BBC to Provide UHD HDR Version of Blue Planet via iPlayer

6 Dec 2017 02:27 PM

The current much acclaimed BBC nature programme will be available on the new HDR UHD standard via iPlayer from December 10th.

UHD TVs are now the standard specification and sets that can display High Dynamic Range content form the bulk of large screen sales from premium brands. Therefore it is great news that the full seven-part series will be available on iPlayer in Ultra HD and High Dynamic Range (HDR) once the series has finished on broadcast TV from December 10th.

UHD HDR will deliver superb picture quality bringing the spectacular animals, vibrant coral reefs and deep blue oceans of Blue Planet II to life like never before.

Ultra HD programmes take advantage of higher resolution TVs so that audiences can watch scenes in exceptional clarity. HDR takes this further with greater detail in the shadows and dark areas of the picture, as well as more natural and brighter contrast. A wider range of colours are possible by making the most of a Wider Colour Gamut technology, meaning audiences can enjoy the most lifelike BBC TV show ever made.

“As the most watched programme of 2017, Blue Planet II has captured the hearts of the nation,” noted Charlotte Moore, Director of Content, BBC. “The series is a prime example of the world-class work of the BBC NHU documentary makers and I’m delighted that audiences will be able to watch the series in ground-breaking quality on BBC iPlayer.”

“The extra quality that Ultra HD, HDR and the wider range of colours brings to audiences is unparalleled,” added Matthew Postgate, Chief Technology and Product Officer, BBC Design & Engineering. “Blue Planet II is the first programme we’ve shown in such high quality and perfectly demonstrates how the BBC is pushing the boundaries of digital innovation. Making the full series available in Ultra HD and HDR on BBC iPlayer is the next step in reinventing the BBC for a new generation, and there’s not a better place to start than with the stunning Blue Planet II.”

Paul Hide, techUK commented: "techUK have been campaigning for more UHD content available via 'Free to Air' so it is great to see the BBC release this content and we hope for more in 2018. The HDR UHD standards moves the picture quality on another significant step and the majority of premium brand current range large screen TVs are compatible with this standard".

For more information on techUKs work in developing the UHD broadcast and content landscape contact:

Paul Hide