“Technology” is undoubtedly among the keywords of the Beijing 2022. The cutting-edge technological innovations, like orchestra instrument families, all come together to play beautiful melodies for the joyful rendezvous upon pure ice and snow. From January 31 to March 13, “8K concerts Celebrating High-Tech Beijing 2022” campaign is launched by the National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA) under the guidance of Beijing Municipal Bureau of Economy and Information Technology and Beijing Municipal Radio and Television Bureau, advancing innovative applications of Ultra HD technology in sports and arts promotion, enhancing international cultural exchange during the Winter Olympics and showcasing the capital's position as the national political center, cultural center, center for international exchanges, and center for scientific and technological innovation.
8K livestream of Beijing 2022 Opening Ceremony
“Sports+Arts+Technology” creates immersive experience
On February 4, 8K livestream of Beijing 2022 Opening Ceremony was held at the Opera House of NCPA. The event was co-hosted by the NCPA, Beijing Radio & Television Station (BRTV) and Bank of China (BOC).
The livestream signal was from BRTV Winter Olympics 8K testing channel, the first 8K Ultra HD TV channel for end users. AVS3 coding technology, of which China own the intellectual property, was used for the connection between BRTV and NCPA. 8K laser projector with 25,000 lumens and 8K de-embedders were employed for the livestream.
Being the national arts center, the NCPA has long been exploring the integration of technology and arts for the broad audience, launching multiple events including the “8K+5G” livestream of the opening concert of its “Bright Autumn Cadenza” online series and 8K Stage Art Film Exhibition. The 8K livestream of Beijing 2022 Opening Ceremony marks not only another milestone of its Ultra HD application, but also the very first 8K livestream for the general public in the Olympic history.
The Beijing 2008 Summer Olympics surprised the world with typical Chinese elements, and the Beijing 2022 Opening Ceremony offers a refreshing and stunning celebration showcasing the beauty of nature, cultures and sports and the perfect integration of Olympic spirits and Chinese culture. Mr. Wang Ning, Head of the Department of Opening and Closing Ceremonies of Beijing 2022 and President of NCPA, said, “serving both Beijing 2008 and Beijing 2022, our devotion and love for the Olympics remain unchanged. We might assume different responsibilities in the two events, but the Olympic spirits in our heart remain all the same.”
The 8K livestream On February 4 was emceed by Ms. Li Yangwei from BRTV. Athletes, coaches, general public and representatives from many sectors of society were offered complimentary tickets to the event. The audience enjoyed an immersive experience through the 800-inch screen.
During the livestream, all the audience rose for the national flag and anthem of China. There was a burst of applause when the Chinese athletes paraded into the stadium accompanied by the song Ode to the Motherland. It was like the audience was at the ceremony in person to cheer for the celebration.
Mr. Wang Cheng, Vice President of the NCPA, said, “technology is a crucial part of the Beijing 2022. And Beijing is now actively growing its digital economy. NCPA is proud to present the 8K livestream tonight. It’s very meaningful for the NCPA to be the very first theatre offering 8K livestream of Olympic events in the world as the initiator of the Beijing Forum for Performing Arts (BFPA). Though the audience were not at the Ceremony in person, they were able to have an unforgettable immersive experience. It’s worth noting that all the classical music excerpts accompanying the athletes’ parade of the Ceremony were presented by the NCPA orchestra and recorded here at the NCPA.
Mr. Zhang ji, Coach of Beijing Men’s Handball Team, said, “The 8K livestream of the Ceremony here at the NCPA was so stunning and spectacular that I felt like I was there at the National Stadium in person. As a Beijinger, I feel so proud that my hometown is the first city to hold both the Summer and Winter Olympic Games. As a Chinese and a Chinese athlete, I was overwhelmed with excitement when we rose for the national flag and anthem!”
Mr. Wang Lianxi from West Chang’an Avenue Subdistrict Office said, “I was deeply impressed by our country’s comprehensive national power and organizational abilities. The Ceremony combined traditional Chinese culture, such as 24 solar terms of Chinese lunar calendar, with winter sports, latest technology and other cultures of the world. It reflects on the relationship between humans and nature and boosts our confidence in Chinese culture and core socialist values. Watching it on the 8K screen of NCPA made me feel like I was at the scene. Let’s cheered the athletes on! Together for a shared future!”
8K TV plus 8K Concerts
NCPA playing a role in the high-tech Beijing 2022 and “dual Olympic city”
Besides the Opening Ceremony Livestream, more 8K livestreams will be offered at the NCPA till the end of the Beijing 2022. As part of the “Winter Olympics on 100 8K screens” campaign launched by the City of Beijing and the “Audiovisual Winter Olympics” series events launched by Beijing Municipal Radio and Television Bureau, an 8K TV is now located at the east side of the hall on the ground floor of NCPA. The 8K version of CCTV New Year's Gala was livestreamed here on January 31, the Chinese New Year's eve. From February 1 to the end of the Beijing 2022, the 8K version of CCTV Winter Olympics programs are broadcast here for all the audience visiting the NCPA.
What’s more, the NCPA and BRTV co-present the “8K concerts Celebrating High-Tech Beijing 2022” campaign. From February 1 to the end of the Beijing 2022, 5 8K concerts, including Glows from Within: Joint Concert with NCPA and Central Conservatory of Music Symphony Orchestra and Beijing Cantata, will be broadcast on the BRTV 8K testing channel. Audience can enjoy the concerts on 20 8K screens and 200 8K TVs across Beijing.
