SES and Samsung demo first DVB transmission of HDR UHD TV

Satellite operator SES and Samsung Electronics have this week teamed up to demo what they say is the first DVB transmission of High Dynamic Range UHD TV at the annual SES Industry Days in Luxembourg. The content is being transmitted via an SES satellite directly to a Samsung SUHDTV using the BBC’s Hybrid Gamma (HDR) technology.

According to the pair, the move, using the BBC-developed technology, demonstrates for the first time how the TV industry can launch new High Dynamic Range UHD TV Services over DVB Broadcast Networks, while simultaneously providing high quality UHD TV Service to UHD Phase 1 Receivers already in the market.

“High Dynamic Range will significantly enhance how consumers will experience television in the future,” said Thomas Wrede, vice-president, Reception Systems at SES. “An introduction of any HDR technology must be backwards compatible with existing DVB UHD 1 Phase 1 flat screen TVs that are already in consumers’ homes. SES and Samsung, with this transmission over the Astra satellite system, are demonstrating that this backwards compatibility is possible today.”

John Adam, head of business development and industrial affairs at Samsung Research UK, said: “Samsung is delighted to participate in this demonstration of a monumental step forward for the broadcast industry. By delivering UHD TV services that can address the growing market of UHD Phase 1 TVs, while also providing the best experience to consumers who are investing in the next generation of TV, Samsung is ready to fully endorse the BBC Research & Development’s HDR technology as part of our overall drive towards the best consumer experience in UHD TV.”