Shanghai to host China's first HD, VR football broadcast

The world's first live broadcast of a football game featuring ultra-high definition and virtual reality technologies will occur in Shanghai on Sunday, which will let viewers feel like they are on the sidelines.

Based on the super-fast 5G network covering the Shanghai Stadium, the Chinese Super League game between Shanghai SIPG and Shandong Luneng will be broadcast at 4K definition and VR for the first time at 7:35pm.

China's first 4K-plus-VR live broadcast will help create an immersive watching experience at home, according to the Xuhui District government.

The live broadcast is jointly presented by the Shanghai Economy and Information Technology Development Commission, the Xuhui government, China Mobile Shanghai branch and MIGU Co. It is part of the city's efforts to develop applications for the coming 5G network.

Test data showed that the 5G network is able to provide a peak single-user download speed of 1.6 Gbps, nearly 16 times faster than 4G. The low latency of the 5G network is especially helpful for applications of the Internet of Things.

Audiences can watch the high-definition VR broadcast through the Migu Video mobile phone app or China Mobile's 4K set-top boxes, offering a panoramic view and shifting viewing angles.

Cameras will not only cover the pitch but also the sidelines, the dugout and substitutes bench. Three-dimensional cables will be installed for ultra-wide angle cameras.

The stadium with its surrounding region and sites being developed into the Xujiahui Sports Park is one of the key sites to be initially covered by 5G network in Xuhui, according to the district government.

Xuhui aims to create an intelligent community with the 5G network to feature industry, technology, and its people and culture, the district government said on Friday.