SES. One brand. One future.
Discover more
Ultra HD
Raindrops on a forest leaf, the texture of bark, a rushing river. Ultra HD (Ultra High Definition) television presents life in sharp focus, whether it’s the great outdoors, an elfin kingdom, or a football pitch.
If an HD picture tells a thousand words, Ultra HD tells a million.
When a picture tells a million words
There is always more to what meets the eye. Though elusive at times, it's the collection of details that make up the bigger picture.
When Ultra HD Creates Ultra High Demand
530+ Million
households worldwide had access to 4K Ultra HD television in 2022 according to OMDIA
825+ Ultra HD channels
will be available worldwide by 2030 according to Euroconsult
Lifelike detail on the screen
Resolution
Full HD 1920 x 1080px
ULTRA HD 3840 x 2160px
With four times as many pixels as HD, Ultra HD delivers a crystal clear picture. Hidden details emerge to uncover stories. The grain of a violin reveals the hand of a master craftsman, while moisture on a goalkeeper’s brow magnifies pressure on the pitch.
Delving into the Detail: Cameras
Cinema and broadcast technical consultant shares the importance of Ultra HD equipment
As we see it with our own eyes
Colour
Full HD 16M colours
ULTRA HD 1B colours
8-Bit colour 256 shades for a primary colour
10-bit colour 1024 shades for a primary colour
Ultra HD has a billion colours in its spectrum, creating images close to those we see in real life. 10-bit colour allows content producers to add more detail and contrast. For the first time on a screen, viewers can experience the multiple blues of the ocean or the myriad greens of the jungle.
Delving into the Detail: Colour
Film and TV colourist uncovers the details of colour grading Ultra HD content
The brightest brights and the darkest darks
High Dynamic Range
High Dynamic Range picks out the brightest brights and the darkest darks. Sparks from a lathe fly in sharp contrast to the black steel of its blade. High contrast means both remain star players in the scene.
An End to Blurred Vision
High Frame Rates
Full HD 75Hz
ULTRA HD 100/120Hz
Ultra HD’s high frame rates mean fast camera movements appear smoother and sharper.Sports fans can experience first-hand the passion of a tackle or the smooth trajectory of a tennis ball. It has become a service that viewers seek for major tournaments, such as the Olympics and the Euros.
Timeline of SES achievements on the Ultra HD front
The background
Global average terrestrial television connectivity speeds are too low for Ultra HD video transmission, even in parts of developed economies that are outside urban areas.
The Challenge
Satellite delivers a reliable and high-quality signal everywhere in the coverage area with no buffering, pixelation and dropouts. However, introducing a new TV format is highly complex and requires cooperation between creators, broadcasters, DTH operators, technology companies, and TV manufacturers.
The Solution
SES has been front and center in helping the industry create an ecosystem for satellite Ultra HD. From our first Ultra HD demo in 2013, we’ve broadcast over 30 Ultra HD channels worldwide, delivered our Ultra HD platform to Latin America, and brought sharp focus to major global sporting events, from Winter Olympics to Formula 1.
Delivering the Detail
Millions of households depend on our satellites to enjoy truly immersive Ultra HD TV experiences
366 Million
homes receive Ultra HD content from SES satellites
50+
Ultra HD channels worldwide
12 Demo Channels
over key orbital positions to enable industry players to test Ultra HD
99.99%
consistent bandwidth from our global satellite fleet
What's Next
As the uptake of 4K continues, we are continuously working with our industry partners on the next evolution of high-resolution television. For example, alongside Samsung and Spin Digital we have we have successfully showcased our ability to flawlessly broadcast 8K signal.
How can we help?
Footer Navigation
Legal Documents
Portals
Social
© 2026 SES S.A. All rights reserved.