=YouTube Adds "2160p 4K" Option To Video Quality Settings |date=December 25, 2013 |access-date=January 21, 2014}}

On December 30, 2013, Samsung announced availability of its {{cvt|110|in|cm}} Ultra HDTV for custom orders, making this the world's largest Ultra HDTV so far.{{cite web |url=https://www.engadget.com/2013/12/29/samsung-110-inch-uhd-tv/ |title=Samsung's 110-inch Ultra HDTV is the world's largest, and it goes on sale Monday |date=December 30, 2013 |access-date=December 30, 2013}}

On January 22, 2014, European Southern Observatory became the first scientific organization to deliver Ultra HD footage at regular intervals.{{cite news |title=Ultra HD Adds a New Dimension to ESO Videos |url=http://www.eso.org/public/announcements/ann14006/ |access-date=6 February 2014 |newspaper=ESO Announcement}}

On May 6, 2014, France announced{{cite web |url=http://www.csa.fr/Espace-juridique/Decisions-du-CSA/Ultra-haute-definition-UHD-reponse-au-HD-Forum |title=CSA.fr – Ultra haute définition (UHD): réponse au HD Forum / Décisions du CSA / Espace juridique / Accueil|last=CSA}} DVB-T2 tests in Paris for Ultra HD HEVC broadcast with objectives to replace by 2020 the current DVB-T MPEG4 HD national broadcast.

On May 26, 2014, satellite operator Eutelsat announced{{cite web |url=http://www.eutelsat.com/en/news/press-releases/2014/Eutelsat-launches-ultra-hd-demo-channel-HEVC.html |title=Eutelsat steps up Ultra HD activity with first demo channel broadcasting in HEVC at 50 frames per second |last=cegli}} the launch of Europe's first Ultra HD demo channel in HEVC, broadcasting at 50{{nbsp}}fps. The channel is available on the Hot Bird satellites and can be watched by viewers with 4K TVs equipped with DVB-S2 demodulators and HEVC decoders.

In June 2014, the FIFA World Cup of that year (held in Brazil) became the first shot entirely in 4K Ultra HD, by Sony. The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) broadcast matches of the FIFA World Cup to audiences in North America, Latin America, Europe and Asia in Ultra HD via SES' NSS-7 and SES-6 satellites.{{cite press release |publisher=SES |date=June 17, 2014 |url=http://www.ses.com/4233325/news/2014/19709182 |title=SES and EBU Broadcast 2014 FIFA World Up in Ultra HD |access-date=June 29, 2014}} Indian satellite TV provider unveils its plan to launch 4K UHD service early in 2015 and showcased live FIFA World Cup quarter final match in 4K UHD through Sony Entertainment Television Sony SIX.{{cite web |url=http://indianexpress.com/article/technology/technology-others/tata-sky-unveils-plans-for-4k-set-top-box/ |title=Tata Sky unveils plans for 4K set top box |date=5 July 2014}}

On June 24, 2014, the CEA updated the guidelines for Ultra High-Definition and released guidelines for Connected Ultra High-Definition, adding support for internet video delivered with HEVC.{{cite news |title=CEA Updates Characteristics for Ultra High-Definition Displays |publisher=Consumer Electronics Association |url=http://www.ce.org/News/News-Releases/Press-Releases/2014/CEA-Updates-Characteristics-for-Ultra-High-Definit.aspx |date=June 24, 2014 |access-date=August 16, 2014}}{{cite news |title=CEA Expands Ultra HD TV Terminology |publisher=TWICE |url=http://www.twice.com/cea-expands-ultra-hd-tv-terminology/45848 |date=July 7, 2014 |access-date=August 16, 2014}} The CEA is developing a UHD logo for voluntary use by companies that make products that meet CEA guidelines. The CEA also clarified that "Ultra High-Definition", "Ultra HD", or "UHD" can be used with other modifiers and gave an example with "Ultra High-Definition TV 4K".

On July 15, 2014, Researchers from the University of Essex both captured and delivered its graduation ceremonies in 4K UHDTV over the internet using H.264 in realtime.{{cite web |title=Live 4K Ultra-High Definition Graduation |url=https://www.essex.ac.uk/csee/news_and_seminars/newsEvent.aspx?e_id=6656 |website=21 July 2014: i++ School Newsletter |access-date=24 July 2015}}{{cite web |title=Essex scientists give insight into future of ultra-HDTV live stream technology |website=Events at Essex |url=http://www.essex.ac.uk/events/event.aspx?e_id=6720 |access-date=24 July 2015}} The 4K video stream was published at 8{{nbsp}}Mbit/s and 14{{nbsp}}Mbit/s for all its 11 ceremonies, with people viewing in from countries such as Cyprus, Bulgaria, Germany, Australia, UK, and others.

