Elemental to stream Vienna State Opera performance in 4K

Video compression specialist Elemental is due to power a 4K stream of a performance from the Vienna State Opera, in what it claims will be first live production in 4K HEVC delivered via MPEG-DASH over the Internet.

The performance of Verdi’s opera Nabucco is due to be streamed tomorrow evening for global viewing on UHD smart TVs as well as to a 65-inch Samsung UHD TV at the opera house.

The stream will be available on the new Wiener Staatsoper (Vienna State Opera) Samsung smart TV, which it claims is the first such app with fully integrated UHD playout functionality that will allow viewers worldwide to watch the broadcast at their respective primetime, through Vienna State Opera’s unique time-shift feature.

“Our multiscreen offer, VOD services and user-selectable two-channel live programme provide new and exciting ways for fans to experience the arts with the highest levels of accessibility and artistry. The flexibility, speed and power of solutions from Elemental and the unique ability to stream 4K video using HEVC and MPEG-DASH, are vital for us to broaden the possibilities for opera and ballet viewing experiences,” said Christopher Widauer, director of digital development for the Vienna State Opera.

The opera hosts more than 300 performances per season and produces more than 40 live broadcasts annually.

As well as 4K HEVC streaming, Elemental also supports live streaming and VOD for the Wiener Staatsoper’s HD livestreaming service. This lets viewers purchase live performances over the web for playback on computers, iOS and Android mobile devices, connected TVs and Samsung smart TVs.