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BT Sport Selects Ericsson to Launch UK's first Ultra-HD TV Channel

BT Sport Selects Ericsson to Launch UK's first Ultra-HD TV Channel Image Credit: BT

Ericsson, Tuesday announced that it has signed a multi-year broadcast and media services deal with BT Sport to help launch three new television channels and an interactive red button service in the UK. Ericsson will be responsible for designing, building and running BT Sport Europe, free-to-air service BT Sport Showcase, and BT Sport UHD. The BT Sport UHD will be the first ultra-high-definition channel to launch in the country and will feature live football and other premium content. Ericsson will also help to deliver BT Sport's new BT Sport Extra red button service, which will enable viewers to choose between eight UEFA games broadcast live simultaneously - including UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League games.

As part of the deal, BT Sport has also extended Ericsson's existing six-year contract for BT Sport 1 and 2 by an additional three years. This contract includes playout and media management services and access services for both channels.

BT Sport was launched in August 2013 and currently shows exclusive live action from the Premier League, FA Cup, and Europa League. Customers can also enjoy live football matches from top-flight European leagues, including Germany's Bundesliga, Italy's Serie A and France's Ligue 1. BT Sport is available via BT TV, Sky's satellite platform, Virgin Media and via the BT Sport App. 

Jamie Hindhaugh, COO, BT Sport and BT TV
BT Sport's UEFA Champions League coverage sets out to bring viewers the best ever experience of football's leading club competition. Our 4K coverage of the UEFA Champions League alongside other competitions will bring a truly cinematic experience into fans' living rooms.

Thorsten Sauer, Head of Broadcast and Media Services at Ericsson
We are very proud that BT has selected Ericsson to help launch a new range of high-profile TV services, including the UK's first UHDTV channel. BT Sport has made a significant commitment to its sport broadcasting portfolio, and we are delighted that Ericsson will play an integral role in its future success. This partnership is a significant win for our business and really underlines our role as a trusted partner to some of the world's leading broadcasters and sports rights holders. We will continue to work hard to deliver high-quality, innovative services.

Author

Ray is a news editor at The Fast Mode, bringing with him more than 10 years of experience in the wireless industry.

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