“8K Broadcasts Set for the 2024 Paris Olympics, Yet Viewers Might Be Left Out”

Quick Overview

• The 2024 Paris Olympics will include the debut of live streaming in 8K.
• The majority of consumers currently have 4K televisions, making access to 8K viewing quite limited.
• Exorbitant prices and scarce content represent significant obstacles to the adoption of 8K.
• In Australia, Stan Sport is the sole provider of 4K coverage for the Olympics.
• Channel 9 plans to provide a pre-show available in standard HD.

The Shift to 8K Technology

In 2020, Sony and Panasonic teamed with Japanese broadcaster NHK to film the Tokyo Olympics in 8K for the first occasion. Unfortunately, the Covid-19 pandemic led to the postponement of the events and disrupted these preparations. Now, the 2024 Paris Olympics aim to create history with the inaugural 8K live stream broadcast, promising an extraordinary level of detail and clarity.

To ensure 8K content delivery, the entire system—from capturing footage to consumer display—must accommodate 8K resolution. This includes 8K broadcast cameras, editing and mixing equipment, networking and storage systems, and ultimately, 8K-enabled home displays. Regrettably, most households in Australia still utilize 4K TVs, rendering access to 8K viewing rather limited.

The Price of 8K Displays

Currently, 8K televisions are present in the market, but their prices are steep. The most affordable model, a 65″ Samsung Neo QLED 8K TV, is priced around A$3,495. Larger 8K screens, which deliver the utmost viewing experience, are even pricier. A 75″ version can cost nearly A$6,495, while an 85″ 8K display might set you back close to A$10,000.

The combination of these steep prices and the limited availability of native 8K content suggests that most individuals are unlikely to invest in an 8K television just yet.

The Reality of 8K Streaming

Even with an 8K display, a rapid internet connection and a suitable smart application are required to stream 8K content. Possessing a YouTube app, for example, does not automatically provide support for 8K.

In practice, broadcasters will likely capture video in 8K but then compress it for terrestrial TV or streaming services down to 4K or even 1080p resolutions. Consequently, the vast majority of viewers will continue to experience the Olympics in lower resolutions.

Viewing the 2024 Paris Olympics in 4K

Stan Sport

Stan Sport is the exclusive distributor of 4K Olympics coverage in Australia. To access this, a Stan Premium subscription (AU$21/month) and the Stan Sport add-on (AU$15/month) are required. Coverage will commence at 3:00 AM AEST on Saturday, July 27th, 2024.

Channel 9

Channel 9 will present a pre-show starting at 1:00 AM AEST, with the main ceremony being aired in regular HD.

The Importance of 4K

4K resolution offers quadruple the detail of standard HD, leading to an exceptionally immersive viewing experience. With 4K, viewers can discern intricate elements such as crowd faces and the precise locations of ball landings, along with a sharper and more vibrant array of colors.

Additional Suggestions

• Verify your internet speed: Ensure a stable and fast internet connection for seamless 4K streaming.
• Set a reminder: Given the early broadcast start, make sure to set an alarm or reminder to catch all the action.
• Host a watch party: Invite friends and family with a 4K TV to share the experience together.

Conclusion

Despite the 2024 Paris Olympics marking a significant technological advancement with its 8K live streaming, most viewers will miss the opportunity due to the exorbitant costs and limited availability of 8K TVs and content. Nevertheless, Australians can still enjoy a premium 4K viewing experience through Stan Sport and Channel 9.

Q&A

Q: What makes the 2024 Paris Olympics significant for 8K broadcast?

A:

The 2024 Paris Olympics will represent the inaugural event featuring 8K live stream broadcasts, delivering unmatched detail and clarity.

Q: Why can’t most viewers access 8K?

A:

Most viewers do not have the requisite 8K-compatible displays, and the high costs along with limited content pose difficulties for 8K adoption.

Q: How can Australians access 4K coverage of the Olympics?

A:

Australians can view 4K Olympic coverage through Stan Sport, which necessitates a Stan Premium subscription and the Stan Sport add-on. Channel 9 will also air a pre-show in standard HD.

Q: What advantages are there to viewing the Olympics in 4K?

A:

4K resolution delivers four times the detail compared to standard HD, granting an immersive viewing experience with sharper visuals and a broader spectrum of colors.

Q: What requirements are necessary for streaming 8K content?

A:

To stream 8K content, an 8K display, a very high-speed internet connection, and a smart app capable of 8K streaming are necessary.

Q: When will the Opening Ceremony of the 2024 Paris Olympics occur?

A:

The Opening Ceremony is scheduled for Saturday, July 27th, 2024, at 3:00 AM AEST.