Yesterday, Sony Corporation and FIFA officially announced their joint 4K strategy for the 2014 FIFA World Cup. Coverage will include 4K production of the Official 2014 FIFA World Cup film, and three full matches in 4K.
An official FIFA partner, Sony will supply equipment and solutions from its range of 4K products, including its CineAlta 4K live camera PMW-F55, 4K multi port AV storage unit PWS-4400, 4K LCD monitor PVM-X300, and 4K multi-format switcher MVS-7000X (subject to change).
FIFA will shoot one match in 4K from the round of 16 (to be held on 28 June), one from the quarter-final (on 4 July), and the final (on 13 July) at the Estadio Maracanã in Rio de Janeiro. Sony will be providing extensive technical support to FIFA, including the development of a 4K live production system.
Jointly produced by Sony and FIFA the Official 2014 FIFA World Cup Film will include a selection of games, including the final. The Official 4K Film will be distributed online by FIFA via 4K content distribution services after the World Cup is concluded.
Sony and FIFA will further promote the 4K experience at Sony’s commercial display booths located within some of the FIFA World Cup stadiums and at FIFA-hosted HD public viewing “FIFA Fan Fest” events to be held in Brazil. Visitors will be able to enjoy Official 4K Film promotional trailers produced in 4K/60P with match action.
Around the world, viewers will also be able to see 4K/60P promotional trailers for the Official 4K Film on 4K-compatible BRAVIA TVs at Sony showrooms and retail outlets, including Sony Stores.
Soichi Kawachi, Sony’s VP in charge of the FIFA Partnership, said: “We are very excited to offer an entirely new viewing experience at the greatest sport event in the world, the FIFA World World Cup. By leveraging our cutting-edge 4K technology and our premier products and solutions through our partnership with FIFA, we will deliver a unique and totally compelling entertainment experience, conveying the excitement of the matches in Brazil with the depth and vividness that the ultra-high definition of 4K delivers.”
FIFA Director of TV Niclas Ericson said: “FIFA has a proud track record in embracing innovation at our flagship competition, to make sure that football fans around the world receive the very best in match coverage and experience. We are excited by the prospect of working with Sony to incorporate 4K technology in our production plans. 4K will propel fans around the globe into a whole new viewing dimension and it marks the dawning of a new era in the broadcasting of sport.”
