Sony Corporation and FIFA (Fédération Internationale de Football Association) have 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. World football’s flagship event will be held in Brazil from 12 June to 13 July.
Sony, an official FIFA Partner, offers an array of 4K products ranging from broadcast and professional solutions, to 4K-compatible consumer products such as TVs, home theatre projectors and video cameras, and provides 4K live production solutions, from shooting and production to viewing. Sony and FIFA reportedly aim to further accelerate the expansion of the 4K viewing experience.
As well as producing the official film for the tournament, Sony and FIFA will collaborate by using Sony’s professional 4K equipment within the 4K live production workflow processes to film one match from the round of 16, one quarter-final and the final itself 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” 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 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.
VP in charge of FIFA Partnership at Sony Soichi Kawachi 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 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,” said FIFA Director of TV Niclas Ericson. “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. “
