If the immediate future of 4K is to be that of streamed video content, then there are some hurdles to overcome to get it in to our homes.
Even with the new HEVC compression format, we are going to need a steadfast connection of more than 15Mbps, which is still out of reach for many in the UK, to get anything like an acceptable Ultra HD experience.
But there may be an answer for those of you lacking the necessary broadband speeds emerging from the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) Show, which is being held in Las Vegas this week (7-10 April).
Beamr Video, described as a next-generation video optimisation technology, is claimed to be able to reduce 4K HEVC bitrates by up to 50% with no visual quality loss and will do the same with Full HD H.264 streams.
The ramifications for this are obvious and, if successful, it will enable a smoother streaming experience with reduced buffering and faster start up times. For the content providers it will also mean cost savings in both delivery and storage.
But there may be an answer for those of you lacking the necessary broadband speeds emerging from the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) Show, which is being held in Las Vegas this week (7-10 April).
Beamr Video, described as a next-generation video optimisation technology, is claimed to be able to reduce 4K HEVC bitrates by up to 50% with no visual quality loss and will do the same with Full HD H.264 streams.
The ramifications for this are obvious and, if successful, it will enable a smoother streaming experience with reduced buffering and faster start up times. For the content providers it will also mean cost savings in both delivery and storage.
Lowers bitrate threshold to around 8Mbps for 4K
The technology is currently deployed and being field-tested by major studios and OTT distributors of television shows and Hollywood movies, although they aren’t saying which ones.
“The industry is moving forward this year with 4K Ultra HD deployment, and HEVC has been selected as the next-generation codec that will enable this transformation. But there is still a big gap between the lowest bitrates acceptable by the industry for 4K HEVC, which are around 15-20 Mbps, and the bandwidth capabilities of most consumers,” said Sharon Carmel, founder and CEO of Beamr.
Currently being field tested by OTT providers
“Beamr has figured out how to solve this problem by reducing 4K HEVC bitrates by up to 50%, with no effect on the perceived visual quality. This enables efficient distribution of Ultra HD content to residential customers over existing Internet connections,” said Carmel. “And for companies who are delivering HD content today using H.264, Beamr Video enables a smoother streaming experience and significant cost savings by lowering H.264 bitrates up to 50%, and preserving the original video quality”.
Well, it all sounds very promising. Let’s hope it works as intended and we see it deployed sooner rather than later although it could be another nail in the coffin for our hopes of a 4K Blu-ray format.
Source: Digital TV News
Well, it all sounds very promising. Let’s hope it works as intended and we see it deployed sooner rather than later although it could be another nail in the coffin for our hopes of a 4K Blu-ray format.
Source: Digital TV News
To share your thoughts on the above, click the Discussion tab and post a reply.