why 4K on TF1 and M6 is not up to par with our televisions

Have you fallen for a new 4K HDR TV for Euro 2024, but the matches broadcast on TF1 and M6 leave something to be desired? We explain why.

Since the start of Euro 2024, many viewers have complained about the image quality of matches broadcast in 4K on TF1 and M6. Images are pixelated, and colors are washed out or overly saturated.

Viewers also noticed differences in image quality between different broadcast media (set-top boxes, applications, etc.). For example, M6 4K does not look the same depending on whether it is broadcast on an Orange or Free decoder, or via the MyCanal application.

So why such a disappointment?

First of all, it is important to know that‘Euro 2024 is not captured in 4K, but in 1080p definition with HDR.

The decision to limit Euro 2024 video quality to 1080p was made by European football’s governing body UEFA, not the broadcasters themselves. It seems to be a cost-saving measure, the costs of broadcasting 4K video streams for the 51 matches of the tournament would have been too high.

So, when you watch a match in 4K on TF1 or M6, it is actually a upscaling, that is to say that the image is stretched to adapt to the 4K definition. This can cause a loss of quality and explain the problems encountered.

When you look at M6 4K, you are looking at a 1080p image with upscaling to 4K. But the latter can be in HDR or SDR.

As a reminder, SDR offers a less extensive range of colors and brightness than HDR (High Dynamic Range), which may explain the washed out or overly saturated colors noted by some viewers.

M6 has also chosen to broadcast 4K HDR, but only on MyCanal and Molotov. TF1, for its part, only broadcasts 4K SDR.

Unlike M6 4K, M6 HDR is offered with an HDR image on TNT and Molotov, but in HD definition. Here, the upscaling to 4K is carried out directly by your television, which can offer a better rendering, provided that your TV is efficient.

It is important to note that each decoder and IPTV app service (such as MyCanal or Molotov) applies its own processing and adjustments to the image before broadcasting it. These adjustments can include changes to sharpness, contrast, saturation or even video compression. The objective is to optimize image quality according to the technical specificities of each platform and the constraints linked to streaming.

What if the solution was good old HD?

Faced with these disappointments, some simply prefer to turn to HD broadcasting, which sometimes offers better image quality than 4K.

In any case, it is surprising that in 2024, a major event like the Euro will not be captured in native 4K, which could guarantee optimal image quality.

The Paris Olympic Games, for example, will be captured in native K UHD (3840 x 2160 pixels) with HDR (HDR10 and Dolby Atmos). You will have to turn to France 2 UHD and France 3 UHD. Finally, not all tests will be in the same boat. The Paralympic Games, on the other hand, for example, will not have a native 4K UHD stream.

In fact, this summer’s Olympics in Paris will see some sports broadcast in 8K, even though there are very few televisions in homes capable of handling such high resolutions.