Christmas is coming early for space enthusiasts this year. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) recently announced that it will launch the first non-commercial Ultra HD channel in North America. NASA has partnered with Harmonic, a worldwide leader in video delivery. Preliminary exams are still being run, but the new Ultra HD channel is expected to launch November 1, 2015.
Through the partnership, NASA plans to take advantage of Harmonic’s technology of end-to-end UHD video delivery system. This means you’ll be able to watch NASA footage on internet-connected device and televisions. The channel will also stream online for those without a television subscription.
JUST LIKE BEING IN SPACE
With this new technology, you’ll be able to enjoy footage of space in UHD (Ultra High Definition), which is four times the resolution of HD (High Definition). NASA expects that the channel will display the magnificent beauty of space with the 8-megapixel resolution of UHD.
Whether we were stargazing, watching a lunar eclipse, or looking at pictures from a satellite, we’ve all been entranced by space’s majestic beauty at one time or another. The chance to experience this with the pristine clarity of UHD is exciting and could inspire a new generation of astronomers and space lovers.
The channel will broadcast captivating views of space and footage captured from the International Space Station (ISS), which orbits the earth once every 92 minutes. Also showing will be missions like the Mars Rover, Juno, Herschel Space Observatory, GRAIL and others. How cool would it be to watch footage of man’s first step on the moon re-mastered in UHD?
Peter Alexander, chief marketing officer at Harmonic said, “As NASA reaches new heights and reveals the unknown, the NASA TV UHD channel can bring that journey to life in every home. And as organizations at the forefront of innovation, together we are leading the adoption of this exciting technology”.
NASA is continually forging the frontiers of space exploration. The chance to see groundbreaking discoveries on our computers and televisions in Ultra HD is really exciting. Soon you’ll be able to make some popcorn, sit back, and enjoy the ride.
