Both the BBC and Sky will be bringing live Ultra High Definition 4K coverage of this weekend’s coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla to viewers with compatible TVs and set top boxes.
BBC 4K Coronation Coverage
For the BBC, coverage of the May 6th ceremony at Westminster Abbey will span the broadcaster’s television, radio, and online outlets.
The TV coverage team will include Kirsty Young, JJ Chalmers, Huw Edwards, Sophie Raworth, Clare Balding and Anita Rani, while BBC Radio and Sounds coerage will feature Martha Kearney, Eleanor Oldroyd and BBC Royal Correspondent Jonny Dymond.
Drawing comparisons with how millions tuned in to television for the first time to watch the 1953 coronation of Queen Elizabeth II, the BBC has vowed to “be at the forefront of technology with proceedings on iPlayer streaming live from multiple locations in Ultra High Definition and High Dynamic Range.”
Setting out how iPlayer will play a role in covering the UK’s first coronation in 70 years, the broadcaster said: “UHD will offer sharper, more detailed images, while HDR will enable viewers to enjoy brighter highlights and deeper shadows throughout all the celebration and pageantry of The King’s Procession from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Abbey.
“BBC iPlayer’s UHD stream will also use a Wide Colour Gamut, meaning viewers will see more colours than they ever usually see on TV – offering an even more lifelike view that makes the most of this magnificent occasion.”
In addition to the coronation itself, the BBC is promising “extensive” coronation-themed programming across the weekend, including the Coronation Concert on May 7th plus the documentary Charles R: The Making of a Monarch, Stitching for Britain and Sing For The King: The Search for the Coronation Choir.
Sky News 4K Coronation Coverage
It’s also been confirmed that Sky will be bringing Ultra HD coverage to Sky Glass and Sky Q users on its Sky News (channel 501) and on Sky Showcase (channel 106) channels.
In addition, non-Sky customers with a compatible TV will be able to watch the broadcaster’s UHD coverage via the Sky News YouTube channel.
John Ryley, Head of Sky News, said: “Whether unifying or polarising, the spectacle of the King’s Coronation is guaranteed to capture the world’s attention.
“With the ceremonial events never seen in this great a clarity, Sky News will offer audiences the highest-quality Ultra HD coverage with the best royal commentator in Alastair Bruce.
“He’ll take viewers through this historical moment with his unmatched knowledge and skill to get the tone just right.”
How to watch BBC iPlayer in Ultra High Definition (UHD)
Selected shows can be watched in UHD on a smart TVs from Samsung, Sony, LG and Hisense, plus Freeview Play set top boxes from Manhattan and Humax and selected streaming devices including the Roku Streaming Stick 4K and Amazon’s Fire TV Stick 4K Max which can be ordered from Amazon.co.uk.*
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