The BBC says it will extend its 4K Ultra HD trial – which has allowed football fans to enjoy the World Cup in the highest possible quality – to Wimbledon.
Every match from Centre Court will be streamed in Ultra HD via the BBC iPlayer to those with a compatible TV and a high speed internet connection.
The BBC says lessons learnt from the trial will ultimately allow it to stream all major live events in the format.
Matthew Postgate, BBC Chief Technology & Product Officer, says: “We’re delighted to confirm that our ground-breaking Ultra HD trial will now cover Wimbledon.
“Our Wimbledon trial on BBC iPlayer will be in stunning Ultra HD, HDR and use a wider range of colours, giving people the highest quality ever shown on the BBC.
“Thousands of people are already enjoying live World Cup action in Ultra HD on BBC iPlayer this summer, and now tennis fans will have the chance to watch this prestigious tournament like never before.”
There are a limited number of spaces for each match in this trial, with the live stream available to tens of thousands of people on a first-come, first-served basis.
The Ultra HD stream will be clearly labelled on the BBC iPlayer home screen as soon as programme coverage begins.
Audiences will need a connection of at least 40Mbit/s for the full 3840 pixel Ultra HD or 20Mbit/s for 2560 pixel Ultra HD. Footage will be played at 50 frames per second.
For a full list of all UHD compatible devices please click here.
Sky has confirmed that its Sky Q set top boxes will also offer the BBC’s UHD coverage.
Sky Q customers with a 2TB box will be able to access the Ultra HD feed from Centre Court via a pop up/red button message while watching on BBC One/Two.
Jon Simkin, Director of Channels & Operations at Sky, said: “Offering the BBC’s coverage of the Wimbledon semi-finals and final in Ultra HD is another major addition to our Ultra HD sports offering this summer.
“Sky Q customers can get even closer to the drama and excitement of the final rounds of the world’s oldest tennis tournament from the comfort of their own living rooms”.
