[Medianext.MX]

Whilst the BBC has been delaying until now the launch of regional versions of its HD channels, France Télévisions is on it again: the broadcaster is planning to upgrade its TNT mux to allow the launch of two new and full-time Ultra HD channels using the more advanced HEVC Main 10 compression. According to the tender documents published yesterday by FTV (freely accesible but some elements require registration), there will be two channels: one which will offer a full upscaled simulcast of France 2 with native 4K event coverage when needed; the other will be used for supplementary event coverage, and will simulcast France 3 during non-event hours.

The channels' picture frame rate will be placed at 50fps, and will support the HDR10 codec. Audio will be AC3-capable at launch to support existing compatible TVs, but will upgrade to the AC-4 codec at a later stage. Both channels will be distributed in a new nationwide UHD mux using DVB-T2, with a bitrate of 35Mbps (16Mbps per channel, FTV will also offer a 12Mbps emergency feed); available also in the French territories. The roll-out of the new UHD mux will commence in September and is set to be concluded in time for the 2024 Summer Olympics.

www.appel-offres.francetelevisions.fr 
www.appel-offres.francetelevisions.fr