The BBC has confirmed it will show 29 World Cup matches in Ultra HD and High Dynamic Range (HDR) on BBC iPlayer.
A new trial will see all of BBC One’s World Cup matches available in Ultra HD and High Dynamic Range (HDR) on BBC iPlayer, with matches available to tens of thousands of people to watch on a first-come, first-served basis.
To watch the coverage fans will need a compatible Ultra HD TV and a high speediInternet connection.
The BBC will use the Hybrid Log-Gamma version of HDR it invented with Japanese broadcaster, NHK. It provides improved picture quality not only to HDR Ultra HD devices, but to the vast majority of Standard Dynamic Range Ultra HD devices too.
The experience and data gathered from this trial will help the BBC to optimise UHD delivery in the future. The trial will also help the BBC and wider industry prepare for a time when delivering such large-scale events in such high quality, for larger audiences, over the open Internet is normal.
Matthew Postgate, BBC Chief Technology & Product Officer, said: “The BBC has brought major live broadcasting breakthroughs to UK audiences throughout the history of the World Cup.
“From the very first tournament on TV in 1954 and England’s finest hour in 1966, to the first colour World Cup in 1970 and full HD in 2006. Now, with these trials we’re giving audiences yet another taste of the future.”