Rogers to deliver world's first NHL broadcast in 4K; Will broadcast 20 NHL games in 2016

Rogers set to deliver the first-ever 4K NHL game to hockey fans on Saturday, January 23 as the Toronto Maple Leafs face the Montreal Canadiens

TORONTO, Jan. 18, 2016 /CNW/ – After delivering the first-ever live 4K sports broadcast in North America last Thursday, Rogers moves from centre court to centre ice in another first – producing and broadcasting the first-ever NHL game in 4K.

The first NHL 4K game will be a Hockey Night in Canada telecast produced by Sportsnet and available to Rogers customers with NextBox 4K on Channel 999 on January 23 at 7 p.m. ET when the Toronto Maple Leafs face the Montreal Canadiens, live from Air Canada Centre.

“What makes this 4K technology so exciting is how it enhances our storytelling and how we can boost sports fans’ passion for the game in a truly immersive way,” said Scott Moore, President, Sportsnet & NHL Properties, Rogers. “Games are won and lost in the details, and with 4K, the fans are closer than ever to the insider perspective.”

“We’re investing in technology and content to build the best possible 4K TV experience for our customers,” said Dirk Woessner, President of Consumer Business Unit, Rogers. “With a growing lineup of live events and original productions, we’re working to brighten every screen with premium 4K content.”

What does this mean for the hockey fan? This revolutionary 4K technology changes the game experience, drawing the fan onto the ice like never before. Viewers can see the flex of the stick and the grooves in the ice, while the live game producers can zoom in on key plays – like those killer slap shots – up to 500% without motion blur.

“Rogers 4K NHL broadcasts will bring Canadian hockey fans even closer to the game,” said National Hockey League Commissioner Gary Bettman. “This is an exciting evolution of our long-term partnership with Rogers. We’re thrilled with this innovative move and what it will mean for hockey fans.”

The January 23 game is the first of a 20-game NHL 4K broadcast commitment by Rogers and Sportsnet in 2016. The immediate schedule for NHL games in 4K is as follows (all games are at 7 p.m. ET), with more to announce at a later date:

In 2015, Rogers through Sportsnet, Canada’s #1 sports media brand, made North America’s largest commitment to live sports broadcasting in 4K with more than 100 live sporting events in 4K including every 2016 Toronto Blue Jays home game, plus marquee NHL and NBA games. Rogers customers will also have access to stream 100 hours of 4K movies and TV shows on shomi and an ever-growing catalog of Netflix original series in 4K in 2016. For more information on Rogers 4K visit rogers.com/4K.

SOURCE Rogers Communications Canada Inc. – English