Virgin Media presents first UK UHD HDR broadcast

Virgin Media became the first UK TV platform to broadcast an event in 4K UHD and HDR with Eurosport’s coverage of the French Open (Roland-Garros) on 26th May.

The company is using Hybrid Log Gamma (HLG) technology to broadcast all matches that feature on the renovated Phillipe Chatrier court in 4K UHD with HDR, but customers must use a V6 set top box. Virgin is delivering the service using standard broadcast technology which requires the viewer to press the red button on any of the Eurosport channels to view the matches.

Virgin Media entered into a partnership with Eurosport which, last summer, enabled tennis fans to watch coverage of Roland Garros in 4K UHD for the first time. For those of you who are UK-based, you can continue to view the upcoming matches on the Phillipe Chatrier court in 4K UHD/HDR up until the end of the competition on June 9th. If you have a V6 box, you will need to press the red button on your remote on either Eurosport 1HD (channel 521), Eurosport 2HD (channel 522) or Virgin TV Ultra HD (channel 205 and 999). Eurosport’s live 4K HDR coverage will be available on each day of the two-week long tournament on all matches that appear on the Phillipe Chatrier court only.

David Bouchier, Chief Digital Entertainment Officer at Virgin Media, said: “We are upping our game once more this summer by broadcasting one of the most prestigious tennis competitions in the highest picture quality currently available. Our customers will be able to get even closer to the action with HDR technology on our V6 box bringing the action right into the homes of our customers.”

If any of our members have caught any of these broadcasts, please let us know about the quality in the comments below.

Martin, a seasoned journalist and AV expert, has written for several notable print magazines. He’s served in key roles at Lucasfilm’s THX Division, NEC’s digital cinema division, and has even consulted for DreamWorks. Despite his illustrious career, Martin remains rooted in his passion for cinema and acting, with notable appearances in several Spielberg films, Doctor Who, and Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back. He currently resides in San Francisco.

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