When HDTV sets became widely available in the U.S. around 1998, it seemed TV couldn’t get more real. Colors were vivid, motion was crisp and sporting events looked like you were there in person. Twenty years later and our viewing experience is still improving, this time with AT&T DIRECTV’s launch of the first 4K High Dynamic Range slate of live sports from a U.S. pay-TV provider.
The schedule of live 4K HDR debuted Dec. 14 with a simulcast of an NHL Network game between the Vegas Golden Knights and Pittsburgh Penguins. Those who tuned in may have noticed better contrast to enhance viewing. Wide color gamut makes the colors on the TV more realistic. And at 60 frames a second, the motion in sports will be more fluid.
DirecTV is broadcasting 13 NBA games in 4K HDR this season, including the Cleveland Cavaliers-Milwaukee Bucks and Toronto Raptors-Oklahoma City Thunder games from NBA TV this month. DirecTV has also committed to doing 4K HDR with MLB Network games next season, AT&T SVP of Content Operations John Ward said earlier this month at the SVG Summit.
“I’ve been crazy interested in the different lighting that’s at these baseball stadiums — in particular, Fenway Park,” Ward said. “For whatever reason, I think the games at Fenway Park look absolutely amazing in 4K, so I can’t wait and see what those look like in HDR.”
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More major sports will be seen in 4K HDR going forward. El Clasico viewers were exposed to it last Saturday with 30 cameras deployed for the match between Real Madrid and FC Barcelona. A Connecticut women’s basketball game found on DirecTV in that resolution was available as well last week with a simulcast of the SNY broadcast.
“That ultimately is where I see it going,” Ward said. “I think 2018 will be a big year for HDR, at least I’m hopeful of that.”