UHDTV is short for Ultra High Definition Television and the natural evolution from High Definition Television (HDTV) to a higher fidelity television standard.
Television has always aimed to give the viewer the sense of being part of the scene. The UHDTV format promises a more immersive audiovisual experience than HDTV can offer. It aims to improve the sense of being there and the sense of realness of the content being captured and shown.
We use UHDTV to include: Better resolution (4K), High Dynamic Range (HDR), Wide Colour Gamut (WCG), High Frame Rates (HFR), and Next Generation Audio (NGA).
Also see our UHDTV Glossary.
How the EBU helps
The EBU provides technical specifications and guidelines, performs tests and shares practical experience to help its Members plan and deploy UHDTV services. This work is part of the EBU Strategic Programme on Smart Media Production, which includes groups covering the Audio and the Video aspects, also check out the HDR Implementation Task Force.
The more immersive experience is achieved by improving several video and audio parameters. Not all of these need to be used at the same time; they are options that can be mixed and matched, allowing for image and sound quality improvements to be deployed gradually (e.g. when upgrading existing production facilities). Example: using 1080p/50 with HDR is also a UHDTV service.
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More pixels The first parameter that can be improved over HDTV is the image resolution, often referred to as Ultra High Definition (UHD). Higher resolution allows for a wider field of view. There are two options here: - 3840x2160p = four times HDTV, commonly refered as 4K; - 7680x4320p = 16 times HDTV resolution, commly referred as 8K. |
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More light levels The second parameter concers the video's dynamic range, which is the range of perceptible light levels between the deepest darks and the brightest highlights in a scene. High Dynamic Range (HDR) provides more 'light levels' than Standard Dynamic Range (SDR), allowing images to 'sparkle'. This fits well with newer CE display technologies that feature a higher peak brightness. More on HDR. |
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More colours The third parameter, which typically goes hand-in-hand with HDR, concerns a wider colour gamut. The colour gamut is defined by three primaries (one for red, green and blue), which define a triangle of all the reproducable colours. The colours in this triangle form a subset of all human perceptible colours. Using Wide Colour Gamut (WCG, ITU-R BT.2020) allows more (saturated) colours to be used than are possible with the colour gamut used for HDTV (ITU-R BT.709). |
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More frames (per second) The fourth video parameter that can be 'upgraded' is the frame rate; the number of pictures per second. Extending the frame rate beyond the current 25 or 50 frames per second improves images with motion, which is especially relevant for sports content. With High Frame Rate (HFR) video, motion can look sharper without leading to excessive 'strobing'. |
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Immersive and personalized audio Personalised Sound Experiences (PSE) - also called: Next Generation Audio (NGA) - brings immersion and personalization. It includes different audio elements (channel-based, scene-based and object-based), gives the user more control (e.g. to change the commentary volume or language), provides more efficient codecs, and is flexible; PSE can serve a multitude of devices and speakers configurations, all using one production master signal. More on PSE. |
Which improvement to prioritise?
The technical options listed above vary in terms of their impact on required production resources, distribution bandwidth and end-user perception. Also, for several developments there is not yet enough mature equipment available, let alone affordable devices. And of course the situation differs country-by-country: audience uptake of new CE equipment, financial situation of the broadcaster, most recent investment cycle, status of other players sharing the same distribution platform, etc.
In brief the current (Q1 2024) UHDTV situation may be sketched as follows:
- 4K resolution is a natural evolution, strongly dependent on equipment replacement cycles. The production equipment is available. Cost arguments (especially those related to I/O and bandwidth) are a key reason why many broadcasters and event producers have opted for 1080p/50 over 2160p/50 for now.
- 1080p/50 + HDR production and signals are increasingly being provided (this was already announced several years ago, e.g. see EBU PTS 2019 - UHDTV panel). Note that 1080p/50 distribution can still benefit from 2150p/50 cameras or production (resolution oversampling).
- In general 8K resolution is not on the radar of European broadcasters, it has mostly been used to market/sell new CE displays.
- HDR with WCG may offer the "best bang for the buck", but attention must be paid to using correct combined SDR + HDR workflows (see more on HDR).
- For distribution both HLG and HDR10 are commonly being mentioned by EBU Members; the appetite for dynamic HDR metadata seems to be low (see EBU BPN 120 and EBU BPN 128).
- HFR is at least several years away, due to a lack of (professional and consumer) equipment and doubts about the 'sweet spot' (see EBU Tech Report 050).
- PSE is dependent on the soundbar penetration in homes, broadcasters changing their workflows and televisions offering user interfaces to allow users to access the NGA features (more on PSE).
