Virgin Media claims UK HDR first with Roland-Garros coverage

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Virgin Media claims UK HDR first with Roland-Garros coverage
Details
Joseph O'Halloran
| 25 May 2019

Virgin Media is claiming to be setting a benchmark by becoming the first UK TV platform to broadcast an event in 4K/Ultra HD with high dynamic range (HDR) with Eurosport’s coverage of Roland-Garros starting 26 May 2019.

Virgin Media will utilise Hybrid Log Gamma (HLG) technology — developed by the BBC and NHK — to broadcast all matches that feature on the renovated Phillipe Chatrier court in 4K UHD with HDR on its V6 set top box. It will deliver the service using standard broadcast technology which will require the viewer to press the red button on any of the Eurosport channels to view the action.

Eurosport’s live 4K HDR coverage will be available on each day of the two-week long tournament on all matches that appear on Phillipe Chatrier court.

The announcement builds on Virgin Media’s partnership with Eurosport in 2018 which enabled tennis fans to watch coverage of Roland Garros in 4K UHD for the first time.

“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,” said David Bouchier, chief digital entertainment officer at Virgin Media. “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.”

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Virgin Media screen Eurosport Roland Garros coverage in HDR
May 25, 2019 14.28 Europe/London By Julian Clover

Rafael Nadal celebrated his tenth title at Roland Garros this year (Image: Getty Images)
Virgin Media is to become the first UK TV platform to broadcast an event in 4K Ultra HD (UHD) with High Dynamic Range (HDR).
It’s to make available Eurosport’s coverage of Roland Garros tennis.
Virgin Media will utilise Hybrid Log Gamma (HLG) technology to broadcast all matches that feature on the renovated Phillipe Chatrier court in 4K UHD with HDR on its V6 set top box.
Viewers will need to press the red button on their remote control while viewing Eurosport 1 HD or Eurosport 2 HD.
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.”
Eurosport’s live 4K HDR coverage will be available on each day of the two-week long tournament on all matches that appear on Phillipe Chatrier court.