Movistar+ to commercially launch UHD box next year

Spanish pay TV operator Movistar+ plans to launch its 4K set-top box in the first half of next year. The device is currently being tested with friendly users, according to Ismael Calleja Baldominos, head of business affairs, series and movies original programming, Movistar+.

Speaking at MIPCOM, Calleja said that Movistar+’s new originals, including Velvet Coleccion and La Zona, will all be filmed in 4K. Two of the current line up of originals, Verguenza and La Peste, will be in HD for their first season.

He said that “all the infrastructure of the company is prepared for 4K” and acquiring content in 4K is also a priority.

“We want to give our customers reasons to stay with us and be happy with our content offer,” he said.

Calleja added that forthcoming projects will be co-financed by Telefonica’s Latin American affiliates. The amount of co-financing will vary with each project.

Movistar+ has yet to take a decision on HDR. Calleja told DTVE that the company is evaluating the two principal standards and that the boxes are compatible with both. He said that he expects the second season of current shows and new series from next year to be filmed in HDR.