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First dedicated ultra-high-definition television broadcasts launch

A new channel, based in Paris but beamed Europe-wide via the EUTELSAT 10A satellite, is so far the only official broadcast source of native content designed specifically for the next generation of television displays.

For consumers who have already purchased a 4K UHD TV the announcement is good news. With the exception of Sony -- which is currently bundling UHD content with its range-topping XBR-84X900 and which confirmed at this year's CES that it will be setting up a dedicated 4k UHD delivery system due to launch in the US this summer -- there is very little currently available that can bring these TVs and their huge displays to life, aside from some 4K-ready content on YouTube or self-shot footage on a number of high-end and sports cameras, such as the Go Pro Hero 3, which can film in 4K, if only at 14 frames a second.

Eutelsat Communications will be broadcasting at the full 50 frames a second for the full ultra-high-definition experience, but there is one caveat; the content is mostly demonstration-based programming. The channel is expected to serve as proof of concept and as a workshop for other broadcasters and TV industry organizations so that they can develop their own ultra-high definition offerings and business plans in time for when the technology and its adoption become more widespread.