Ericsson enables Tata Sky to launch India’s first commercial 4K video service

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Video compression technology integrated by Ericsson enables superior 4K TV experience for Tata Sky 4K Video Service subscribers

  • First commercial launch of a 4K broadcast service in India, delivering four times the resolution of standard HD
  • The Ericsson solution is most efficient in bandwidth use and achieves substantial saving of expensive and valuable satellite transponder

Ericsson announced that it has enabled Tata Sky, 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.

Ericsson at Mobile World Congress 2015

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NOTES TO EDITORS

About Tata Sky

Incorporated in 2001, Tata Sky Ltd is a joint venture between Tata Sons and 21st Century Fox. Tata Sky endeavors to offer Indian viewers a world-class television viewing experience through its satellite television service. Tata Sky offers customers interactive services as well as a variety of channels ranging from entertainment, sports, movies and music to news and documentaries in DVD quality picture and CD quality sound.

About Ericsson

Download high-resolution photos and broadcast-quality video at www.ericsson.com/press

Ericsson is the driving force behind the Networked Society – a world leader in communications technology and services. Our long-term relationships with every major telecom operator in the world allow people, business and society to fulfill their potential and create a more sustainable future.

Our services, software and infrastructure – especially in mobility, broadband and the cloud – are enabling the telecom industry and other sectors to do better business, increase efficiency, improve the user experience and capture new opportunities.

With approximately 115,000 professionals and customers in 180 countries, we combine global scale with technology and services leadership. We support networks that connect more than 2.5 billion subscribers. Forty percent of the world’s mobile traffic is carried over Ericsson networks. And our investments in research and development ensure that our solutions – and our customers – stay in front.

Founded in 1876, Ericsson has its headquarters in Stockholm, Sweden. Net sales in 2014 were SEK 228.0 billion (USD 33.1 billion). Ericsson is listed on NASDAQ OMX stock exchange in Stockholm and the NASDAQ in New York.