2016 Rio Olympics to carry a torch for 8K and VR

Olympic Games

Even though the Olympic Broadcasting Service (OBS) said last year that it wouldn't broadcast the 2016 Rio Olympic Games in 4K, apparently it will try its hand at 8K broadcasting instead.

At the time, the OBS said it would be working with Japanese broadcaster NHK on 8K format, and it has now confirmed that it will air around 130 hours of Super Hi-Vision video (7,680 x 4,320 resolution) with 22.2 channel surround sound to Japan, according to Advanced Television.

Coverage in 8K will include the opening and closing ceremonies, as well as some coverage of judo, football, swimming and basketball.

OBS is likely trialing 8K broadcasting, as wells 4K downscaling, in hopes of eventually broadcasting the 2020 Tokyo Olympics at this resolution.

It's essentially banking on at least 4K tech (both TVs and for broadcasters) becoming much more accessible by the time 2020 rolls around, rather than pushing it at a time when TV and broadcast support is still not widely available. For now, OBS' coverage will be available in 1080p video resolution with 5.1 surround sound.

Meanwhile, OBS does plan on making some VR footage available to everyone around the world. VR coverage will include the opening and closing ceremonies, as well as "one key event per day."

The VR content will reportedly be available live through compatible technology, though OBS hasn't yet detailed what this would be.

The content shot for VR will also be available for viewing without the need of a headset, which we assume means 360-degree video.

TOPICS
Latest in Televisions
Hisense U7N Prime Day 2024 deal image
The Hisense U7N was one of the best TVs I tested in 2024, and it just had its price slashed at Amazon
Samsung HW-Q990D soundbar with Halloween theme over the top
Samsung promises to repair soundbars bricked by its disastrous software update for free – but it'll probably involve shipping
LG C3 deal image on blue background
Woah – LG's C3 OLED TV just crashed to its lowest price ever for March Madness
Samsung Wireless One Connect on stone pedestal
I tested Samsung's new wireless TV connection box, and gamers need to know one thing
Samsung S95D with peacock feather on screen
Samsung says an OLED-beating new screen tech could come sooner than we thought – but I wouldn't expect it in 4K TVs right away
Amazon Fire TV Stick
Amazon's Fire TV Stick 4K is back down to 40% off – give your older 4K TV a cheap smart upgrade
Latest in News
Xbox Series X and Xbox wireless controller set to a green background
Xbox Insiders are currently testing a new Game Hub feature that looks useful, but I've got mixed feelings about it
A stylized depiction of a padlocked WiFi symbol sitting in the centre of an interlocking vault.
Broadcom warns of worrying security flaws affecting VMware tools
Microsoft Surface Laptop and Surface Pro devices on a table.
Hate Windows 11’s search? Microsoft is fixing it with AI, and that almost makes me want to buy a Copilot+ PC
Oura Ring 4
Activity tracking on Oura Ring is about to get a whole lot better, but I've got bad news about your step count
Google Pixel Buds Pro 2
Cleaned your Pixel Buds Pro 2 recently? If not, you might be getting worse sound
Google Maps on a phone being held in someone's hand
Google Maps is getting two key upgrades, for easier route planning and quicker access to Gemini AI