Every match during the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia will be shot and produced in up to 4K HDR video quality with immersive sound. Some matches will also be captured in VR and 360-degree video, confirms FIFA.

2018 World Cup in 4K HDR
It has oft been repeated that major sports events are catalysts for new video technology. It can be debated whether that is still true but nevertheless FIFA has announced plans to shoot and produce all matches in up to 4K HDR video quality next year.

- ”In an effort to remain at the forefront of the industry, all sixty-four matches will be produced in Ultra High Definition with High Dynamic Range for the first time ever. Thanks to a hybrid UHD/HDR/1080p setup multiple choice of video formats will be available (1080i, 1080p or UHD HDR) at the back of one single production chain,” said FIFA.


Every match will be covered by 8 cameras with 4K HDR and 8 cameras with 1080p HDR. In addition, 8 super-slow-motion and 2 ultra-motion cameras as well as 1 cable-cam and 1 cineflex heli-cam will ensure that the action is available from every angle, the organizer said.

FIFA added that audio will be recorded in an immersive audio format, which typically refers to Dolby Atmos or DTS:X. Some games will also be made available to experience in virtual reality and 360-degree video.

- ”As a true innovation, fans will be able to follow the matches in Virtual Reality (VR). Available as a live experience and as 360° video on demand (VoD), this new feature will put the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia into the heart of digital innovation.”

It is now up to broadcasters in your local region to decide whether to make the games available in the highest possible quality. The FIFA World Cup 2018 kicks off on June 14 next year.

- Source: FIFA