Over a third of all flat panel televisions sold worldwide in 2017 were 4K Ultra HD capable. More than 100 million 4K televisions will be sold in 2018, representing 44% of total global flat panel television shipments, with almost double that number expected to be sold in 2022. With prices falling fast, people are buying more Ultra HD sets although there is still relatively little broadcast programming.
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The government white paper outlining its proposals for a “principled and practical” withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union offers little clarity for international broadcasters, beyond saying that it is “seeking the best possible arrangements for this sector”. The Commercial Broadcasters Association warns that international broadcasters may have to start restructuring within months if not weeks.
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The BBC Annual Report and Accounts reveals, among other things, that BBC viewing among young adults has fallen by over a third in five years, which is more than for other major British broadcasters. The BBC recognises that it needs to reinvent itself for the next generation of viewers.
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The informitv Multiscreen Index reported an apparent loss of just over 5 million subscribers or 1.14% in the first quarter of 2018. That was partly due to a reported loss of subscribers in the Asia Pacific region, following the merger of Dish TV and Videocon d2h in India. Excluding those companies, the index rose by 0.36%, which is the lowest quarterly gain seen so far.
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While a fortunate few may be able to watch the World Cup in 4K Ultra HD, 8K production is already available. Although some might argue that it is unnecessary, it may be technologically inevitable, at least for high-end productions. The trend to increasing resolution appears to be inexorable and resistance is futile.
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29% of all European television channels are based in the United Kingdom, as are 27% of on-demand services. A new Brexit report from the European Audiovisual Observatory looks at the United Kingdom in the context of the audiovisual market in the European Union.
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