How Intel Helped Bring 8K Streaming to The Paris 2024 Olympics

By Pickle November 9, 2024

Intel’s cutting-edge technology not only improved the watching experience, but it also paved the way for the future of high-definition streaming

Intel’s revolutionary 8K streaming capabilities have transformed the way we watch live sports, propelling the Olympic Games to new heights. As the Official Worldwide AI Platform Partner for the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games, Intel provided a viewing experience unlike any other, powered by cutting-edge technology and software that not only engaged viewers but also redefined broadcast standards. Ravi Velhal, Intel’s worldwide content technology strategist and 8K lead, was instrumental in bringing this ambitious initiative to life.

A New Era of Broadcasting

It was an experience in itself to watch Olympic sports not just in high definition, but in magnificent 8K resolution, where every detail, from the athlete’s perspiration shimmering beneath the stadium lighted to the crowd’s impassioned screams, was preserved with crystal clarity. Once a distant fantasy, Intel’s collaboration with Olympic Broadcasting Services (OBS) and other broadcasters made it a reality for viewers all around the world.

Intel presented the world’s first 8K over-the-top (OTT) broadcast during the Paris 2024 Games, demonstrating its cutting-edge technology. Encoding and streaming 8K content is no easy task; it entails compressing live raw feeds measuring an astonishing 48 gigabits per second into a manageable VVC enabled livestream of 40 to 60 megabits per second—a staggering 1,000:1 compression ratio—all in under 400 milliseconds. This astounding feat was performed with Intel’s 5th Generation Xeon CPUs, establishing a new standard for live sports broadcasting.

The Technical Marvel of 8K Streaming

Obtaining this degree of excellence necessitated a complex technological dance. Broadcast-grade cameras recorded live footage in 8K at 60 frames per second, combining high dynamic range (HDR) graphics with 32 audio channels to provide a genuinely immersive experience. These raw feeds were then processed by a specialised encoder known as “broadcast in a box,” which was powered by Intel’s cutting edge processors.

Before the games, Ravi Velhal explained the complexities involved. “Our goal at the Olympic Games Paris 2024 is one step closer to making 8K mainstream. It’s about providing live 8K streaming in the greatest quality at the lowest possible bandwidth, allowing fans all over the world to enjoy the Olympics like never before,” he said.

A History of Innovation

Intel’s dedication to improving the Olympic experience isn’t new. For many years, the tech company has been at the forefront of broadcasting innovation. During the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, Intel collaborated with OBS to webcast 416 hours of Olympic content and handle an incredible 4.7 petabytes of data. The relationship reached new heights during the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics, when Intel offered the world’s first completely produced 8K virtual reality feed.

With the Paris Games, Intel consolidated its status as a high-definition streaming innovator. The technology not only improved live viewing experiences but also provided the groundwork for future broadcasting standards.

The Future of Low Latency Streaming

One of the most difficult difficulties in live broadcasting is maintaining low latency. Velhal emphasised that during the Olympics, the whole delay from camera to TV was only a few seconds—a hitherto impossible goal. Together with their industry and technological partners, Intel overcame the world’s largest distribution obstacle to 8K live broadcasting. “Paris 2024 demonstrates that the future of low-latency, high definition 8K livestreaming is now,” he said.

Throughout the Games, Velhal and his team captured, analysed, and broadcast petabytes of data, utilising Intel’s sophisticated AI platform technologies to analyse each scene frame by frame. These AI algorithms guarantee high quality processing of fast-moving data while minimising delay.

The Future Ahead

Intel’s pioneering efforts will permanently revolutionise the way fans watch sports. By utilising cutting-edge technology to produce magnificent 8K material, Intel not only increased fan engagement but also laid the way for the future of broadcasting. With Ravi Velhal at the lead, Intel made the Paris 2024 Olympics a watershed moment in the advancement of sports broadcasting, ensuring that viewers around the world experience the Games in ways they never believed possible.