On September 4, 2014, Canon Inc. announced that a firmware upgrade would add Rec. 2020 color space support to their EOS C500 and EOS C500 PL camera models and their DP-V3010 4K display.{{cite web |title=Free Canon Firmware for Cinema EOS System Cameras Delivers Improved Basic Performance, Including Support for ITU-R BT.2020 Color Space |website=MarketWatch |url=http://www.marketwatch.com/story/free-canon-firmware-for-cinema-eos-system-cameras-delivers-improved-basic-performance-including-support-for-itu-r-bt2020-color-space-2014-09-04 |date=September 4, 2014 |access-date=September 6, 2014}}{{cite news |title=Free Canon Firmware Upgrade for DP-V3010 30-Inch 4K Professional Display Enables Confirmation of ITU-R BT.2020 Color Gamut Video Content |publisher=Business Wire |url=http://www.businesswire.com/multimedia/home/20140904005685/en/#.VAtVRJ0o6Ul |date=September 4, 2014 |access-date=September 6, 2014}}

On September 4, 2014, Microsoft announced a firmware update for the Microsoft Lumia 1020, 930, Icon, and 1520 phones that adds 4K video recording. The update was later released by the individual phone carriers over the following weeks and months after the announcement.{{cite news |title=Lumia Denim firmware announced by Microsoft, brings 4K-quality video and more |url=http://www.windowscentral.com/lumia-denim-firmware-announced-microsoft |access-date=4 September 2014 |newspaper=Windows Central}}

On September 5, 2014, the Blu-ray Disc Association announced that the 4K Blu-ray Disc specification supports 4K video at 60{{nbsp}}fps, High Efficiency Video Coding, the Rec. 2020 color space, high dynamic range, and 10{{nbsp}}bpc color depth.{{cite web |title=4K Blu-ray discs arriving in 2015 to fight streaming media |website=CNET |url=http://www.cnet.com/news/4k-blu-ray-discs-arriving-in-2015-to-fight-streaming-media/ |date=September 5, 2014 |access-date=September 6, 2014}}{{cite news |title=BDA Updates Blu-ray 4K Timeline |publisher=Home Media Magazine |url=http://www.homemediamagazine.com/high-def/bda-updates-blu-ray-4k-timeline-34108 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140906223337/http://www.homemediamagazine.com/high-def/bda-updates-blu-ray-4k-timeline-34108 |url-status=dead |archive-date=September 6, 2014 |date=September 5, 2014 |access-date=September 6, 2014}} 4K Blu-ray Disc will have a data rate of at least 50{{nbsp}}Mbit/s and may include support for 66{{nbsp}}GB and 100{{nbsp}}GB discs. 4K Blu-ray Disc began licensing in 2015, with 4K Blu-ray Disc players released late that year.

On September 5, 2014, DigitalEurope released an Ultra HD logo for companies that meet their technical requirements.{{cite news |title=DigitalEurope launches Ultra High Definition logo for new generation of screens on 5 September at IFA |publisher=DigitalEurope |url=http://www.digitaleurope.org/Services/Highdefinitionlogos/UHD.aspx |date=September 5, 2014 |access-date=September 6, 2014}}{{cite news |title=Technical Requirements |publisher=DigitalEurope |url=http://www.digitaleurope.org/Services/Highdefinitionlogos/UHD/UHDLogoTechnical.aspx |access-date=September 6, 2014}}{{cite news |title=DigitalEurope launches Ultra High Definition logo for new generation of screens |publisher=DTG |url=http://www.dtg.org.uk/news/news.php?id=5226 |date=September 5, 2014 |access-date=September 6, 2014}}

On September 11, 2014, satellite operator SES announced the first Ultra HD conditional access-protected broadcast using DVB standards at the IBC show in Amsterdam. The demonstration used a Samsung Ultra HD TV, with a standard Kudelski SmarDTV CI Plus conditional access module, to decrypt a full {{resx|3840|2160}} pixel CAS-protected Ultra HD signal in HEVC broadcast via an SES Astra satellite at 19.2°E.{{cite press release |publisher=SES |date=September 11, 2014 |url=http://www.ses.com/4233325/news/2014/20101788 |title=SES, SMARDTV and Samsung Demonstrate World's First Ultra HD CAS-Protected Broadcast Service using UVD Standards |access-date=October 28, 2014}}

On November 19, 2014, rock band Linkin Park's concert at Berlin's O2 World Arena was broadcast live in Ultra HD via an Astra 19.2°E satellite. The broadcast was encoded in the UHD 4K standard with the HEVC codec (50{{nbsp}}fps and a 10{{nbsp}}bpc color depth), and was a joint enterprise of satellite owner SES, SES Platform Services (later MX1, now part of SES Video) and Samsung.{{cite press release |publisher=SES |date=November 12, 2014 |url=http://www.ses.com/4233325/news/2014/20362143 |access-date=November 30, 2014 |title=SES and Samsung Mark Ultra HD's First – With Live Broadcast of Linkin Park Concert via Satellite}}

Indian satellite pay TV provider Tata Sky launched UHD service and UHD Set Top Box on 9 January 2015. The service is 4K at 50{{nbsp}}fps and price of the UHD box is ₹5900 for existing SD/HD customers and ₹6400 for new customers. The 2015 Cricket World Cup was telecast live in 4K for free to those who own Tata Sky's UHD 4K STB.

