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Compression specialist V-Nova has unveiled a new 4K compression technology called Perseus at an industry event attended by more than 20 major telecom and media companies, including Sky Italia, Intel and the European Broadcasting Union. Perseus is designed to reduce the bandwidth required for ultra-high-definition video, enabling multiple 4K streams to be delivered over typical broadband connections.
4K video carries a resolution of 3840 x 2160 pixels, which is more than eight million pixels per frame. By comparison, Full HD (1920 x 1080) supplies just over two million pixels, making it four times smaller than 4K. The higher pixel count dramatically increases bitrate demands and places greater strain on networks and devices.
Today’s average broadband speeds typically support a single 4K stream per household. V-Nova says Perseus can compress three simultaneous 4K streams to the equivalent bandwidth of a single conventional stream, significantly improving the efficiency of video delivery for homes and operators.
Major streaming platforms already offer 4K, but requirements vary: for example, Netflix recommends a steady 25 Mbps connection for 4K playback. V-Nova claims Perseus can deliver a stable 4K experience at roughly seven to eight Mbps, dramatically lowering the connectivity threshold for ultra-high-definition viewing.
(Image Credit: V-Nova)
Media analyst Ian Maude of Enders Analysis told the BBC that Perseus represents cutting-edge work that should be welcomed by pay-TV providers and TV manufacturers because it could accelerate 4K adoption. He also noted persistent barriers: network capacity, the availability of 4K-capable displays, and the currently limited amount of content produced in 4K remain important factors in uptake.
V-Nova also aims to extend Perseus benefits to mobile video. The company envisions smartphone users viewing high-definition video using bandwidth comparable to audio streaming. If realized, that would help mobile operators manage the explosive growth in video traffic that strains cellular networks.
Mobile video consumption has surged in recent years: Ooyala’s Global Video Index reported a 700% increase in mobile video viewing between 2011 and 2013. The same research projected that video traffic would continue to grow rapidly, potentially doubling within a year and accounting for a substantial portion of all online viewing by 2016.
V-Nova plans to roll out Perseus across the United States and several European Union countries during the summer, while UK broadcasters and content distributors are preparing to introduce the technology later in the year.
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