Czech and Slovak public broadcasters begin UHD tests

Czech Republic public TV provider Ceska Televize (CT) and Slovakian public broadcaster RTVS are due to begin test broadcasts of Ultra HD content.

CT and RTVS, in partnership with Czech digital infrastructure provider Ceske Radiokomunikace, will lead the first Ultra HD broadcast trial via SES’s Astra 3B satellite at the orbital slot of 23.5 degrees East.

CT, RTVS, Ceske Radiokomunikace are all part of the Ultra HDTV Forum, which was formed in October last year to help aide the production and distribution of Ultra HD content in the Czech Republic and Slovakia. SES also recently joined the Forum.

“Ceska Televize believes that the adoption of Ultra HD will be much faster than HD and is eager to make sure it arrives soon in the Czech Republic. We welcome the opportunity to collaborate with SES to conduct these Ultra HD test broadcasts and to work closely with SES following their new member status in the Ultra HD TV Forum,” said Ivo Ferkl, chief technical officer at CT.

Václav Mika, director general at RTVS said: “Having produced and broadcast all our shows in HD, RTVS is keen to remain the trendsetter in Ultra HD broadcasting and to position ourselves as a leader in technical innovation.”