The next generation of high definition television was revealed for the first time at the IBC broadcast show in Europe. Three major broadcasters Japan's NHK, Italy's RAI and the BBC have already demonstrated the format with the ABC in Australia also taking an interest in the development of the new HD standard.
Live Super Hi-Vision was shown at IBC on a 275-inch theatre screen delivered to Amsterdam via fibre and satellite from London and Torino with partners that included outside broadcaster SIS, Cable and Wireless and Siemens.
Not yet ready for release in the home the new format was developed by engineers at Japan's NHK. They have suggested that a full production system will be possible by 2015.
NHK's project leader, Dr Keiichi Kubota, said NHK's goal is for Super Hi-Vision to be enjoyed in every home. "It is our responsibility to show broadcasters and network operators that it is not just a dream but a real future television system," he said.
NHK has developed a special 8k sensor with 33 megapixels for the prototype Super Hi-Vision camera systems and is using prototype projectors.
Super Hi-Vision provides 7680 x 4320 pixel (32 million pixels) images with 22.2 channel audio. HDTV offers two million pixels at 1920 x 1080.