In May 2015, France Télévisions broadcast matches from Roland Garros live in Ultra HD via the EUTELSAT 5 West A satellite in the HEVC standard. The channel "France TV Sport Ultra HD" was available via the Fransat platform for viewers in France.{{cite web |url=http://fransat.com/actualites/fransat-et-france-televisions-s-associent-pour-retransmettre-partout-en-france-la-chaine-evenementielle-france-tv-sport-ultra-hd-?id=92 |title=Fransat et France Télévisions s'associent pour retransmettre partout en France la chaîne événementielle " France TV Sport Ultra HD "}}

In May 2015, satellite operator SES announced that Europe's first free-to-air Ultra HD channel (from Germany's pearl.tv shopping channel) would launch in September 2015, broadcast in native Ultra HD via the Astra 19.2°E satellite position.{{cite press release |publisher=SES |date=20 May 2015 |url=http://www.ses.com/4233325/news/2015/21215193 |title=Europe's first free-to-air Ultra HD channel to broadcast on Astra 19.2 degrees East |access-date=22 May 2015}}

In June 2015, SES launched its first Ultra HD demonstration channel for cable operators and content distributors in North America to prepare their systems and test their networks for Ultra HD delivery. The channel is broadcast from the SES-3 satellite at 103°W.[http://www.iptv-news.com/2015/06/ses-launches-ultra-hd-demo-channel-in-north-america/ SES launches Ultra HD demo channel in North America] IP&TV Nerws. June 17, 2015. Accessed June 28, 2015

In June 2015, SPI International previewed its "4K FunBox UHD" Ultra HD channel on the HOT BIRD 4K1 channel, in advance of its commercial launch on Eutelsat's HOT BIRD satellites in the autumn.{{cite web |url=http://news.eutelsat.com/pressreleases/eutelsat-boosts-ultra-hd-content-on-hot-bird-4k1-tv-platform-1175033 |title=Eutelsat boosts Ultra HD content on "Hot Bird 4K1" TV platform}}

In July 2015, German HD satellite broadcaster HD+ and TV equipment manufacturer TechniSat announced an Ultra HD TV set with integrated decryption for reception of existing HD+ channels (available in the Autumn) and a new Ultra HD demonstration channel due to begin broadcasting in September.{{cite press release |publisher=SES |date=July 9, 2015 |url=http://www.ses.com/4233325/news/2015/21341137 |title=HD+ unveils first HD+ embedded UHD TV and announces new demo UHD channel|access-date=August 30, 2015}}

On 2 August 2015, The FA Community Shield in England was broadcast in Ultra HD by broadcast company BT Sport, becoming the first live football game shown in Ultra HD on the world's first commercial Ultra HD channel. The match was shown on Europe's first Ultra HD channel, BT Sport Ultra HD where selected live English Premier League and European Champions League matches were broadcast.{{cite web |title=BT starts UK's first Ultra HD channel 2 August: Everything you need to know |author=Charlton, A. |url=https://www.ibtimes.co.uk/bt-starts-uks-first-ultra-hd-channel-2-august-everything-you-need-know-1513528 |publisher=IBTimes UK |date=31 July 2015 |access-date=27 November 2023}}

Fashion One 4K launched on September 2, 2015 becoming the first global Ultra HD TV channel. Reaching nearly 370 million households across the world, the fashion, lifestyle and entertainment network broadcasts via satellite from Measat at 91.5°E (for Asia Pacific, Middle East, Australia) and from SES satellites Astra 19.2°E (for Europe), SES-3 at 103°W (for North America), NSS-806 at 47.5°W (for South America).[http://www.digitaltveurope.net/420321/fashion-one-4k-channel-launches-globally/ Fashion One 4K channel launches globally] Digital TV Europe September 2, 2015. Retrieved September 29, 2015

In September 2015, Eutelsat presented new consumer research, conducted by TNS and GfK, on Ultra HD and screen sales in key TV markets. The study looked at consumer exposure to Ultra HD, perceived benefits and willingness to invest in equipment and content. GfK predicts a 200% increase in Ultra HD screen sales from June to December 2015, with sales expected to reach five million by the end of the year. GfK also forecasts that Ultra HD screens in 2020 will represent more than 70% of total sales across Europe and almost 60% in the Middle East and North Africa.{{cite web |url=http://news.eutelsat.com/pressreleases/eutelsat-reveals-new-consumer-research-on-ultra-hd-and-data-on-skyrocketing-screen-sales-in-key-tv-markets-1216550 |title=Eutelsat reveals new consumer research on Ultra HD and data on skyrocketing screen sales in key TV markets}}

On 2 September 2015, Sony unveiled the Xperia Z5 Premium; the first smartphone with a 4K display.{{cite web |url=http://blogs.sonymobile.com/press_release/sony-unveils-xperia-z5-series/ |title=Sony unveils next-generation smartphone camera with Xperia™ Z5 and Xperia™ Z5 Compact, and the world's first 4K¹ smartphone² Xperia™ Z5 Premium – Sony Smartphones |date=August 31, 2017}}

On 9 September 2015, Apple Inc. announced that their new smartphone the iPhone 6S could record video in 4K.{{cite web |url=https://www.theverge.com/2015/9/9/9261591/apple-iphone-6s-announced-specs-price-release-date |title=iPhone 6S announced: 3D Touch, 12-megapixel rear camera, rose gold finish, available September 25th for $199 |first=Jacob |last=Kastrenakes |date=9 September 2015}}

