What is Ultra HD/4K and what is 4K TV?
The new Ultra HD/4K picture format increases the resolution of TV pictures from the 1920×1080 pixels used for today’s HD broadcasts to a whopping 3840×2160 pixels.
This means it has four times the amount of detail as HD and eight times as much detail as standard definition.
The technology is based on the Ultra HD standard used for projecting movies in digital cinemas, and it’s not just about the higher resolution – in the future Ultra HD will also support much higher frame rates to allow for smother motion in video footage.
Why buy a Ultra HD or 4K TV?
The huge jump in picture resolution means that when you’re looking at a Ultra HD up close you’ll be able to see incredible amounts of detail, from fine lines on leaves in nature programs to individual faces in the crowd at sporting events.
During an Arsenal football match, Sony put adverts on blades of grass and boot studs, which could only be seen with a Ultra HD-ready TV.
TV broadcasts today are at a frame rate of 25 – and have been at this rate since the 1960s. BT Sport Ultra HD will deliver action at 50 frames per second, a significant step change that will give viewers much sharper pictures and less motion blur.
This should be especially noticeable on Ultra coverage of fast-paced sports such as football or motor racing, where camera pans will look much smoother and less blurred.
How do I watch Ultra HD/4K?
You won’t be able to watch Ultra HD on your current TV. Instead, you’ll need a Ultra HD-ready TV, which are available from a number of manufacturers including Sony, LG, Panasonic and Samsung. The BT Shop has lots to choose from.
Once you’ve got the set you’ll need to find some Ultra HD content to watch.
BT has launched Europe’s first Ultra HD channel, which will show Champions League, Premier League and Aviva Premiership Rugby in Ultra HD/4K and Dolby Atmos sound.
In order to watch it you’ll need BT’s YouView+ Ultra HD box, which is available now. Find out more about how to get BT Sport Ultra HD.