Tata Sky Selects Ericsson to launch commercial 4K video service

Ericsson has enabled Tata Sky, one of India's leading direct-to-home (DTH) operator, to launch the first commercial 4K video service in the subcontinent.

With the launch of the Tata Sky 4K service, customers subscribing to this service can watch video up to four times the resolution of the standard high definition (HD) video currently available. Ericsson will provide compression technology for 4K distribution using high resolution 1080P50 format. This will help boost TV viewing experience for Indian-based viewers subscribing to the 4K Tata Sky Video Service.

The Compression technology HEVC (High Efficiency Video Codec) integrated by Ericsson enables Tata Sky to achieve cost-effective and crucial bandwidth efficiencies while deploying new video services to meet ever increasing network and consumer demands.

Ericsson predicts that there will be 50 billion connected devices by 2020, and more than 15 billion of these are expected to be video enabled. With availability of more content for an ever ­­­­­increasing number of video-enabled devices, it is critical to maximize video delivery over available bandwidth and multiple networks.

Harit Nagpal, CEO, Tata Sky, says: "Tata Sky is committed towards delivering a world class TV viewing experience to its customers. As the discerning customers of today look towards the future of TV, we are pleased to extend our partnership with Ericsson to deliver next generation 4K ultra high definition technology to our customers in India."

Chris Houghton, Head of Ericsson's Region India, says: "Ericsson is delighted to partner with Tata Sky to roll out India's first commercial 4K video service. Superior technology, proven industry leadership and service excellence from Ericsson enables Tata Sky to offer a differentiated and future proofed digital experience to its subscribers."

Tata Sky has launched its 4K set top box just ahead of the ongoing cricket World Cup (February 14 - March 29, 2015). This will ensure that cricket and sports enthusiasts are connected in time to witness the cricketing extravaganza for the first time in 4K ultra high definition.