BT launches BT Sport Ultimate channel: Watch Premier League fixtures in HDR for the first time
For the first time, live Premier League fixtures will be broadcast in ultra-high definition, high dynamic range on BT Sport UItimate
BT is looking to become *the* destination for Premier League football this season with the launch of its BT Sport Ultimate channel.
For the first time, live Premier League fixtures will be broadcast in ultra-high definition (UHD), high dynamic range (HDR) and – exclusively via BT TV – with Dolby Atmos sound.
HDR for TVs gives a greater contrast ratio than that seen on standard dynamic range (SDR) TVs. It makes colours appear more vibrant and true-to-life by expanding the colour palette range. HDR comes into its own when paired with 4K content, and when used with particularly dark or bright scenes such as those seen during football matches.
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The technology being used for the BT Sport Ultimate channel has been designed to broadcast matches at 50fps, making the action smoother and more detailed, and the colours and contrast brighter than seen before. BT claims this should also boost the quality of broadcasts when streaming the matches on phones and tablets.
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Read on to learn more about the BT Sport Ultimate channel and how to watch Premier League fixtures in HDR.
BT Sport Ultimate channel: What is it?
BT Sport Ultimate is a new channel dedicated to broadcasting Premier League fixtures, a selection of English home Champions League and Europa League matches during the 2019/20 season.
BT Sport has the rights to 52 Premier League matches this season and each one will be shown in UHD HDR via BT Sport Ultimate. These matches will also be broadcast on BT Sport’s other channels, albeit in SDR.
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This isn’t the first time BT has broadcast in HDR – the Champions League final between Tottenham and Liverpool in Madrid was available to all BT Sport subscribers in HDR in June. A selection of World Cup games were also available in HDR last summer, via the BBC iPlayer. However, BT Sport Ultimate represents the first time live Premier League games will be shown in this format.
BT Sport Ultimate channel: How to watch Premier League matches in HDR
Existing BT customers can sign up to BT Sport Ultimate by upgrading to its Max 4K TV package here. New customers can sign up to BT via this page.
This package currently costs £49.99 a month on a 24-month contract, which will rise to £62.99 a month once the contract ends. It includes the price of a BT line rental but you will need to pay £29.99 to have all the kit sent to you. For this price, you get access to BT Sport Ultimate plus 55 premium channels including HD, BT broadband with average speeds of 36Mbits/s and a £30 BT Reward card. BT is also throwing in either an Xbox or Samsung tablet as part of the Max 4K TV bundle for a limited time.
The only place to get free access to the BT Sport Ultimate channel is to sign up for a 5G contract via EE.
BT Sport Ultimate channel: What devices is it available on?
BT Sport Ultimate is available on all the devices that are currently compatible with other BT Sport channels. These include iOS and Android phones, tablets, laptops and smart TVs. To access your channels, sign into your account via the relevant BT Sport app.
BT will automatically upscale the content to the highest viewing level capable by your device, so older phones without HDR will only be able to watch in SDR, whereas full 4K TVs will broadcast the HDR matches in all their glory. The quality of the stream will also be determined by the strength of your internet connection.
BT Sport Ultimate channel: Where can I find BT Sport Ultimate on my set-top box?
BT Sport Ultimate replaces BT Sport 4K UHD on BT TV and Virgin Media. On BT TV, Ultimate will be channel 433 and on Virgin Media it will be on channel 531.