Sky New Zealand launches its first live 4K UHD channel, powered by Gencom

Friday November 14, 2025 14:35

Sky New Zealand launches its first live 4K UHD channel, powered by Gencom Technology
Auckland, New Zealand — 3 November, 2025

Sky New Zealand is preparing to launch its first live 4K UHD (Ultra High Definition) channel for key sporting fixtures, marking a leap forward for broadcast quality in Aotearoa.

Behind the scenes, Gencom Technology played a central role in delivering the UHD Master Control solution that makes this milestone possible. The new system provides Sky with advanced Channel Presentation capabilities for live switching, graphics keying, DVE squeeze backs, and audio processing, all managed either manually by operators or through full automation control.

“This is a significant achievement for Sky,” said Keith Bremner, Director, Gencom Technology. “It represents an exciting step in bringing Live 4K sporting content into Kiwi homes via satellite, and we’re proud to have worked alongside Sky to make it a reality.”

Gencom’s integration team designed the UHD Master Control to work seamlessly with Sky’s existing HD infrastructure, ensuring compatibility while introducing a modern framework ready for future expansion. The system’s automation layer was customised to coordinate complex UHD workflows, allowing Sky’s operators to move between manual and automated modes without disruption. This flexibility ensures consistent, broadcast-grade performance for both live and pre-scheduled content.

The UHD Master Control build uses technology from Ross Video, including openGear Modular infrastructure, MC1-UHD Master Control Switchers, and Ross Dashboard software for streamlined control and monitoring. Together, these tools deliver the flexibility, reliability, and automation needed to run UHD channels with the same confidence and precision as HD operations.