Tata Communication, Sky tests UHD broadcast at Singapore F1 race

Tata Communication and UK-Headquareted Sky on Wednesday, have tested in action live ultra high definition (UHD) broadcasting at the 2016 Formula 1, Singapore airlines during the Singapore grand prix. 

This would be the first ever end-to-end broadcast of an F1 race in UHD, Sky will show all races of 2017 season on UHD. 

The UHD test in Singapore follows a series of other ambitious proof of concepts by Tata Communications and Formula One Management around live Over the Top content delivery and 4K broadcasting.

"The successful proof of concept involved the installation of multiple state-of-the-art UHD cameras at the Singapore circuit. The footage from these was mixed in the FOM Broadcast Centre onsite, and the UHD output distributed live to Sky’s HQ in Osterley in the UK using Tata Communications’ Video Connect service," It said in a statement. 

Ensuring the highest quality experience for viewers, the video connectivity from Sky and Tata Communications will enable broadcasters to deliver live video feeds over the world's largest wholly-owned subsea fibre network, 

John Morrison, Chief Technical officer of Formula one Management said,"This proof of concept with Sky and Tata Communications demonstrates our ongoing commitment to make F1 the ultimate sports experience by harnessing the power of cutting-edge broadcasting technologies.” 

Mehul Kapadia, Managing Director of F1 Business at Tata Communications said,"“Delivering the race action seamlessly in UHD from any Grand Prix location to homes requires superfast, reliable connectivity on a global scale.” Adding he said,"As the breakneck speed of technology innovation continues, we’ll work with Formula One Management to enable fans to experience the exhilarating world of F1 in new ways.”

While for Sky this development indicates that the company is on track to show every race live in UHD next season. 

Keith Lane, Director of Operations at Sky. “UHD offers four times higher resolution than HD, making F1 a more powerful, immersive experience for fans than ever before. The success of this proof of concept in Singapore shows that we’re on track to show every race live in UHD next season using our next-generation Sky Q home entertainment service, and to continue to give our customers the action-packed  F1 experiences that they crave.”