1080p HDR broadcast will be upconverted in Bristol
The 2025 College Football Playoff National Championship Game is certainly a historic game as it is the first in the new era of the expanded 12-team format. But it’s also a milestone in live production and distribution: For the first time, ESPN will present a stream of its main game broadcast in 4K.
“This milestone reflects the team’s commitment to providing a cutting-edge visual experience for fans,” says John LaChance, executive director, remote production operations, ESPN. “Delivering the national championship in 4K demonstrates our commitment to innovation and our continued efforts to improve the quality and clarity of live sports broadcasts. It’s a proud moment for everyone involved, highlighting months of preparation and teamwork to make this possible.
The 2025 College Football Playoff National Championship Game will be played at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. (Photo: Phil Ellsworth/ESPN Images)
The 4K presentation is an upscaling of the on-location production, shot in 1080p HDR. In the past, ESPN offered a 4K feed from the Skycam among its many MegaCast viewing options.
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Notably, there is no dedicated production truck on site to handle the 4K show. The 1080p HDR feed will be transmitted from Atlanta to ESPN’s facility in Bristol, CT, where it will be converted.
“This process requires precise coordination across multiple groups and technologies,” says LaChance. “From signal capture to transmission and upconversion, each step introduces additional complexity, including extensive testing, quality control processes and ensuring backup systems are in place to maintain quality standards and highest reliability. »
Tonight’s 4K presentation will be available to subscribers of Comcast, DIRECTV, Dish Network, Optimum, Sling TV, Verizon and YouTube TV.
