Singapore F1 broadcast in 4K ahead of 2017 switch

Sunday’s Singapore Grand Prix saw live 4K broadcasting being tested for the motorsport, as Tata Communications, Sky and Formula One Management (FOM) teamed up for the endeavour.

The move comes ahead of Sky’s plan to broadcast all races in 4K next season.

“UHD offers four times higher resolution than HD, making F1 a more powerful, immersive experience for fans than ever before. We’re on track to show every race live in UHD next season using our next-generation Sky Q home entertainment service, and to continue to give our customers the action-packed F1 experiences that they crave,” said Keith Lane, director of operations at Sky, in a Tata press statement.

After a few years on the market, we’re slowly seeing more companies use 4K tech, with F1 being no different

According to Tata, the test saw multiple 4K cameras being installed around the track, for starters.

“The footage from these was mixed in the FOM Broadcast Centre on-site, and the UHD output distributed live to Sky’s HQ in Osterley in the UK using Tata Communications’ Video Connect service,” it explained.

“Delivering the race action seamlessly in UHD from any Grand Prix location to homes requires superfast, reliable connectivity on a global scale,” says Mehul Kapadia, Managing Director of F1 Business at Tata Communications.

“And, other game-changing technologies like virtual reality will rely on ubiquitous, superfast connectivity too. As the break-neck speed of technology innovation continues, we’ll work with Formula One Management to enable fans to experience the exhilarating world of F1 in new ways.

Now, about moving F1 into the digital era… How are plans for a MotoGP-like subscription service coming along?