Sony and FIFA to collaborate on World Cup coverage in 4K

Sony Corporation (Sony) and FIFA (Fédération Internationale de Football Association) announced that they will collaborate on a range of 4K initiatives at the 2014 FIFA World Cup, including production of the official 2014 FIFA World Cup Film in 4K Ultra HD, and produce three full matches in 4K to further promote the growth of 4K content.

Sony and FIFA aim to further accelerate the expansion of the 4K viewing experience through a number of joint initiatives. Sony and FIFA will jointly produce the official 2014 FIFA World Cup Film in 4K (Official 4K Film). The film will include a selection of games, including the final. The official 4K film is due to be distributed online by FIFA via 4K content distribution services after the 2014 FIFA World Cup.

FIFA will leverage Sony’s professional 4K equipment within its 4K live production workflow processes at the 2014 FIFA World Cup to film one match from the round of 16 (to be held on 28 June ), one quarter-final (on 4 July ), and the final (on 13 July ) at the Estadio do Maracanã ) in Rio de Janeiro. Sony will be providing extensive technical support to FIFA, including the development of a 4K live production system. Sony’s products and solutions 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) will be used to film the 2014 FIFA World Cup. The filmed 4K footage will be compiled into the Official 4K Film.

At Sony’s commercial display booths located within some of the 2014 FIFA World Cup stadiums and at the 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 enjoy the 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, VP in charge of FIFA Partnership at Sony said: “We are very excited to offer an entirely new viewing experience at the greatest sport event in the world, the FIFA 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.”