NAB 2012: London Olympics Opening and Closing Ceremonies to be Shot in 8K Resolution

The London 2012 Summer Olympics drew huge ratings for broadcasters around the world - from the BBC in the U.K. to NBC in the U.S. While many viewers tuned in live, delayed viewing on TV and digital platforms also drew a crowd. Plus, the Summer Games became the first-ever social media Olympics, with people in many countries turning to Twitter and Facebook to celebrate and comment on winners, losers and old favorites and new-found stars among Olympic athletes - from Usain Bolt to Michael Phelps and Ryan Lochte . TV network groups that didn't air the Summer Games, meanwhile, reported a hit to ratings and advertising revenue.

NHK exec outlines test plan for Super High Vision, a developing TV system that produces 16 times more picture information as HD.

LAS VEGAS--The opening and closing ceremonies of the London Olympics as well as portions of events including track and field, swimming and basketball will be captured in 8K resolution, which is 16 times that of HD.

Japan’s NHK has been developing an Ultra-HDTV system called Super High Vision (SHV), and through a joint project between NHK, BBC, and Olympic Broadcast Services (OBS), this system will be tested at the 2012 Olympics.

Yoshiaki Shishikui, head of advanced TV systems research division, NHK Research, outlined testing plans, Sunday at the NAB Show’s Technology Summit on Cinema, co-produced with the Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers. As part of the presentation, he explained a test delivery system that will be used to transmit the 8K images to public viewing events in London and Japan.

NHK has been developing a complete SHV system, including cameras and recording devices, and plans to begin experimental broadcasts in Japan during 2012.