SES launches HDR test channel

Satellite operator SES has launched a new Ultra HD test channel that includes High Dynamic Range (HDR) content.

The channel was unveiled at SES’s annual Industry Days event, where SES is focusing heavily on technologies that can enhance the quality of UHD TV with HDR. Demonstrations at the event include HDR 10, Dolby Vision, Hybrid Log Gamma and the Technicolor/Philips technology.

SES said that the goal of its HDR demon channel was to allow industry partners to test the various technology candidates.

The channel is currently carrying Ultra HD content provided by LG Electronics, using the backwards-compatible HDR technology called Hybrid Log Gamma (HLG). HLG HDR content is being demoed on LG’s E6 4K OLED TV.

Thomas Wrede, vice-president of reception systems at SES said, “High Dynamic Range will be a major improvement for satellite delivered Ultra HD television. As industry and operators now face the challenge of standardising and implementing a plethora of technology candidates, we intend to support the process with our test channel. At the same time, we have started to implement relevant HDR technology at our Munich playout facility.”