Press Releases

November 7, 2017

DOCOMO Achieves 12-Channel MMT Transmission of 8K Video via 5G System

R&D

TOKYO, JAPAN, November 7, 2017 --- NTT DOCOMO, INC. announced today that it succeeded in 12-channel MMT (MPEG Media Transport) transmissions of 8K video using fifth-generation (5G) mobile technology during a test conducted on November 1 at its Yokosuka R&D center in collaboration with Sharp Corporation.

Transmission of compressed 8K video, the next generation of ultra-high definition video, requires a data rate of 80 Mbps on average per channel. In the case of current LTE mobile technology, it is difficult to achieve such a data rate for the stable, multiple-channel transmission of 8K video. In the recent test, however, ultra-high speed, large-capacity 5G communications using MMT technology successfully transmitted stable multi-channel 8K video with a high bit rate to multiple devices.

Radio waves for wireless communications are constantly influenced by obstacles such as buildings, trees and terrain, and well as reflective objects, so reception errors are inevitable. In the recent test, however, an 8K video receiver with error detection/correction function was used in additional to error correction performed in the wireless layer of the 5G wireless transmission equipment, enabling the 8K video to be displayed with minimal disturbance.

DOCOMO provided the 5G wireless system and video content while Sharp provided the ultra-high definition video transmission/display environment using 8K decoders and 8K displays. Also, the Japan Broadcasters Association supported 8K video encoding and MMT encoding.

The successful results of the test will be exhibited during an event, Mietekita Chotto Saki no Mirai (A Peek into the Near Future), which will be held at the National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation (Miraikan) from November 9 to11.

Going forward, DOCOMO plans to further test 8K video transmission via its 5G system, targeting commercial services for sports, surveillance, etc. that would deliver high-definition video with MMT-enabled synchronization to diverse devices and displays.

Test system configuration

Test environment

Photo of Trial system for 8K video transmission via 5G system — Trial system for 8K video transmission via 5G system

Photo of 8K video receivers (for 4 channels) — 8K video receivers (for 4 channels)

8K video reception quality with error correction

Image of 8K video reception quality without error correction — Without error correction

Image of 8K video reception quality with error correction — With error correction

Possible applications of 8K video

Image of Future applications of 8K video

About Sharp

Sharp Corporation is a worldwide developer of innovative products and core technologies that play a key role in shaping the future of electronics. As a leader in LCDs and digital technologies, Sharp offers one of the world's broadest and most advanced lines of consumer electronics, information products and electronic components, while also creating new network businesses. Sharp Corporation employs 42,861 people around the world (as of June 30, 2017) and recorded consolidated annual sales of 2,050,639 million yen for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2017.
For more information, please visit: New window http://sharp-world.com/index.html.

About NTT DOCOMO

NTT DOCOMO, Japan's leading mobile operator with over 75 million subscriptions, is one of the world's foremost contributors to 3G, 4G and 5G mobile network technologies. Beyond core communications services, DOCOMO is challenging new frontiers in collaboration with a growing number of entities ("+d" partners), creating exciting and convenient value-added services that change the way people live and work. Under a medium-term plan toward 2020 and beyond, DOCOMO is pioneering a leading-edge 5G network to facilitate innovative services that will amaze and inspire customers beyond their expectations. DOCOMO is listed on stock exchanges in Tokyo (9437) and New York (DCM). https://www.docomo.ne.jp/english.