DirecTV says it was the first multichannel video provider to deliver 4K UHD video-on-demand programming in November 2014, and also the first to launch a full-time 4K channel. The pay TV provider has continued with its ultra high-definition strategies this year by making several major sporting events available in 4K, including college football, the Masters in 4K, MLB, UFC, and Rio Olympics events.
This weekend, it added pro hoops to that 2016 list as the first live NBA game in 4K UHD in the United States was made available to DirecTV subscribers on Saturday. It featured the Denver Nuggets vs. the Utah Jazz. Back in 2015, the NBA was the first U.S. professional sports league to capture a game in 4K when the New York Knicks played the Milwaukee Bucks during NBA Global Games London.
“The 4K UHD experience on DirecTV combines the excitement of the arena and the convenience of the living room,” Dan York, chief content officer at AT&T Entertainment Group, says. “Live sports is one of the best ways to showcase this incredibly vivid format and we believe NBA fans will love this unique video experience.”
To get the live 4K offering, subscribers needed the DirecTV Ultimate package or higher, 4K account authorization, professional installation, the latest Genie HD DVR (HR54), and either a DirecTV 4K-ready TV or a compatible 4K TV connected to the latest 4K Genie Mini.
