MTS is the first operator to convert cable TV to Ultra HD format

MTS, the leading telecommunications operator in Russia, has launched a test TV broadcast in Ultra HD (4K) format on cable networks.

Ultra HD channel will appear in MTS terrestrial DVB-C cable network. The company became the first operator in Russia to prepare its infrastructure for a new television format - UltraHD. In the MTS TV satellite platform, this opportunity appeared earlier - on February 6, 2017. The new channel in UltraHD format is available to all existing MTS subscribers who have an UltraHD TV and have connected MTS-TV services using CAM modules.

Russian Extreme Ultra, a 24-hour TV channel dedicated to extreme sports and travel, was chosen to test the updated platform. MTS Home TV users will be able to watch programs with crystal clear picture quality. In addition, MTS is currently actively working with leading manufacturers of UltraHD TVs to provide high-quality and guaranteed support for the new TV product.

Until now, ultra-clear broadcasting of UltraHD was the prerogative of satellite TV. The launch of UltraHD in the cable segment, that is, mainly in cities, will give impetus to the development of the new generation television market in Russia, stimulate demand and open up new opportunities and markets for owners of quality content.

“Broadcasting in Ultra HD (4K) format is seen as one of the growth drivers of the Pay TV market in the near future. MTS is launching in a test mode in order to assess the readiness of its DVB-C cable network, and to assess consumer demand in the conditions of the urban nature of content consumption,” said Natalia Bratchikova, head of MTS fixed-line business and TV. “We are also showing content owners the potential of working with a unique set of broadcast technology platforms for Russia.”

“A new pilot project with the country's leading telecommunications operator allows us to be the first in Russia to broadcast a 4K ultra-high definition channel on cable broadcasting networks. Together with MTS, we are shaping the nascent Ultra HD market in Russia and laying the groundwork for its further development in order to provide the most demanding users with high-quality content. We are pleased that it was the Russian Extreme channel that was chosen for the experiment on large-scale broadcasting on terrestrial networks in an urban environment, where the level of technical support for users is much higher, and satellite television traditionally gives way to other signal sources,” commented Christina Ryabukhina, Deputy General director of Russian Extreme TV channel.

“For the large-scale introduction of UltraHD technology in Russia, it is necessary to ensure the technological readiness of various components of the television infrastructure. LG is actively promoting UltraHD TVs on the Russian market, the potential of which can be significantly enhanced by interacting with broadcasting operators that provide ultra-high definition signal delivery to the subscriber. That is why we are glad that it was MTS, which has a combination of satellite and cable television networks that is unique for Russia, that has taken an important step in the development of the UltraHD television market,” said Smart TV Director v. Russia and CIS countries of LG Electronics Kevin Park.