Japan to Start "8K" TV Broadcasts in 2020

Tokyo, Feb. 27 (Jiji Press)--The Japanese communications ministry plans to start "8K" ultrahigh-definition television broadcasts in 2020, as Tokyo is bidding to host the 2020 Summer Olympics, informed sources told Jiji Press on Wednesday. The plan, which is likely to make Japan the world's first country to introduce the next-generation TV format, is aimed to give a boost to Tokyo's bid for the 2020 Olympics. The ministry is expected to present the introduction timetable to a panel of experts and industry leaders on Thursday. The 8K technology enables 16 times the resolution of existing full high-definition TVs. The timetable will include the full introduction of 4K broadcasts in July 2014, in line with the FIFA World Cup in Brazil. The ministry also plans to begin test 8K broadcasts in 2016, four years earlier than initially planned, taking into account the Rio de Janeiro Olympics that year. It will aim for a smooth transition to full 8K broadcasts while promoting the development of 8K-compatible content and equipment. END