On 6 October 2015, Microsoft unveiled the latest version of their Microsoft Surface Book laptop with a display of "over 6 million pixels" and their new phones the Microsoft Lumia 950 and 950 XL, which, aside from 4K video recording that their predecessors included, feature a display of "over 5 million pixels".{{cite web |url=http://www.microsoft.com/october2015event/en-us |title=Microsoft Windows 10 devices event |website=Microsoft.com |date=October 6, 2015 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151006155124/http://www.microsoft.com/october2015event/en-us |archive-date=October 6, 2015 |access-date=October 6, 2015}}

On 8 December 2015, the ceremony of the opening of the Holy Door in Vatican City, which marked the beginning of the Jubilee Year of Mercy in the Roman Catholic church, was the first worldwide Ultra HD broadcast via satellite.{{cite web |url=http://news.eutelsat.com/pressreleases/eutelsat-partners-with-vatican-television-centre-for-first-worldwide-ultra-hd-transmission-1266693 |title=Eutelsat partners with Vatican Television Centre for first worldwide Ultra HD transmission}} The event was produced by the Vatican Television Center with the support of Eutelsat, Sony, Globecast and DBW Communication. The team did some advanced experimentation with 4K/High Dynamic Range live images and in particular using technology developed by the BBC's R&D division and Japan's public broadcaster NHK in terms of Hybrid Log Gamma (HLG) signals.{{cite web |url=http://advanced-television.com/2015/12/14/huge-success-for-uhd-hlg-test-in-rome/ |title="Huge success" for UHD-HLG test in Rome – |date=December 14, 2015}}

The "UHD Alliance", an industry consortium of content creators, distributors, and hardware manufacturers, announced Monday on January 11, 2016 during CES 2016 press conference its "Ultra HD Premium" specification, which defines resolution, bit depth, color gamut, high dynamic range (HDR) performance required for Ultra HD (UHDTV) content and displays to carry their Ultra HD Premium logo.

On April 2, 2016, Ultra-high-definition television demo channel UHD1 broadcast the Le Corsaire ballet in Ultra HD live from the Vienna State Opera. The programme was produced by Astra satellite owner, SES in collaboration with European culture channel ARTE, and transmitted free-to-air, available to anyone with reception of the Astra 19.2°E satellites and an ultra HD screen equipped with an HEVC decoder.[http://www.businesswire.com/news/financialpost/20160329005926/en/SES-ARTE-Broadcast-Le-Corsaire-Ballet-Live SES and ARTE to Broadcast Le Corsaire Ballet Live in Ultra HD via Astra 19.2] Business Wire. March 29, 2016. Accessed March 30, 2016

As of April 2016, The NPD Group reported that 6 million 4K UHD televisions had been sold.{{cite journal |title=4K UHD Awareness Spiking |last=Baumgartner |first=Jeff |journal=Broadcasting & Cable |date=June 6, 2016 |page=19}}

In May 2016, Modern Times Group, owner of the Viasat DTH platform announced the launch of Viasat Ultra HD, the first UHD channel for the Nordic region. The channel features selected live sport events especially produced in Ultra HD and launch in the autumn via the SES-5 satellite at 5°E. Viasat is also launching an Ultra HD set-top box from Samsung and a TV-module that enables existing UHD TVs to display the channel.[http://advanced-television.com/2016/05/13/mtg-launches-first-nordic-uhd-channel/ MTG launches first Nordic UHD channel] Advanced Television May 13, 2016. Retrieved July 4, 2016 Satellite operator, SES said that the launch of Viasat Ultra HD brings the number of UHD channels (including test channels and regional versions) carried on SES satellites to 24, or 46% of all UHD channels broadcast via satellite worldwide.{{cite press release |publisher=SES |date=May 13, 2016 |url=http://www.ses.com/4233325/news/2016/22247486 |title=SES to Transmit First Ultra HD Channel in the Nordics a 5 degrees East |access-date=July 4, 2016}} In August 2016, Sky announced that 4K broadcasts would begin via their new Sky Q 2TB box. The opening match of the 2016–17 Premier League between Hull City and Leicester City on Sky Sports was the first 4K transmission.{{cite web |url=http://www.skysports.com/football/news/11095/10500323/124-premier-league-games-live-in-ultra-hd-with-sky-q-silver |title=124 Premier League games live in Ultra HD with Sky Q Silver |website=SkySports.com |publisher=Sky plc |date=August 12, 2016 |access-date=August 25, 2016}}

On 29 September 2017, BSAT-4a, dedicated for UHDTV programming and was also claimed "the world's first 8K satellite", was launched from the Guiana Space Centre aboard Ariane 5 rocket. BSAT-4a would be used for 2020 Summer Olympics held in Japan.{{cite news |last1=Clark |first1=Stephen |title=Ariane 5 rocket deploys satellites for Intelsat and B-SAT – Spaceflight Now |url=https://spaceflightnow.com/2017/09/29/ariane-5-rocket-deploys-satellites-for-intelsat-and-b-sat/ |access-date=19 February 2018 |work=spaceflightnow.com |issue=29 September 2017 |publisher=Spaceflight Now}}

