Attended by producers, journalists, editors and media executives from all over the world, this glittering evening celebrates success in journalism, sports coverage, children’s factual TV, podcasting and more. Read the winners and finalists book here, and get a feel for this important evening in our highlights video.
Japan’s national TV group NHK broadcast live images from the Vatican in 8K via EUTELSAT 12 West B satellite for its new channel BS8K
NHK, Japan’s national broadcaster, has partnered with Eutelsat Communications (NYSE Euronext: ETL) to launch the world’s first 8K network; BS8K. The live broadcast took place on December 2nd from the Vatican where images were transmitted to Tokyo via EUTELSAT 12 West B satellite with a mobile uplink provided by M-three Satcom. This momentous event by NHK has broken new ground for 8K contribution via satellite.
To achieve the technologically challenging feat, NHK relied on DVB-S2X modulation, in 16APSK, and HEVC encoding. The images (7680 pixels over 4320 lines, an astounding 33.3 million pixels per image) were shot at 60 frames per second in BT2020 colour space, with 10 bits of colour depth (1 billion colours) and high dynamic range HLG (Hybrid Log Gamma), combined with 22.2 channel audio.
Airing today in Japan, BS8K features 8K Ultra HD footage of major cultural and sporting events, museums and natural landscapes, providing viewers with a fully immersive experience which will be broadcast 12 hours a day. The channel will allow for further experimentation with 8K prior to the large-scale deployment of the format for the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics games in 2020.
Gerry O’Sullivan, Executive Vice President, Global TV and Video of Eutelsat: “Eutelsat has been a pioneer in delivering HD and Ultra HD formats since their inception, and this broadcast confirms satellite’s unique position as one of the vital technologies capable of broadcasting 8K signals. We look forward to working hand in hand with customers such as NHK as they continue to raise the bar higher for the broadcasting industry, to deliver the best possible video experience to viewers.”
(Source: Eutelsat press release)
With the UK-EU Brexit Political Declaration published, the Association for International Broadcasting has been examining the possible effects on cross-border broadcasting.
We’ve issued a briefing note to our Members, and next week we’ll be attending specialised meetings on Brexit-related channel licensing on behalf of our Members.
Talk to us about how the AIB is helping Members on Brexit and other mission-critical issues.
Congratulations to all the winners at the AIBs 2018 which were held on the 7th November 2018 at LSO St Luke’s.
You can see all the winners and highly commended entries in our winners book.
Some of the winners and highly commended from the AIBs 2018
As the political temperature over the UK withdrawal from the EU heats up, the AIB has published a briefing note for Members on issues around channel licensing arising from the Draft Withdrawal Agreement that was published on 14 November.
This is part of the Association’s work for its Members on this critical issue for TV channels distributed across Europe with licences in the UK or another EU Member State.
“It’s important that broadcasters understand what options are available after the UK leaves the European Union,” says Simon Spanswick, AIB CEO. “At the AIB it’s one of our top priorities as we work to ensure that our Members are not disadvantaged as a result of the UK leaving the EU. We’re continuing to monitor the situation and convene meetings with key officials as this fluid situation develops.”
The AIB work on Brexit-related issues, and all the other services it provides, are available exclusively to Members of the Association. Contact Tom Wragg at AIB headquarters to discuss the benefits of AIB Membership.
Here’s a selection of photographs from the gala dinner. More information and videos are on the AIBs website at theaibs.tv.