Source: www.rbr.com, September 2019
The development and commercialization of the first 5G-8K television is ever-closer to becoming a reality.
A Memorandum of Understanding has been signed between Samsung Electronics and SK Telecom — a pact that could revolutionize the television-watching experience by directly receiving 8K video over ultra-low latency and ultra-wideband 5G networks.
The 7680×4320 resolution, or 8K standard, is the highest resolution currently in existence, a fourfold enhancement of UHD.
SK Telecom plans to apply Mobile Edge Computing and Network-Based Media Processing to its 5G network to realize seamless transmission of 8K video. Samsung will apply its 8K AI Upscaling and next-generation codec technologies to upgrade full HD and UHD images to 8K resolution. The company will also equip 8K TVs with 5G dongles to support direct transmission of 8K resolution video content.
Viewers will be able to watch video content of POOQ, an over-the-top video subscription service offering programs on terrestrial TV that is a joint platform of Korea’s terrestrial broadcasters, and oksusu, at 8K resolution.
The two companies have also agreed to jointly evolve 5G-8K TV further to deliver a new user experience by working together in the areas including eSpace, SK Telecom’s hyper-space platform for replicating the real world in cyberspace, and 5G Sero TV, a 5G-based television that can be rotated both horizontally and vertically to provide a smartphone-like UX for TV users.
Moreover, they plan to develop B2B business models in areas of smart office and digital signage by adding 5G connectivity to televisions and displays.
“The 5G-8K TV is the culmination of ultra-low latency 5G networks combined with ultra-high definition TV technology,” said Park Jin-hyo, Chief Technology Officer and Head of ICT R&D Center at SK Telecom. “5G technology will help make the world of hyper media a reality.”
SK Telecom is the largest mobile operator in South Korea.