BBC iPlayer - Blue Planet II in 4K UHD

In dummy talk, is that something they are likely to do, I mean is it a widely used codec?

If there's a significant take up of the format by Broadcasters I'd almost guarantee it. It wont be immediate though.

This test has been extended. Although BPII the series will be removed in 12 days, today's 90min summary is to be made available tomorrow in UHD and will remain available until the end of January on supported platforms.

Strictly speaking it's not a codec (the codec being used is HEVC/H.265) - it's an 'EOTF' (Electro Optical Transfer Function) - but it is the only standard that makes sense for live and as-live multi camera TV production.

It also has the benefit of being backwards compatible with SDR displays (though colour space conversion may still be needed). For most domestic viewing situations, if anything, HLG is a better solution than HDR10.

Sadly, I've now heard that the publication of the link was an error. The Summary episode will not now be shown in UHD via the iPlayer in this phase of the trial, which is likely to terminate as scheduled shortly.

Bugger. I have finally got my present from Santa (a 4K Toshiba 43U6763DB) to chat to my newly installed BT Infinity, so it can see BBC iPlayer through the Smart functions.


It seems I can't get that summary episode in 4K. Is there even a list of devices that were supported for the 4K trial? Perhaps it was never available on mine anyway.

Hi Stuart, there's a list of compatible devices at the bottom of this link https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/help/latest-news/blue-planet-II-uhd. Can you get any Blue Planet II in UHD or is it just the summary episode?

YAY! My TV is on the list.

I can see all the episodes, but nothing is coming up with the UHD tag

You should get a splash every so often when you start iPlayer. For me, Blue Planet II UHD is at the very bottom of the homepage. Other than suggesting making sure you're signed in, in case that makes any difference, or checking your software is up to date then it might be a waiting game?

Alternatively to experience UHD HDR - if you click on the settings, you can play a trial and it looks incredible.

I pick it up by searching for "Blue Planet II UHD"

Scroll to the bottom of the Home Screen, all episodes are there.

Thanks for all the tips, guys. However, I seem to have ended up on a Beta version of BBC iPlayer. There are no episodes of BPII listed at the bottom of the home page, and under settings I can't see any trial.

I tried searching for "BLUE PLANET II UHD" (I get as far as the U, and run out of space).

I am signed in to my BBC ID.

EDIT: I've come out of the Beta version. Still no different.