Comments
afwriter
1/19/2017 10:53:46 AM
User Rank Platinum
Content
I think there is a surprising amount of interest in 4K nature shows. There is just something about being able to see the vibrant colors of nature. I think that the Smithsonian is taking an interesting approach by cycling out 10 hours of 4K per quarter. I wonder how it will work and if that system would work for other channels.
Adi
1/19/2017 11:15:20 AM
User Rank Author
Re: Content
afwriter - I think the Smithsonian also gets to strengthen their affiliate relationships with this, it allows the pay-TV provider to market UHD content -- and VoD content. As a smaller channel, that's also a consideration.
But i agree, nature, history content just allows for fanstastic visuals and one thing is for certain -- everyone needs to start building their 4K libraries. So if you are producing in 4K, why not offer it to your pay-TV partners?
Adi
1/19/2017 11:16:08 AM
User Rank Author
Re: Content
I would say though, 10 hours a quarter isn't a whole lot of content. So they are starting comparatively cautiously.
Ariella
1/19/2017 12:52:49 PM
User Rank Author
Re: Content
@Adi yes, it would seem they want to get into it slowly and increase the content as demand for it grows with more people wanting to make use of the HD screens they've bought.
freehe
1/23/2017 9:52:22 PM
User Rank Platinum
4k
This article was enlighting. I had no idea the Smithsonian was more than just museums.
I definitely wasn't aware of the video streaming. Kudos to Smithsonian for getting into the industry.
"Smithsonian Networks also operates Smithsonian Earth, a new subscription-based video streaming service delivering original nature and wildlife content."
freehe
1/23/2017 9:53:50 PM
User Rank Platinum
Smithsonian
I want to see what is next for the Smithsonian and what other technologies they will embrace. I can see them using HD or UHD for airing content. HD or UHD would be great for the watching animals shows, discovery shows and museum content. Excited about the future of the Smithsonian.
freehe
1/23/2017 9:56:04 PM
User Rank Platinum
4k on Demand
"Consumers love the visual impact of 4K but had not been motivated to spend more money for it. Though still higher than standard TV, now 4K prices are coming down even more quickly than HD prices came down, and 4K adoption is happening at faster rate than we saw for HD."
Great to hear that prices are decreasing for 4K. I will wait until the go down even further. I totally understand why consumers don't want to spend more money. Companies are providing all these great features and expect consumers to run to pay more money. That model doesn't work anymore, companies have to find a balance such as pay as you go, on demand, or other solutions to motivate consumers to spend.
freehe
1/23/2017 9:57:15 PM
User Rank Platinum
Standards
"Another challenge at present is a lack of universal standards for the format. However, groups like the UHD Alliance and others in the consumer electronics world are working on arriving at a consensus for it. I really believe that in 2017 there will be a standard emerging that will help on the programming, distributor, and the device side."
Here is another industry that lacks standardization. The first thing that should be implemented in any new industry is creation of standards, it will alleviate a lot of problems.
freehe
1/23/2017 10:01:25 PM
User Rank Platinum
Bandwidth
"There are also some constraints when you talk about bandwidth. Our distributors have to determine how much bandwidth they are willing to allocate 4K from a consumption standpoint. We provide content to them, and they're the ones who have to determine how many hours they will give it. The distributors are the ones in touch with the consumers directly, so it's up to them. It's also up to them to communicate and clarify what the customers need to get 4K in their home as there is some confusion about what is entailed to get the 4K experience on their devices."
There is always a concern about bandwidth and bandwidth constraints. Distributors will be in control of allocating bandwidth. Not only are they distributing content but at any given time they can lower or increase bandwidth without notice. This will affect the quality of service provided to consumers.
They also have to communicate directly to customers about what is needed to purchase 4K.
Seems like distributors have a lot of work to do to offer 4K.
dlr5288
1/31/2017 9:01:52 PM
User Rank Platinum
Re: 4k
I had no idea either! That's awesome that something that old can still adapt to changes and new technology advances.
elizabethv
1/22/2017 10:04:02 PM
User Rank Platinum
Re: Content
@afwriter - I agree nature shows are definitely where it's at for 4k. Esepcially with the popularity they've enjoyed the last decade or so. I think the Smithsonian's decision to go this route is brilliant and they will definitely see a good return on their investment for doing so. Though I do think their decision to go on Pay-TV rather than a streaming service is interesting. Perhaps they believe it will be more successful going that route. Time will tell I suppose.
dcawrey
1/23/2017 12:39:51 PM
User Rank Platinum
Re: Content
@elizabethv I would argue the streaming services aren't quite ready for 4K. Many devices aren't compatible.
It would seem those in the pay TV area that have huge screens are going to be the early revenue generators for this. I know it's old-school - but that's probably what they are thinking.
elizabethv
1/24/2017 8:47:53 AM
User Rank Platinum
Re: Content
@dcawrey - Fair point that I wasn't actually thinking of. We have a really old school TV so 4K isn't an option there. But you're right, my Father-In-Law is constantly buying the new TV's (he's actually trying to get us to take his "old" Plasma TV.) For whatever reason he always has to have the latest TV. And I know he's not alone in that venture, so I would imagine the biggest viewership of the 4k content will come from those with a Pay-TV service.
JohnBarnes
1/27/2017 11:54:14 PM
User Rank Platinum
Re: Content
afwriter,
Aside from the vibrancy of the colors, in nature documentaries the devil is often in the details -- being able to see how rough a deer's coat is, or where the sharp part of a polar bear's claw is, or exactly what the steps are in cellular mitosis. For a very long time most biological documentaries have offered vague shapes and blobs with the narrator telling us what to look for. Finer grain detail means actually being able to see more and thus learn more (and probably will create a screaming need for more and better augmented reality).
clrmoney
1/19/2017 2:39:47 PM
User Rank Platinum
Smithsonian 4K
I think that this is wonderful that they are offering this 4K content program for PayTV so when it gets here lets see how much succes it has and I want be surprised.
mpouraryan
1/19/2017 11:51:03 PM
User Rank Platinum
Re: Smithsonian 4K
Just the headline was exciting--what I hope to see is how this can be leveraged for Schools as schools will continue to be in dire need for creative ways to expand their educational outreach & engagement. I was reflecting upon this as I attended my local District Facilities Committee earlier tonight.
srufolo1
1/20/2017 4:24:52 PM
User Rank Platinum
Re: Smithsonian 4K
@mpouraryan Good point. The Smithsonian channel offering 4K could potentially be a great asset to teachers.
mpouraryan
1/21/2017 2:21:48 PM
User Rank Platinum
Re: Smithsonian 4K
The need for a "bottoms Up" approach is even more critical as all are witness to change iN Washington. This is as the net neutrality debate will come to the surface as I saw reports of a net neutrality foe being tapped to be the new FCC Chair.
Interesting times......
dcawrey
1/21/2017 10:00:06 PM
User Rank Platinum
Re: Smithsonian 4K
Other than sports, this might be the best used case I've seen so far for 4K.
The content itself lends to it. Since it is not live or story-based, the visuals have extra meaning. Hopefully 4K can better convey that.
mpouraryan
1/21/2017 10:08:38 PM
User Rank Platinum
Re: Smithsonian 4K
Hopefully it will see wide spread acceptance--that's the key here.
4K On Demand
I have some interest because the headline caught my attention. I am wondering if 4K would be enough content. In my opinion, this would be great for all of the school systems. The children would be able to learn more and it would be great. It would be more creative to each student throughout the grades.
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