BT Sport teams up with Ericsson for UHD channel launch

BT Sport has signed a multi-year broadcast and media services deal with Ericsson, which will help launch three channels – including BT’s new Ultra HD channel.

Ericsson will design, build and run: BT Sport UHD, the first UHD channel to launch in the UK; BT Sport Europe, the operator’s new home of European football; and free-to-air service BT Sport Showcase.

The technology and services firm will also help to deliver BT Sport’s new BT Sport Extra red button service. This will let viewers choose between eight European football matches broadcast simultaneously – including UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League games.

In addition, BT Sport has extended Ericsson’s existing six-year contract for BT Sport 1 and 2 – covering playout, media management and access services – by an additional three years.

“We are very proud that BT has selected Ericsson to help launch a new range of high-profile TV services, including the UK’s first UHDTV channel,” said Thorsten Sauer, head of broadcast and media services at Ericsson.

Jamie Hindhaugh, COO, BT Sport and BT TV, said: “BT Sport’s UEFA Champions League coverage sets out to bring viewers the best ever experience of football’s leading club competition. Our 4K coverage of the UEFA Champions League alongside other competitions will bring a truly cinematic experience into fans’ living rooms.”

Earlier this month UK telco and pay TV provider BT confirmed plans to launch an Ultra High Definition sports channel, along with a new UHD set-top box this August.

Announcing the plans, the operator said that BT Sport Ultra HD will be the first UHD, 4K channel to launch in Europe and will show selected live football matches from the Champions League, Premier League, FA Cup, as well as some Aviva Premiership Rugby fixtures.