KT Skylife explores ultra-high definition TV and HEVC applications with Ericsson

Explores efficient delivery of high quality video up to four times the resolution of High Definition
Additional HEVC compression testing of bandwidth reduction for delivery of multiple enhanced services
Extends relationship between KT SkyLife and Ericsson
Korea Telecom (KT) SkyLife, South Korea’s leading satellite Pay-TV provider, has been a pioneer in the TV and media industry by implementing new technologies such as multichannel High Definition (HD), 3DTV and IP Hybrid set-top boxes. As consumer demand for higher quality continues to increase, KT SkyLife is working with Ericsson (NASDAQ:ERIC) on different test transmissions aimed at the introduction of next-generation TV experiences, including an Ultra-High Definition TV (UHDTV) trial and High Efficiency Video Coding (HEVC) tests to determine how the new standard can be deployed in multiple applications.

Ericsson’s recent 2012 ConsumerLab TV and Video Consumer Trend report showed that there remains an appetite among consumers for the highest possible quality, further supported by the number of Ultra High Definition TV sets on show by manufacturers at CES this year. The trial of UHDTV will commence during the second half of 2013, and will use Ericsson’s award-winning AVP and RX8200 range of solutions.

"We are continually looking at new ways to provide premium quality services to consumers in Korea and, as a result, are exploring the most effective way to deliver Ultra-High Definition TV as we look towards future commercial roll out," said Han Lee, Head of KT Skylife Technology Center, KT SkyLife. "Like us, Ericsson has a strong heritage in enabling next-generation consumer TV experiences, and we are delighted to extend our long standing relationship together as we look to offer further innovation."

The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) announced the formal ratification of HEVC in January 2013. This first stage of approval, formally known as H.265 or ISO/IEC 23008-2, will succeed the Advanced Video Codec (AVC) (or H.264) used in various video technologies such as TV, video cameras and Blu-ray discs. HEVC is seen as the key enabler for a number of new video services, including delivery of video over LTE networks, improved experience in OTT services and UHDTV delivery to the home.

Ericsson introduced the SVP 5500, the world’s first HEVC encoder for mobile applications, in 2012 and KT SkyLife is using Ericsson’s technology to test the suitability of this new codec in a number of uses for improved service delivery and quality of experience to its customers.

"UHDTV provides an opportunity for content providers, broadcasters and operators to create a truly immersive experience that allows them to differentiate their service, and we foresee major sporting events accelerating the adoption of the technology," said Dr. Giles Wilson, Head of TV Compression Business, Ericsson. "At the same time, HEVC promises to revolutionize video service delivery across multiple applications and we are pleased to work with KT SkyLife in testing both of these new technologies. We look forward to commencing these trials and to driving the next major advance in TV experiences."