Two New 4K Ultra HD Channels Launch, SD Set-Top Boxes Phased Out

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CNBC AI News has learned that China is significantly accelerating its transition to ultra-high definition (UHD) television. Following the debut of Beijing Television’s UHD channel on April 22nd, Guangdong Television’s 4K UHD channel and Shenzhen Television’s 4K UHD channel are slated to launch on June 28th. These additions will be accessible via both cable and IPTV networks nationwide. These moves signal a bold push towards a sharper, more immersive viewing experience for millions.

The rollout is just the beginning. By 2025, several major provincial broadcasters, including those in Beijing, Shanghai, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Shandong, Hunan, Guangdong, and Sichuan, are expected to launch their own UHD channels. This concerted effort is being coordinated by the State Administration of Radio and Television (SART), aiming to streamline the transition from standard definition (SD) to high definition (HD) and UHD broadcasting.

As part of this initiative, SART is facilitating the distribution of an additional 18 million UHD set-top boxes by 2025, bringing the total number of UHD terminals across the country to a staggering 300 million. Simultaneously, in major cities like Beijing and Shenzhen, the parallel broadcasting of SD channels on cable television networks is being discontinued.

According to Beijing Gehua Cable Television Network Co., Ltd. (歌华有线) Deputy Party Secretary Han Jikai, the launch of the Guangdong and Shenzhen 4K UHD channels will coincide with a channel number reorganization, leading to the simultaneous removal of 62 SD channels. This move is designed to simplify channel navigation and improve the overall user experience.

A full channel scan will be initiated at 6:00 AM on June 28th, enabling 4K and HD set-top boxes to display the appropriate channel numbers. This will ensure viewers can seamlessly access the new UHD content.

Gehua Cable initially phased out SD set-top boxes in the Beijing market in early May, and ceased all analog broadcasting. Furthermore, Gehua plans a full channel optimization on June 28th.

This involves:

Combining the UHD and HD channels on the same channel number. This will simplify navigation for viewers with different set-top boxes.
Implementing a new channel numbering system, shifting from the existing 601-699 range to the 01-99 channel range. This upgrade will streamline the channel line-up.

To ease the transition for viewers, any attempt to access former 601-699 channels after June 28 will automatically redirect to the equivalent channels in the new 01-99 range (e.g., channel 621 will automatically redirect to channel 21).