BBC Sport to air FA Cup 2018/19 Semi Final and Final in Ultra HD

The BBC today announced it will broadcast the FA Cup semi final and final live in Ultra HD and HDR for the very first time.

Those watching on compatible Ultra HD TVs can watch the live stream on BBC iPlayer by pressing the Red Button during the BBC’s coverage, or directly through the BBC iPlayer app on their TV.

The semi final tie between Manchester City and Brighton will be played on Saturday 6th April, while the final takes place on Saturday 18th May at Wembley Stadium.

“Our Ultra HD and HDR programmes have been streamed millions of times on BBC iPlayer, making them some of the most popular Ultra HD programmes in the world, and BBC iPlayer is one of the only streaming services to offer them live in such high quality,” said Dan Taylor-Watt, Head of BBC iPlayer.

“It’s an excellent example of how we’re reinventing BBC iPlayer, making it an even better place for watching live events, and giving people the best programmes to enjoy in the best possible quality.”

This is the BBC’s latest Ultra HD trial as it continues to pioneer next-generation streaming for UK audiences. The BBC iPlayer is the only streaming service in the UK to offer people live Ultra HD and HDR programmes.

Phil Layton, Head of Broadcast & Connected Systems, BBC R&D, added: “As Ultra HD becomes increasingly popular in the future, the BBC is making sure nobody is left behind.

Our research has already provided a highly effective way for free-to-air broadcasters to put HDR into their Ultra HD programmes, and we’re working on a range of projects to make Ultra HD even better for audiences and the industry.”

The second semi final tie will take place on Sunday 7th April as Watford host Wolverhampton Wanderers live on BT Sport.