2 EDITORIAL

We have heard this argument before : ‘ Go for 4K / Ultra HD ( UHD ); it offers four times the resolution of HD , bringing with it a level of clarity and vibrancy that will re-shape the entire viewing experience .’

Some of us have seen the evidence for ourselves — particularly for content genres such as sports , 4K / UHD immerses viewers in the thick of the action , as if we were technologically transported into the bowels of some of the most iconic sports stadiums around the world .

By the end of this year , sports fans in Malaysia will be able to embark on their very own 4K / UHD journey , as Astro prepares to launch a dedicated 4K / UHD service based primarily around sports content .

While Astro ’ s initiative should perhaps be applauded as they look to gain first-mover advantage in 4K / UHD deployment — and there is nothing to suggest that 4K / UHD will not take off in the long-term — is the time right for Asian broadcasters to consider launching 4K / UHD services ?

Perhaps , this question should be considered from a region-specific perspective . In South-east Asia , where a 2020 timeframe to complete the digital switchover has been set by the Association of South-east Asian Nations ( ASEAN ), many broadcasters remain at risk of missing the deadline .

In Singapore , all analogue TV signals will be switched off this December 31 — an encouraging development , although it must be noted that the original target was end-2017 .

In Malaysia , the outlook is less certain . An on-going dispute between MYTV — the body tasked to oversee the digital switchover in the country — and FTA broadcasters is continuing to

delay the roll-out of digital TV services .

Thus , 4K / UHD , at this moment , is a non sequitur , suggested Dr Ahmad Zaki Mohd Salleh , director , technical operations , TV Networks , Media Prima . Notwithstanding the extra financial and manpower resources that will be required to launch 4K / UHD services , the entirety of Media Prima ’ s internal processes are still centred around the provision of HD services , Dr Zaki revealed .

And that , in a nutshell , is perhaps the biggest conundrum currently facing many broadcasters in Asia today . 4K / UHD , after all , is not the only emerging technology that promises to allow broadcasters to offer a more immersive viewing experience , and also to create more effective and sustainable workflows .

For broadcasters still operating in SD , there is just not enough incentive for them to leapfrog directly to 4K / UHD ; for those exploring how technologies like IP , AI and blockchain can bring about more operational efficiencies , there must be an underlying realisation that unless they go fully digital , they are unlikely to enjoy the full benefits that these technologies can offer .

So , while it may sound archaic in an increasingly evolving media landscape characterised by the prominence of online digital content providers , the completion of the digital transition cannot come fast enough for many broadcasters — and viewers — in Asia .

SHAWN LIEW MANAGING EDITOR

October 2018 ( volume 35 issue 9 )

EDITORIAL

managing editor Shawn Liew , shawn @ editecintl . com

contributing editor ( technology ) Karl K Rossiter , karl @ editecintl . com

news editor Josephine Tan , josephine @ editecintl . com

CORRESPONDENTS n India Shirish Nadkarni , shinads @ yahoo . co . uk

n USA Mike Feazel , mfeazel @ gmail . com

PRODUCTION production editor Zuraini Ridzwan , zuraini @ editecintl . com

junior sub-editor Eva Meango , eva @ editecintl . com

senior multimedia designer Raymund Jaudian , raymund @ editecintl . com

ad / office administrator Irene Lok , irene @ editecintl . com

accounts manager Tan Hui Min , huimin @ editecintl . com

MARKETING chief marketing officer Kylie Chua , kylie @ editecintl . com

director - sales & marketing Jessie Tan , jessie @ editecintl . com

senior executive - sales & marketing Joey Moh , joey @ editecintl . com

CIRCULATION & PROMOTIONS Kylie Chua , kylie @ editecintl . com

PUBLISHING publisher / editorial director Andrew Yeo , andrew @ editecintl . com

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n Japan Mikio Tsuchiya

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