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How France’s M6 broadcast UEFA Euro 2024 in HDR

The broadcaster worked with Cobalt Digital, InterDigital and independent consultant Jean-Luc Wackermann on the project

French broadcaster M6 employed Advanced HDR by Technicolor to help it broadcast last summer’s UEFA Euro 2024 tournament in high dynamic range (HDR).

The broadcaster worked with Cobalt Digital, InterDigital and independent consultant Jean-Luc Wackermann on the project.

M6 had previously explored Ultra HDR but decided to opt for Advanced HDR for its coverage of the tournament, said Mathias Bejanin, director of technologies.

“HDR provides what we call ‘better pixels’ by enhancing contrast, brightness, and colour fidelity without the need for higher resolution like UHD,” explained Bejanin. “This approach offered us a cost-effective solution while maintaining exceptional quality.”

Advanced HDR by Technicolor’s automation capabilities played a key role in overcoming the operational complexities of handling mixed signal formats and varying production conditions during the tournament.

“From a production perspective, Cobalt Digital tools integrate Advanced HDR by Technicolor processes, enabling seamless transitions between SDR and HDR content,” said Ryan Wallenberg, VP of engineering at Cobalt Digital. “This automation allows us to dynamically adjust signals while maintaining high-quality output, making it easier to deliver consistent experiences across different platforms.

“Live sports like [football] involve constant changes in lighting and movement. Advanced HDR by Technicolor’s Intelligent Tone Management (ITM) ensures smooth transitions and minimises manual intervention during production.”

M6 conducted numerous trials to evaluate equipment and workflows in the run-up to the tournament, with dynamic conversation a key consideration.

“Static conversion methods can’t handle the complexities of live sports,” Wackermann said. “Advanced HDR by Technicolor’s dynamic capabilities provided the best results, ensuring consistent quality across all feeds.”

While the trial was a technical success, broader adoption of HDR will depend on consumer demand and regulatory support.

“The feedback from viewers has been overwhelmingly positive,” Bejanin added. “However, widespread adoption requires compatible devices and infrastructure upgrades. ISPs are showing interest in HDR-compatible set-top boxes, which could drive future growth.”