An ensemble of organisations with varying specialities have been working on way to broadcast 4K footage without satellites through networks and direct to 5G devices.

Using Verizon 5G Edge, AWS Wavelength, and Zixi’s SDVP and ZEN Master control plane, the set up is designed to allow Bloomberg Media to package and deliver live 4K Ultra High Definition content without the need for satellites.

It’s supposed to minimise latency and simplify the networking required to connect from hosted software services to the viewer, enabling faster video processing of the video which can be transmitted via  multiple streams for broadcast across multiple platforms. The end goal is quick start times and minimal buffering for live 4K content. The companies also intent to enable streaming of Bloomberg TV+ 4K UHD content direct to 5G-connected devices.

“5G and edge compute have the potential to revolutionize the media and entertainment space and reinvent how global business news is produced and consumed,” said Tami Erwin, CEO of Verizon Business. “By leveraging Verizon 5G Edge with AWS Wavelength and Bloomberg Media’s premium 4K UHD service, we’re testing how we can potentially reimagine the future of media delivery and the viewer experience.”

Roman Mackiewicz, CIO at Bloomberg Media added: “Bloomberg Media is committed to continuous innovation and experimentation of technologies to better reach our global audience of business leaders with the insights, information and solutions they need,” said Roman Mackiewicz, CIO at Bloomberg Media. “This proof of concept trial combines Verizon’s 5G and mobile edge computing capabilities with Bloomberg TV+ premium 4K UHD content to create a modern streaming news experience with the potential for true industry disruption.”

As you can see the underlying supposition of this venture is a perceived public clamour for streamed 4K content, but this could just be wishful thinking. 4K resolution is only really noticeable on large screens and those are usually connected via wifi anyway. 5G has been desperately searching for killer apps since it was just a glint in the 3GPP’s eye but it remains highly debatable whether 4K streaming will provide one.