Additionally, in September 2017, Kaleidescape, a manufacturer of home-theater movie players and servers made 4K UHD movies compatible with their movie store, and with their movie players.{{cite web |title=Kaleidescape Adds 4K Ultra HD Experience to Premiere Systems |url=https://www.kaleidescape.com/news/kaleidescape-adds-4k-ultra-hd-experience-to-premiere-systems/ |access-date=2020-11-13 |website=Kaleidescape |language=en-US}}

In December 2017, Qualcomm announced that their Snapdragon 845 chipset and Spectra 280 Image Signal Processor would be the first phone SoC to record video in UHD Premium.{{cite web |url=https://www.xda-developers.com/qualcomm-snapdragon-845-spectra-uhd-premium-video/ |title=UHD Premium Video Recording Brings Lifelike Colors to Snapdragon 845 Devices |first=Steven |last=Zimmerman |website=xda-developers.com |publisher=XDA Developers |date=2017-12-06 |access-date=2017-12-12}}

In April 2018, RTL started broadcasting its own UHD channel in Germany. First available at Astra 19.2°E, the Channel shows UHD productions, Formula 1, Football and Deutschland sucht den Superstar.

Satellite operator SES broadcast an 8K television signal via its satellite system for the first time in May 2018. The 8K demonstration content, with a resolution of {{resx|7680|4320}} pixels, a frame rate of 60{{nbsp}}fps, and 10{{nbsp}}bpc color depth, was encoded in HEVC and transmitted at a rate of 80{{nbsp}}Mbit/s via the Astra 3B satellite during SES's Industry Days conference in Luxembourg.{{cite press release |url=https://www.ses.com/press-release/ses-showcases-its-first-broadcast-8k-television |title=SES Showcases its First Broadcast of 8K Television |publisher=SES |date=May 23, 2018 |access-date=May 31, 2018}}

In June 2018, fuboTV broadcast the 2018 FIFA World Cup live in 4K and HDR10 becoming the first OTT streaming service to do so.{{cite web |title=FuboTV streaming World Cup in 4K resolution |url=http://www.sportspromedia.com/news/fubotv-streaming-world-cup-4k-resolution |website=SportsPro Media |date=July 5, 2018 |access-date=1 November 2018}} Quarter, Semi and Final matches were available on many popular streaming devices including Apple TV, Chromecast Ultra, Fire TV, Roku and Android TVs. Content was streamed at 60 frames per second using HLS and DASH. Video was sent in fragmented MP4 containers delivering HEVC encoded video.

On December 1, 2018, NHK launched BS8K, a broadcast channel transmitting at 8K resolution.{{cite news |url=https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20181201_15/ |title=4K, 8K broadcasting begins in Japan |date=December 1, 2018 |access-date=December 2, 2018 |work=NHK}}{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-46403539 |first=Chris |last=Fox |title=Space Odyssey helps launch first 8K TV channel |date=December 1, 2018 |access-date=December 2, 2018 |work=BBC News}}[https://www.nhk.or.jp/bs4k8k/eng/history/ The history of Super Hi-Vision｜8K Super Hi-Vision｜NHK]

In February 25, 2019 at the event of 2019 Mobile World Congress, Sony announced the Xperia 1, the first smartphone featuring a ultrawide 21:9 aspect ratio 4K HDR OLED display (with a resolution of 3840 × 1644), which would be released on May 30, 2019.{{cite web |last=Peter |title=Sony Xperia 1 has the first 4K OLED mobile screen, is first Sony with triple camera |url=https://www.gsmarena.com/sony_xperia_1_has_the_first_4k_oled_mobile_screen_is_first_sony_with_triple_camera-news-35649.php |access-date=2023-08-22 |website=GSMArena.com |language=en}}

In May 2019, for the first time in Europe, 8K demonstration content was received via satellite without the need for a separate external receiver or decoder. At the 2019 SES Industry Days conference at Betzdorf, Luxembourg broadcast quality 8K content (with a resolution of {{resx|7680|4320}} pixels at 50{{nbsp}}fps) was encoded using a Spin Digital HEVC encoder (at a bit rate of 70{{nbsp}}Mbit/s), uplinked to a single 33{{nbsp}}MHz transponder on SES' Astra 28.2°E satellites and the downlink received and displayed on a Samsung {{cvt|82|in|cm}} Q950RB production model TV.[https://www.broadbandtvnews.com/2019/05/14/ses-showcases-8k-content-over-satellite/ SES showcases 8K content over satellite] Broadband TV News. May 14, 2019. Accessed June 4, 2019

