Elemental Technologies Expands 4K Services

Elemental Technologies has announced it is providing the platform for new 4K Ultra HD, OTT and direct-to-home (DTH) services in South Korea.

Two telco providers, KT and SK Broadband, have both launched UHD services using Elemental high-efficiency video coding (HEVC) software.

KT launched its media business seven years ago, and is expecting 20% revenue growth in 2016 ans increase its pay TV subscriber base by a half million to bring its total subscribers to approximately seven million. The UHD channels KT has added to its SkyLife DTH service are key elements in attracting those new viewers.

SK Broadband, also a telco leader in South Korea, is investing 320 billion Won (circa. $265 million USD) in its own creative content this year. It is also investing in its delivery infrastructure to meet continually growing demand, and to provide 4K content to more of its subscribers.

Both KT and SK Broadband have chosen to offer 4K UHD as a key part of their offerings. The first 4K services were made available in June 2015 and powered by Elemental Live and Elemental Server video processing. To meet their expanding needs, both companies have already ordered extensions to their installations in 2016.

"South Korea is at the forefront of 4K in Asia," said David Godfrey, Elemental vice president for the region. "Elemental is very excited to be working with both KT and SK Broadband on their UHD multiscreen services from initial launch to recent expansions. Audiences are clearly voting with their subscriptions for the crisp, lifelike images of 4K video."

Image: David Godfrey.

www.elementaltechnologies.com

(JP/LM)