TrueVisions, the country's leading pay-TV operator, confirmed it will broadcast the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2018 with 4K resolution, making it the first country in Asean to do so, aiming to add premium clients and set a new standard for pay-TV broadcasting.
After investing more than 10 million baht, TrueVisions is ready to launch 4K Ultra HD, providing 4K broadcasting resolution for the World Cup's 64 matches in Russia. This new format is dubbed to be 20 times clearer than standard resolution.
Sueksith Cholasuek, marketing director of TrueVisions Group, said 4K set-top box pre-orders have seen rapid uptake once they became available on Monday as football fans want to see the matches in higher resolution.
He said TrueVisions is starting to distribute 15,000 to 20,000 4K set-top boxes to premium members, with more orders expected from its 300,000 total members before the World Cup.
Mr Sueksith said TrueVisions' core target is premium users as they contribute the most revenue.
He said TrueVisions has been studying market insights before launching full-scale service of 4K broadcasting on its pay-TV system.
Many TV manufacturers are working hard to collaborate with domestic content providers to produce 4K content, pushing Thailand's broadcasting industry to the next stage, said Mr Sueksith.
"The 4K technology was built from scratch and 4K content needs to be shot by a 4K camera, with mastering, editing and broadcast through a satellite that supports the high frequency of the picture," he said.
"This is the first step for TrueVisions to broadcast through the 4K Ultra HD system, offering a picture four times clearer than existing HD systems and 20 times clearer than existing standard systems."
Some critics have claimed real 4K technology consumes 30 megabits of internet bandwidth per second and Thailand does not have that capacity, doubting providers who claim to offer the technology here.
Mr Sueksith said the TrueVisions service is the real 4K, with the company pioneering 4K broadcasts as it secures specific satellites, suitable transponder equipment and the availability of 4K set-top boxes.
The company claims when compared with others, its 4K broadcast is the most stable system.
TrueVisions' platinum and gold package members can now register for the a 4K Ultra HD box.