• Fashion 4K
• Festival 4K
• High 4K TV

{{div col|colwidth=25em}}

• 4K Heritage
• 4K UltraHD FunBox{{cite web |url=http://spiintl.com/funbox4kuhd |title=FunBox 4K UHD Channel – SPI International}}
• 4K Universe
• Astra Promo
• beIN Sports 4K (Spain)
• Canal+[https://www.lyngsat.com/uhd/Astra-1KR-1L-1M-1N.html UHD – Astra 1KR/1L/1M/1N at 19.2°E] LyngSat. Accessed November 2, 2018
• Canal+ 4K Ultra HD (Poland)
• Digi 4K (Romania)
• Digiturk UHD{{cite web |url=http://www.broadbandtvnews.com/2016/01/21/new-ultra-hd-channel-from-digiturk/ |title=New Ultra HD channel from Digiturk |date=21 January 2016}}
• Discovery
• Eurosport 4K
• Fashion One 4K
• Fashion TV 4K
• Festival 4K
• Insight{{cite web |url=http://www.broadbandtvnews.com/2015/10/03/tern-launches-insight-ultrahd-factual-entertainment-channel/ |title=TERN launches Insight, UltraHD factual entertainment channel |date=3 October 2015}} UHD
• M3.hu UHD (online only)
• M6 4K
• Movistar Fórmula 1 UHD{{cite web |url=https://tvsatelite.net/movistar-f1-uhd-nuevo-canal-de-movistar-en-4k/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181202155026/https://tvsatelite.net/movistar-f1-uhd-nuevo-canal-de-movistar-en-4k/ |url-status=usurped |archive-date=December 2, 2018 |title=Movistar F1 UHD, nuevo canal de Movistar+ en 4K}}
• Movistar Partidazo UHD{{cite web |url=https://www.adslzone.net/2018/08/21/4k-movistar-llegada-septiembre/ |title=El 4K llega a Movistar el mes que viene: el fútbol será el primer agraciado |date=August 21, 2018}}
• NASA TV
• NPO 1
• Pearl TV{{cite web |url=http://www.ses.com/21351175/2015-07-16-Behind-the-scenes-of-pearl_tv |title=Behind the scenes of Europe's first free-to-air Ultra HD channel, pearl.tv - SES.com}}
• ProsiebenSat.1 UHD
• QVC Deutschland
• QVC Zwei
• Rai 4K{{cite web |url=https://www.eutelsat.com/pl/home/services/broadcast--media/ultra-high-definition-4k/case-study.html |title=Eutelsat :: Ultra HD :: Case Study :: Rai}}
• RMC Sport 1
• RTL UHD
• RTVS UltraHD
• SES Ultra HD Demo Channel
• SFR Sport 4K
• Sky Sport 4K (Italy)
• Sky UHD1 (UK)
• Sky UHD2 (UK)
• Sky Sport UHD (Germany)
• Sky Sport Bundesliga UHD (Germany)
• Sky Sports Main Event UK
• Sky Sports F1 UHD UK
• Sportklub 4K
• Sport TV 4K UHD{{cite web |url=https://www.sporttv.pt/paginas/4kultrahd/|title=Transmissões em 4K Ultra HD|publisher=Sport TV|language=pt}}{{cite news |url=https://www.dn.pt/desporto/interior/sporttv-lanca-emissoes-regulares-de-ultra-hd-com-sporting-x-fc-porto-8798083.html |title=SportTV lança emissões regulares de ultra HD com Sporting x FC Porto |author=Marcela, Ana |date=25 September 2017 |newspaper=Diário de Notícias |language=pt}}
• Travelxp
• Tricolor Ultra HD{{cite web |url=http://www.csimagazine.com/csi/Tricolor-TV-launches-two-UHD-channels.php |title=Tricolor TV launches two UHD channels |date=March 12, 2015}}
• TF1 4K
• TNT Sports Ultimate
• TRT 4K
• TVE La 1 UHD (Spain){{cite web |url=https://www.digitaltveurope.com/2024/02/08/rtve-launches-la1-in-uhd-with-national-coverage-on-dtt/ |title=RTVE launches La1 in UHD with national coverage on DTT |date=February 8, 2024}}
• TVP 4K (Poland)
• UHD-1
• V Sport Ultra HD
• Virgin TV Ultra HD
• Wow! 4K

{{div col end}}

• BTV (Botswana)
• EBS 4K (Ethiopia)
• Nahoo sports+ UHD (Ethiopia)
• Nahoo sports+2 UHD (Ethiopia)
• ETV sports UHD (Ethiopia)
• Kana TV 4K (Ethiopia)
• on Time sports HD (Egypt)

{{div col|colwidth=25em}}

• NASA TV UHD
• Sportsnet 4K and Sportsnet One 4K (Canada)
• TSN 4K and TSN 2 4K (Canada)
• Hispasat TV 4K (Latin America)
• Fashion One 4K
• Fox Sports 4K and Fox Sports 1 4K (USA)
• DirecTV 4K and DirecTV Cinema 4K (USA)
• ESPN (USA)
• 4KUNIVERSE
• Insight UHD
• The Country Network
• SporTV 4K (Brazil)
• UHD-1

