It’s the big day for France Télévisions viewers. Since yesterday, France 2 and France 3 have been broadcasting their programs in 4K Ultra HD, with a definition of 3840 x 2160 pixels. The image also supports HDR 10 technology, while the sound goes to Dolby Digital Plus format.
We were worried about not seeing it arrive before the Olympic Games. France Télévisions finally met the deadlines. The group had promised the arrival of 4K on its channels for the month of December, it is now done. At least, the 9 million or so viewers living in Paris and its outskirts. Since yesterday, it has been possible to connect to TNT channels 52 and 53 to enjoy France 2 and France 3 in much better quality.
On his X account (Twitter), Jacques Donat-Bouillud, director of development of the group’s broadcasting & distribution networks, specifies that this test will extend “in several large cities” from January 23. France Télévisions hopes to cover up to 70% of the French population by next June, just in time for the Paris Olympic Games, which will begin on July 26, 2024.
In Paris, you can now watch France 2 in 4 K UHD
Remember that this is the main objective of France Télévisions: to broadcast the Olympic Games in 4K UHD. Indeed, France 3 will leave aside 2160 p at the end of the Paralympic events, on September 8, 2024, while France 2 will keep its channel. We therefore do not yet know when the technology will be generalized within the public service. Be careful however, Jacques Donat-Bouillud warns that some bugs are to be expected in the first weeks.
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As a reminder, the broadcast will increase the image definition to Ultra HD, i.e. 3840 x 2160 pixels, compared to 1920 x 1080 pixels (HD) currently. Likewise, the frame rate will be doubled from 25 frames per second to 50 frames per second. The ratio will increase to 16:9, while compatible televisions will be able to benefit from HDR 10. Finally, for the sound part, the channel will support the Dolby Digital Plus (E‑AC3) format and Dolby AC-4 AC4.