This supplement to EBU Tech Report 081 provides specific test results concerning the SWIT FM-215 monitor.
This supplement to EBU Tech Report 081 provides specific test results concerning the Sony PVM-X2400 monitor.
This supplement to EBU Tech Report 081 provides specific test results concerning the Sony BVM-HX3110 monitor.
This supplement to EBU Tech Report 081 provides specific test results concerning the SonoVTS QRDP 310-B monitor.
This supplement to EBU Tech Report 081 provides specific test results concerning the Flanders Scientific XMP550 monitor.
This supplement to EBU Tech Report 081 provides specific test results concerning the Canon DP-V2730 monitor.
This supplement to EBU Tech Report 081 provides specific test results concerning the Canon DP-V1830 monitor.
This Technical Report summarizes key results from the HDR monitor tests undertaken in 2024.
For France Télévisions, the Paris Olympic Games provide the impetus for several advances in production and distribution technology. Turn to pages 10–11 for an overview of the projects that will ensure Paris 2024 leaves a media innovation legacy for the whole country.
Digital Video Levels Explainer, created by Thomas Berglund (NRK).
This supplement to EBU Tech 3376 specifies profile settings for Sony cameras.
This supplement to EBU Tech 3376 specifies profile settings for Grass Valley cameras.
Methods for generating baseline HDR camera painting controls profiles.
This Technical Report discusses the state-of-the-art in HDR to SDR conversion.
This supplement to EBU Tech Report 078 provides specific test results concerning the Technicolor Advanced HDR converter.
This supplement to EBU Tech Report 078 provides specific test results concerning the Lynx Technik HDR converter.
This supplement to EBU Tech Report 078 provides specific test results concerning the b<>com / EVS Neuron HDR converter.
This is a recommendation on formats and parameters for live programmes where UHD-HDR content is exchanged between different partners.
This is a recommendation on formats and parameters for programmes delivered or exchanged as UHD-files between different partners.
Report on the MPEG-H demos given at the EBU Workshop in November 2022.
The BEAR is a renderer for audio content encoded using the Audio Definition Model.
The EBU’s Audio Systems and Video Systems groups used this summer’s European Championships 2022 at Munich’s Olympiastadion to capture valuable test content. On pages 10–11, Werner Bleisteiner (BR) and Simon Thompson (BBC) describe the aims of the project and the challenges they faced.
Answers to Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about HDR production workflows,.
This is the graphical report of the 2022 UHD/HDR Members survey.
This document (v2.0) describes the measurement methods and procedures for video monitors used in broadcast environments.
Next Generation Audio provides new user experiences.
NGA came to surface at the right moment for the SRF.
It is commonplace to see mobile phones used to shoot video whilst held in a portrait configuration (long axis vertical), which results in aspect ratios such as 9:16, rather than the conventional 16:9. Nevertheless, the importance of user-generated content to broadcasters has created the need to handle and archive images with non-traditional aspect ratios.
This report offers suggestions for how HbbTV can be used to provide accessibility services for those with sensory differences.
Next Generation Audio (NGA) offers significant benefits to audiences, content creators and broadcasters: immersive audio, personalization for listening preferences, and long-term efficiencies in production and distribution. This report is a collaborative product of the Forum for Advanced Media in Europe (FAME).
NGA allows audiences to personalise their sound experience - wherever and however they consume it, thanks to metadata embedded in the audio data. This is a new paradigm.
The EBU Tech 3374 calibration chart is designed to rapidly validate some of the most common issues encountered when setting up an HDR monitoring system.
This report is a comparative analysis of the capabilities of the main Next Generation Audio systems currently available to broadcasters.
This report provides details on the implementation of HDR and SDR< >HDR conversions in the Davinci Resolve software.
This article reviews several issues in media accessibility technology. One concerns whether we should see accessibility measures rather as ‘personalization options’ that allow for human differences.
EBU Tech 3375 provides best practice guidelines for the signalling and transport of HDR and Wide Colour Gamut video over 3G-SDI interfaces.
This document covers the image quality performance of the video codec marketed by Sony as XAVC QFHD Intra Class 100, 300, 480 and XAVC QFHD Long422 200.
This document covers the image quality performance of the video codec marketed by Panasonic as AVC‑Intra 4k422 and AVC‑Intra 100.
This document covers the image quality performance of the video codec marketed by Avid as DNxHR HQX, which is part of the Avid DNxHR range of products
This document details the testing approach for the analysis of the video quality performance of UHD/HDR codecs provided by Avid, Apple, Panasonic and Sony.
EBU Tech 3373 defines a test pattern for use in creating UHDTV video signals.
