DTG launches first 4K HDMI ‘plugfest’

The UK’s Digital Television Group (DTG) has launched what it says is the world’s first Ultra HD “product testing zoo” with a 4K HDMI “interoperability plugfest”. 

The DTG organized a members-only event bringing together retail 4K TVs from TV manufacturers, set-top boxes, an upscaling Blu-Ray player, an AV receiver and testing equipment from two providers.

Participants tested different combinations of outputs and 4k resolutions, framerate and bit depth to build a picture of which HDMI features were supported.

The full “plugfest” line-up included 12 Ultra HD 4K displays, all of which are currently available in retail, plus two set-top boxes and a reference STB design from a silicon vendor, with HDMI test tools supplied by Rohde & Schwarz and Quantum Data.

The DTG will collate its findings from the event to investigate whether there are specifications or guidelines the industry can create to improve interoperability in the future.

The DTG intends to hold a follow-on event to focus on 4K image quality and HEVC support.

“I would like to thank all the participants and observers that made it a successful and busy day,” said Simon Gauntlett, chief technology officer at the DTG.

“This event marks the beginning in a new era of testing facilities at the Digital TV Group and we look forward to further collaboration with industry to create a thriving 4K Ultra HD ecosystem in the UK.”