The BBC has confirmed it is to show twenty-nine World Cup 2018 games in 4K HDR, to compatible TVs with iPlayer apps capable of displaying the content. Additionally, the BBC also confirmed that every single one of its thirty-three game allocation will be available in Virtual Reality via the BBC Sport's VR 2018 World Cup app.
The news comes hot on the heels of recent trials, by the BBC, showing the FA Cup Final and a Rugby League game in UHD HDR, as well as the Blue Planet II and Planet Earth II documentary series.
The BBC says viewers will need at least a 40Mbps broadband connection to view the full-fat 4K HDR streams that will be shown at a tasty 50 frames per second in the HLG (Hybrid Log-gamma) HDR format. Those with slower connections might find they’re restricted to lower resolution β or at least lower bitrate β transmissions.
Additionally, streams will be limited and delivered on a first come/ first served basis which will mean enthusiasts like you and us will have our fingers hovering over the remote just prior to the broadcasts beginning. No actual numbers have been confirmed but the BBC revealed the UHD HDR streams will be limited to 'tens of thousands'.
The VR app will be available on iOS, Android, Gear VR, Oculus Go and PlayStation VR and will let users choose between views from ‛a luxury private box’ or from behind either of the two goals.
Matthew Postgate, BBC chief technology & product officer, said: "From the very first tournament on TV in 1954 and England's finest hour in 1966, to the first colour World Cup in 1970 and then full HD in 2006, the BBC has brought major live broadcasting breakthroughs to UK audiences throughout the history of the World Cup.