{{div col end}}

{{div col|colwidth=25em}}

• CCTV-4K ({{zh|s=中央广播电视总台4K超高清频道}})
• CCTV-16 4K ({{zh|s=中央广播电视总台奥林匹克频道}})
• BRTV Satellite 4K UHD Channel (Beijing TV 4K UHD) ({{zh|s=北京卫视4K超高清频道}})
• Guangdong Radio and Television 4K Variety Channel ({{zh|s=广东广播电视台4K综艺频道}})
• Guangzhou Television Ultra HD ({{zh|s=广州南国都市频道}})
• SiTV Joy UHD ({{zh|s=欢笑剧场4K频道}})
• Wasu-Discovery UHD ({{zh|s=求索纪录频道}})
• First Media 4K (Indonesia)
• IndiHome 4K (Indonesia)
• Cable 4K (South Korea){{cite web |url=http://cable4k.jp/ |title=ケーブル4K}}
• KBS1 UHD (South Korea){{cite web |url=http://uhdkorea.org/?page_id=51294 |title=지상파 UHD 방송 도입일정 |date=May 28, 2017}}
• KBS2 UHD (South Korea)
• MBC UHD (South Korea)
• SBS UHD (South Korea)
• KNN UHD (South Korea)
• KBC UHD (South Korea)
• TBC UHD (South Korea)
• TJB UHD (South Korea)
• UBC UHD (South Korea)
• G1 UHD (South Korea)
• Asia UHD (South Korea)
• Insight UHD{{Place missing|date=March 2024}}
• Life U (South Korea){{cite web |url=http://www.starnewsk.com/starnews/news_view.php?article=0000000014872&cg1= |title=Life U, UHD 전용방송채널로 리론칭 |date=February 26, 2018}}
• SBS F!L UHD (South Korea){{cite web |url=http://sbsmedianet.sbs.co.kr/plusuhd/index.html |title=About SBS Plus UHD – SBS Plus UHD}}
• IRIB UHD (Iran)
• Sky UHD{{Place missing|date=March 2024}}
• UHD Dream TV{{Place missing|date=March 2024}}
• UMAX (South Korea){{cite web |url=http://www.umaxtv.co.kr/eng/main/umax/aboutumax.html |title=About UMAX – UMAX}}
• UXN{{Place missing|date=March 2024}}
• 4K-Sat{{Place missing|date=March 2024}}
• Tata Play 4K (India)
• Now Sports 4K (Hong Kong)
• TVB Jade UHD ({{zh|s=翡翠台}})
• Bol Network (Pakistan)
• Hum News (Pakistan)
• Kan11 4K (Israel)
• NHK BS 4K (Japan)
• BS Nittele 4K (Japan)
• BS Asahi 4K (Japan)
• BS TV Tokyo 4K (Japan)
• BS-TBS 4K (Japan)
• BS Fuji 4K (Japan)
• SHOP CHANNEL 4K (Japan)
• 4K QVC (Japan)
• THE CINEMA 4K (Japan)
• J Sports (Japan)
• Star Channel 4K (Japan)
• Sukachan 4K (Japan)
• Japanese movie + Jidaigeki 4K (Japan)
• Wowow 4K (Japan)
• Astro Super Sport UHD (Malaysia)
• True 4K (Thailand)
• VTVcab 4K (Vietnam)
• SCTV 4K (Vietnam)

{{div col end}}

• Foxtel Movies Ultra HD (Australia)
• Fox Sports Ultra HD (Australia){{cite web |title=Foxtel launch Oz first 4K live NRL & AFL |url=https://www.channelnews.com.au/foxtel-launch-oz-first-4k-live-nrl-afl/ |website=Channel News |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190830034817/https://www.channelnews.com.au/foxtel-launch-oz-first-4k-live-nrl-afl/ |archive-date=30 August 2019 |date=28 February 2019}}

• NHK BS8K (Japan)
• CCTV-8K (China){{cite news |title=China's New Year Gala Show, World's Top TV Event, to Be Aired in High-Res 8K via 5G |url=https://www.yicaiglobal.com/news/china-new-year-gala-show-world-top-tv-event-to-be-aired-in-high-res-8k-via-5g |access-date=2 March 2021 |work=www.yicaiglobal.com}}
• BRTV Documentary, Science & Education 8K UHD Experimental Channel ({{zh|s=北京广播电视台纪实科教8K超高清试验频道}}), formerly BRTV Winter Olympic & Documentary 8K UHD Experimental Channel ({{zh|s=北京广播电视台冬奥纪实8K超高清试验频道}}){{cite web |title=北京冬奥纪实8K超高清试验频道开播 |url=https://bjrbdzb.bjd.com.cn/bjrb/mobile/2022/20220101/20220101_005/content_20220101_005_4.htm |publisher=Beijing Daily |language=zh-cn |date=1 January 2022 |access-date=21 March 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250321034431/https://bjrbdzb.bjd.com.cn/bjrb/mobile/2022/20220101/20220101_005/content_20220101_005_4.htm |archive-date=21 March 2025}}{{cite web |title=法国8K纪录片在北京广播电视台8K频道电视首播播出 |url=https://theuwa.com/new-detail/578 |publisher=UHD World Association |language=zh-cn |date=16 October 2024 |access-date=21 March 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250321034912/https://theuwa.com/new-detail/578 |archive-date=21 March 2025}}

