Eutelsat 12 West B was used to broadcast live images back from the Vatican for new channel BS8K. A mobile uplink provided by M-three Satcom. NHK relied on DVB-S2X modulation, in 16APSK, and HEVC encoding. The images (7680 pixels over 4320 lines - some 33.3 million pixels per image) were shot at 60 frames per second in BT2020 colour space, with 10 bits of colour depth (1 billion colours) and high dynamic range HLG (Hybrid Log Gamma), combined with 22.2 channel audio.
   

Gerry O’Sullivan, executive vice president, Global TV and Video of Eutelsat: “Eutelsat has been a pioneer in delivering HD and Ultra HD formats since their inception, and this broadcast confirms satellite’s unique position as one of the vital technologies capable of broadcasting 8K signals.

"We look forward to working hand in hand with customers such as NHK as they continue to raise the bar higher for the broadcasting industry, to deliver the best possible video experience to viewers.”

BS8K launched to Japanese viewers on December 1st.