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4K streaming to set-top-boxes being tested in Japan

Written by James Delahunty @ 14 Jun 2013 12:42 User comments (4)

4K streaming to set-top-boxes being tested in Japan

A Japanese telecommunications company is running a trial in Japan this week, delivering 4K video content over the Internet to set-top boxes connected to 4K TVs.
While 4K televisions are already on the market, 4K content itself is much less prevalent. The new H.265 codec cuts the streaming bandwidth requirements for 4K (and 1080p) roughly in half, compared to common H.264 currently in wide usage.

NTT West in Japan is testing a 4K-STB system to determine the feasibility of streaming 4K content over the Internet straight to the TV, as broadcasts in 4K will take more time to become common. Japan will be the first country to broadcast 4K programming over satellite, aiming to be ready in time for the 2014 World Cup.

The test underway this week will hint at whether online streaming services, like Netflix, can get the jump on everyone else this time by becoming the first services that can deliver premium 4K content to 4K televisions.

Tags: Japan 4K
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4 user comments

114.6.2013 06:55

Hopefully they can find bandwidth for more than two channels of audio.

214.6.2013 13:42

So...Like another 10 years for the U.S. ?

314.6.2013 22:57

H264 or h265

415.6.2013 00:14

Anyone seen the 4K demos they have set up in the big box stores? I was honestly not that impressed. I just can't see that much diff between 4k and 1080. Not nearly the wow factor of SD vs. HDTV

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