Digicel, Huawei carry out first 4K test in Caribbean

By Digicel Group

August 28, 2017

Digicel Group and Huawei Technologies continue to push the boundaries of technology and put the real power of fibre to the test - this time with the first-ever local linear broadcast of Ultra High Definition TV (UHD-TV) in the Caribbean.

Hosted at Digicel's downtown Kingston headquarters in Jamaica, the test demonstrated the benefit of having a 100% fibre optic network and 100% IPTV capabilities coupled with Huawei's latest technology for encoding and delivery. Dubbed a 'first look at 4K technology in action', the event featured a 'fireside chat' about the technology with Jamaica's Technology Minister, Dr. Andrew Wheatley and Engelbert Reys, Account Director for Huawei Technologies.

Popularly known as 4K TV or Ultra High Definition TV, the pixel-packed technology enhances the viewing experience with picture quality that is four times clearer, crisper, sharper than even the highest quality HD TV can ever deliver - bringing entertainment, sports and movies to life in a whole new way.

To put this into perspective, a full HD 1080p image is only a 1920x1080 resolution. 4K screens have about eight million pixels, which is around four times what the current 1080p set can display. On top of this, there is pitch perfect 5.1 surround sound which adds life to images and is so realistic it's like being there. Talk about technology moving at the speed of light!

"Just imagine that while most people across the world are still getting used to standard HD TV, technology has jumped four steps ahead, and thanks to the power of our fibre network and hybrid TV platform, UHD-TV can be a reality for Jamaica and indeed all of our fibre networks in the region," said John Suranyi, CEO for Digicel Play, Caribbean and Central America. "It's all about innovating and keeping our customers at the leading edge of technology even as it moves so fast. Together with Huawei, we have shown you that we can deliver 10Gbps broadband speeds and now we are leveraging this same technology to demo a whole new world of TV experience to viewers across the region."

Reys commented; "Today is a proud day for Huawei. Working with Digicel, we have achieved incredible things and we are changing the lives of customers for the better. Using the most advanced technology we have shown that the Caribbean can lead the world in next generation entertainment. Digicel and Huawei continue to go from strength to strength and the future is very exciting for both of us and our customers."

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About Digicel Group

Digicel Group is a total communications and entertainment provider with operations in 31 markets throughout the Caribbean, Central America and Asia Pacific. Digicel also runs a host of community-based initiatives across its markets, including Digicel Foundations in Haiti, Jamaica, Papua New Guinea and Trinidad and Tobago which focus on educational, cultural and social development programs.