Samsung has carried out another successful test broadcast in 8K resolution, this time partnering with Korean satellite broadcaster KT Skylife in a trial using the latest H.265 data compression standard.
The companies used the South Korean broadcaster's Cheollian satellite for the test transmission of 8K video. The signal was delivered using the DVB-S2x satellite digital broadcasting standard, and was received on the ground using a regular antenna. From there, the data was decoded and transmitted in real time via HDMI to an 82-inch Samsung QLED TV.
The use of the H.265 standard is significant as it's said to be 50% more efficient at compressing video data than the older H.264 standard.
The whole point of the test was to show that 100Mbps-level 8K satellite broadcasts are both possible and commercially viable, the companies said.
Samsung previously partnered with KT Skylife to showcase its 8K broadcasting technology last year, demonstrating the result on its 2018 QLED TVs.
Samsung has been quite the eager beaver with regards to 8K testing. Just last month, it filmed a couple of preseason friendly football matches with 8K cameras in order to showcase the advantages of the technology, which include the ability to capture more minute details, including the facial expressions of players and people in the crowd. The company has vowed to create much more content in 8K resolution in future.
Samsung’s goal is of course entirely selfish – the company was the first in the world to commercialise 8K resolution TV, and has promised to command more than half of the market share by the end of the year. It’s a fairly ambitious target given most of its rivals are now offering their own 8K TVs, including the likes of Sony, Panasonic and LG, which is set to launch its first 8K OLED later this month.
