Ultra High Definition, also known as 4K, isn’t exactly mainstream yet, but that hasn’t stopped Japan’s NHK from going a step further. Today, the Japanese broadcasting company has begun tests on the world’s first regular TV satellite broadcasts in 8K resolution.
The test channel, known as the “Super Hi-Vision” channel, launched yesterday and will be carrying a mix of content in both 4K and 8K resolution. Apart from the broadcast resolution, of which 8K is four times as sharp as 4K, the broadcast channel will also be supporting 22.2-channel audio. NHK will be installing viewing stations throughout the country, allowing the public to view the broadcasts. NHK is expected to broadcast various footage from the Rio Olympics through these viewing stations, alongside other events such as concert and documentaries.
NHK’s 8K broadcasting test is part of the company’s preparation to rollout direct-to-home transmissions of 8K content by 2018. The company is aiming to broadcast the 2020 Tokyo Olympics entirely in 8K.