Field trials using existing digital terrestrial television (DTT) transmitters have included the following.{{cite news |title=ITU-R WP6A Temporary Document 223 Draft new Report ITU-R BT.[UHDTV-DTT TRIALS] – Collection of field trials of UHDTV over DTT networks |url=http://www.itu.int/md/R12-WP6A-150213-TD-0223/en |access-date=February 19, 2015}}

Standards that deal with UHDTV include:

Standards approved in ITU-R:

• Rec. ITU-R BT.1201-1 (2004){{cite news |title=BT.1201-1: Extremely high resolution imagery |publisher=ITU |url=http://www.itu.int/rec/R-REC-BT.1201/en |date=March 1, 2004 |access-date=November 4, 2012}}
• Rec. ITU-R BT.1769 (2006){{cite news |title=BT.1769: Parameter values for an expanded hierarchy of LSDI image formats for production and international programme exchange |publisher=ITU |url=http://www.itu.int/rec/R-REC-BT.1769/en|date=July 1, 2006 |access-date=November 4, 2012}}
• Rec. ITU-R BT.2020 (2012, revised 2014){{cite news |title=CEA Updates Characteristics for Ultra High-Definition Displays |publisher=CEA |url=http://www.ce.org/News/News-Releases/Press-Releases/2014/CEA-Updates-Characteristics-for-Ultra-High-Definit.aspx|access-date=June 24, 2014}}
• Rec. ITU-R BT.2035-0 (07/13) A reference viewing environment for evaluation of HDTV program material or completed programmes
• Rec. ITU-R BS.2051-0 (02/14) Advanced sound system for programme production
• Rec. ITU-R BT.2100 (2016)

Other documents prepared or being prepared by ITU-R:

• Report ITU-R BT.2246-3 (2014) The present state of ultra-high definition television
• Draft New Report ITU-R BT.[UHDTV-DTT TRIALS] (Sub-Working Group 6A-1) Collection of field trials of UHDTV over DTT networks

Standards developed in ITU-T's VCEG and ISO/IEC JTC 1's MPEG that support Ultra-HD include:

• H.265/MPEG-H HEVC High Efficiency Video Coding (2013, revised 2014)
• H.264/MPEG-4 AVC Advanced Video Coding (support for Ultra-HD added circa 2013)

• SMPTE 2036-1 (2009){{cite news |title=ST 2036-1-2009 |publisher=SMPTE |url=http://store.smpte.org/product-p/st%202036-1-2009.htm |access-date=November 5, 2012}}
• SMPTE 2036-2 (2008){{cite news |title=ST 2036-2-2008 |publisher=SMPTE |url=http://store.smpte.org/product-p/st%202036-2-2008.htm |access-date=November 5, 2012}}
• SMPTE 2036-3 (2010){{cite news |title=ST 2036-3-2010 |publisher=SMPTE |url=http://store.smpte.org/product-p/st%202036-3-2010.htm |access-date=November 5, 2012}}

DVB approved the Standard TS 101 154 V2.1.1, published (07/2014) in the DVB Blue Book A157 Specification for the use of Video and Audio Coding in Broadcasting Applications based on the MPEG-2 Transport Stream, which was published by ETSI in the following months.

Standards for UHDTV in South Korea have been developed by its Telecommunications Technology Association.

On August 30, 2013, the scenarios for 4K-UHDTV service were described in the Report "TTAR 07.0011: A Study on the UHDTV Service Scenarios and its Considerations".

On May 22, 2014, the technical report "TTAR-07.0013: Terrestrial 4K UHDTV Broadcasting Service" was published.

On October 13, 2014, an interim standard – "TTAI.KO-07.0123: Transmission and Reception for Terrestrial UHDTV Broadcasting Service" – was published based on HEVC encoding, with MPEG 2 TS, and DVB-T2 serving as the standards.

On June 24, 2016, a standard – "TTAK.KO-07.0127: Transmission and Reception for Terrestrial UHDTV Broadcasting Service" – was published based on HEVC encoding, with MMTP/ROUTE IP, and ATSC 3.0 serving as the standards.

• Rec. 2020 – ITU-R Recommendation for UHDTV
• 4K resolution – Resolutions of common 4K formats and list of 4K-monitors, TVs, projectors
• 8K resolution – Specifications for ~8x4K UHD and 8Kx8K fulldome
• Ultra HD Blu-ray – 2160p / 4K (3840 × 2160 resolution) format Blu-ray Disc as specified by Blu-ray Disc Association
• IMAX – A film theater format that historically has been innovative in creating a more realistic viewing experience
• High Efficiency Video Coding (HEVC)
• VP9 / WebM
• 22.2 surround sound – The audio component of Super Hi-Vision

{{notelist}}

{{reflist|30em}}

{{Commons category|Ultra High Definition Television}}

• [http://4ktvmag.com/ 4K TV Mag] – an online magazine about Ultra HD TV
• [http://4ktvmag.com/4k-tv-definition/ "What is 4K Ultra HD?"] – 4K TV Mag

{{Video formats}}

{{Computer display standard}}

{{TV resolution}}

{{High-definition}}

Category:Ultra-high-definition television

Category:Consumer electronics

Category:Digital television

Category:Telecommunications-related introductions in 2003

Category:Television technology

Category:Television terminology

Category:Video formats