For the tech-savvy individuals who want to have it all (and first), the TV channel for you is here – that is of course, if you live in Japan.
The very first 8K (aka 7680 x 4320 resolution) satellite TV broadcasts officially launched in Japan over the weekend, although that 4K TV you just installed isn’t obsolete just yet.
A select few (that may own Super Hi-Vision-ready TV with a built-in tuner, or similar) can now enjoy 12-hour-a-day 4K and 8K viewing via satellite via local TV channel NHK – the only channel currently offering 8K resolution and 22.2 channel sound.
The first movie to be shown was a fine choice – a special version of 2001: A Space Odyssey running from rescanned versions of the film's original 70mm negatives, specifically update for this showing by Warner Bros. With little 8K content, the schedule is a little repetitive for now (although Stanley Kubrick diehards will be very happy).
Of course, the lack of HDMI 2.1 implementation means it’s hard for most of us to get excited about 8K just yet. However, those in Japan have enjoying every detail of the next Olympics to get excited about when it comes justifying the investment.. whereas the rest of us are most probably going to be more seriously interested in 2020 and beyond.