KUALA LUMPUR: Football fans, get ready for a more “real life” experience of the English Premier League (EPL).

Astro will introduce a 4K Ultra High Definition (UHD) service by the year-end, when excitement grows as the league enters the halfway mark of its just launched 2018/19 season.

Astro’s Head of Sports CK Lee said once the service is commercially available by November or December, the satellite TV provider will display selected sports, movies and general entertainment items progressively in UHD.

He said besides the EPL matches, F1 races would also be shown in UHD.

“We will provide details on the 4K UHD service once the service is launched commercially.

“For now, viewers can enjoy a preview screening of 4K UHD Premier League matches and F1 races at our partner F&B and retail outlets,” he said yesterday.

Astro kicked off the EPL season with the first 4K UHD broadcast in Malaysia last night for the Liverpool vs West Ham and Arsenal vs Man City matches at Souled Out in Desa Sri Hartamas.

Lee said starting next week, fans could catch selected EPL matches in UHD at selected F&B outlets starting next week.

The 4K UHD resolution standard is the latest in ultra sharp and crisp quality viewing technology.

UHD TVs have a resolution of 3,840 x 2,160 pixels, which is four times the resolution of Full HD TVs (1,920 x 1,080 pixels), producing a far sharper image.

“With UHD, pictures are clearer and colours more vivid,” said Lee.

Astro launched its HD football service in 2009.