This document describes the EBU ADM Renderer (EAR) - an audio renderer providing a complete interpretation of the Audio Definition Model (ADM).
For broadcasters, the current challenge is to “pick and mix” from the following list of technical options: UHD, NGA, HDR, WCG and HFR. The EBU Strategic Programme on Production is promoting Best Practices to clear the path for new services.
Next Generation Audio (NGA) can deliver features such as immersive sound, multiple languages or flex-time audio in a single, multi-purpose workflow and stream.
This article discusses how SBA and HOA can be used to implement NGA systems, producing any combination of TV, VR, and 360° video programme using a single audio workflow.
EBU guidelines and examples for using the Audio Definition Model (ADM).
This document specifies 10 additional test colours to test the colour reproduction of Grade 1 professional video monitors. The colours have clearly distinguishable names, such as: Luminous Bright Orange' and 'Reddish Purple'.
Version 4.1 of the well-known EBU Tech 3320 specification, that defines which monitors used for in professional TV production can be called Grade 1A, 1B, 2 or 3. (There is 1 corrigendum.)
Issue 41 of tech-i assesses the state of the overall technology ecosystem for UHD.
UHD/HDR service parameters expected to offer interoperability with the large majority of CE devices (televisions, IRDs, etc.) expected to be available on the European market from 2020.
This report covers two subjective evaluations that aimed to answer the question "How much can 100 Hz High Frame Rate (HFR) video improve picture quality?"
This issue of tech-i provides an update on where 5G technology stands currently and related EBU activities, including research on potential applications for media contribution.
This report summarises a number of key findings from the measurements of first generation HDR-capable video monitors, which were tested in 2018 by a group of EBU Member experts.
This Technical Report discusses in some depth the issues surrounding the need for codec-independent workflows for NGA production.
These are the EBU's recommendations to broadcasters and vendors to promote the adoption of NGA throughout the broadcast chain.
The inaugural European Championships in summer 2018 provided a perfect opportunity to test several emerging technologies. This issue of tech-i looks at what was done in terms of both production and distribution, covering advanced video and audio formats and potential 5G approaches.
This publication provides advice to reduce the risk of persistent 'image retention' (so-called image burn-in) on production monitors (and by extension CE) displays.
This document describes a constrained Broadcast Production subset of the ADM (Audio Definition Model - ITU-R BS.2076).
This Technical Report describes the results of the listening test to evaluate the performance of renderers using the MS-IPM methodology.
The Audio Description metadata Model provides a formalised description of audio content for many types of audio file (e.g. BWF, BW64).
The 64-bit audio file format meets the requirements for NGA and multichannel sound in broadcasting and audio archiving. As with the 16-bit BWF it is based on the Microsoft RIFF/WAVE format.
The cover of the June 2018 issue of tech-i magazine features RTL City, one of the world’s first all-IP production facilities. The EBU’s New Buildings Initiative is introduced along with a report on how Broadcasting Center Europe has embraced the world of IP.
EBU Tech 3285 supplement 7 provides a definition of the <chna> chunk that enables the inclusion of ADM metadata in the BWF file format.
In 2017, Augmented Reality gained momentum due to the release of Software Development Kits and Computer Graphics productions from big players, such as Amazon, Apple, Facebook, Google and Snapchat. This guide provides an introduction to the latest AR developments.
High Dynamic Range (HDR) can make major difference to image quality. This EBU guide is meant to help EBU Members find their way in the concepts and standards that form the basis of the current HDR technology.
The advent of High Dynamic Range (HDR) and Wide Colour Gamut (WCG) video naturally leads to consideration of what constitutes a good monitor for use with such signals.
This document provides guidelines to safe areas (both graphics and action).
EBU R 118 recommends that (U)HD cameras be graded or tiered according to their technical specifications and measured quality (see EBU Tech 3335).
This reports the tests, methodologies, results and the conclusions drawn from subjective assessments of UHD TV, including HDR contents as displayed by both HDR and SDR panels.
The report discusses video system requirements for UHDTV and an advanced 1080p HDTV format, to help inform broadcasters making decisions on infrastructures and flexible workflows. Today's version corrects a typo and a link.
This recommendation formalises the EBU's position that the renderer and codec, including bit stream and associated technical and descriptive metadata be specified and standardized as part of Next Generation Audio systems based on audio-objects.
Broadcasters produce a wide range of content and services as traditional linear radio and TV but also as time-shifted, on-demand, hybrid content and data services. This study assessing the distribution options available to broadcasters now and for the future.
Circles of Confusion is an essential HDTV technology handbook written by television expert Alan Roberts. Its 450 pages explain how television works, how it came to work this way, and how to get the best out of it, particularly for HDTV production.