4KUniverse, the 4K TV channel from Mance Media launched in March, said it has inked an exclusive partnership with AVP to film the pro volleyball league’s U.S. matches in the pixel-packed format and stream them live around the globe.
4KUniverse’s first live 4K broadcast of the AVP is set for July 14-17 from Manhattan Beach, Calif. AVP tour matches feature athletes such as three-time Olympic gold medalist Kerri Walsh-Jennings, Olympic gold medalists Todd Rogers and Phil Dalhausser; Olympic silver medalists April Ross and Jen Kessy; and two-time Olympians Jake Gibb and Sean Rosenthal.
The 4KUniverse-AVP deal also covers in-game highlights, pre-game broadcasts of athlete interviews. 4K coverage plans also include slow-motion cameras, a drone and productions that utilize High Dynamic Range (HDR).
The agreement is 4KUniverse’s first with a sports league. Its first original series – Model Turned Superstar – is slated for a June 28 debut.
“With any new video format, live sports is always the driver for consumer adoption,” Matthew Mancinelli, founder and CEO of 4KUniverse said, in a statement. “With the addition of the AVP, and an Olympic sport for that matter, 4KUniverse becomes one of the first premium general entertainment 4K TV channels to exist. I’m excited to partner with the league and to bring this beloved sport to the masses in a whole new way.”
“This partnership with 4KUniverse allow fans to experience the excitement and athleticism of the AVP and our athletes like never before,” added AVP Managing Partner Donald Sun. “The highlights and athlete interviews will add another dimension to bring our stars closer than ever. Beach volleyball is an incredibly beautiful sport, and I am looking forward to showcasing its vibrance and excitement in 4K resolution.”
4KUniverse costs $5.99 per month and is initially available over-the-top via YouTube and Vimeo, though the service is also seeking carriage deals with cable operators, IPTV providers and other types of MVPDs.
