On October 23, 2013, in Portland, Oregon, Elemental Technologies, a leading provider of video solutions for multi-screen content, announced today that K-OPTICOM, a comprehensive telecommunications operator in Japan, will utilize Elemental's first nationwide live 4K video processing for high-efficiency ultra-high-definition video encoding (H.265/HEVC) transmission. The Elemental® real-time system will power the live video stream for the Osaka Marathon on October 27, designed in collaboration with K-OPTICOM.
Kansai Electric Power Company, a subsidiary of K-OPTICOM (K-OPT), provides high-quality fiber optic services for the Kansai region of Japan, including Kobe, Kyoto, and Osaka, which together form the second largest metropolitan area in Japan after the Greater Tokyo Area.
“With the quadrupling of resolution in high definition, the demand for high-quality, large-screen format 4K content continues to grow,” said Mr. Takao Fujino, President of K-OPTICOM. “The advanced capabilities and flexibility of the K-OPT fiber optic network combined with Elemental's software-based architecture are crucial in meeting this demand and enabling this unprecedented experimental transmission.”
Japanese telecommunications will use the Elemental live system to provide HEVC-encoded footage from the Sony PMW-F55 CineAlta 4K camera positioned at the midpoint and finish line of the marathon. Each camera will be equipped with an AJA Ki-Pro Quad, sending the source content to the Elemental system via a live 3G-SDI interface.
Elemental's video processing system will encode and stream live HEVC 4Kp30 content over the K-OPT fiber optic network to be rendered by NTT Docomo's decoder on an 84-inch Sony 4K Bravia television. Citizens will be able to view the 4K live coverage at a special K-OPT exhibition set up at the International Exhibition Center (Intex Osaka), Hall 2 during the Osaka Marathon.
“Amazing images and high-quality 4K are the best way to showcase a world-class sporting event like the Osaka Marathon,” said Keith Wymbs, Vice President of Marketing at Elemental. “Elemental's award-winning H.265 codec enables seamless transmission of 4K images across broadband network operators like K-OPTICOM.”
ElementalLive provides real-time encoding as well as a new media platform for linear pay-TV broadcasting. The system is designed to integrate seamlessly into an end-to-end workflow, eliminating configuration complexity and optimizing multi-screen video viewing.
K-OPT has been a sponsor of the Osaka Marathon for three consecutive years, providing technical support for the FTTH network event's social portal and mobile applications. This year, the telecommunications operator has also developed the official event app, available on iOS and Android devices through the marathon website.
About K-OPTICOM
K-OPTICOM Group is a comprehensive telecommunications operator providing fiber optic internet services. Established in 1988 and headquartered in Osaka, Japan, the company operates using its robust EO (Everywhere Optical) fiber network deployed in the Kansai region through its subsidiary, Kansai Electric Power Co., Ltd. K-OPTICOM enriches consumers' lives and supports cutting-edge business operations in the nation. With approximately 1.4 million users, its award-winning consumer services reported at the end of 2012, K-OPTICOM is actively developing services to improve lives through mobile and connected devices.
About Elemental
Elemental Technologies is a global leader in video solutions, providing multi-screen content. Founded in 2006 and headquartered in Portland, Oregon, the company pioneered the use of graphics processors for power-adaptive video streaming over IP networks. Elemental serves over 300 leading global media franchises, offering unparalleled solutions that help television operators, content programmers, film studios, and sports broadcasters deliver video to any screen, anytime, anywhere – all in one payment. The company has offices in the United States, the United Kingdom, Hong Kong, Singapore, Japan, China, Russia, and Brazil.
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