Rogers and Sportsnet to deliver more than 100 live sporting events in 4K in 2017

– Rogers' new NextBox 4K PVR lets customers store up to 90 hours in stunning 4K –
– 4K broadcast schedule features 81 Blue Jays, 14 NBA, and 7 NHL games –

TORONTO, Dec. 7, 2016 /CNW/ - Today Rogers Communications and Sportsnet announced they will bring sports fans more than 100 Blue Jays, NHL, and NBA games in 4K in 2017. Rogers is also introducing the new NextBox_TM 4K PVR, giving customers the ability to record up to eight 4K programs at one time and store up to 90 hours of 4K entertainment.

"Our new 4K PVR means our customers won't miss a moment of the action and is just one more way we're working to deliver a great video experience to our customers," said Dirk Woessner, President of Consumer Business Unit, Rogers. "Consumer adoption of 4K will continue to grow in 2017- and Rogers will be right there to bring customers the best 4K content and experience available."

In addition to new 4K content, Rogers will continue to make investment to its TV platform next year to improve stability, upgrade its mobile apps, and enhance Nextbox.

In 2016 more than 30% of new TV purchases this year were 4K models. Looking ahead to 2017, leading manufacturers expect 4K sales to top 50%. This is especially true for TVs 55" or larger, which are now manufactured almost exclusively in 4K – a big screen perfect for the big game.

With approximately 300 hours of baseball, hockey, and basketball action, fans can get closer than ever to the action on Sportsnet 4K and Sportsnet ONE 4K, available to Rogers customers with a NextBox 4K or NextBox 4K PVR new set-top box, plus a 4K theme pack subscription (schedule details below).

"We all connect with sports because it's about the great stories of heroes, underdogs, comebacks and glory – and 4K technology allows us to capture the details and put fans in the centre of the action," said Scott Moore, President, Sportsnet & NHL Properties, Rogers. "We've logged hundreds of hours in the 4K production trucks learning how the new technology helps us tell these stories, and in 2017 we'll build on that momentum to bring these incredible moments to life."

Today's schedule announcement builds on a year of Rogers and Sportsnet 4K "firsts," from the first live sports broadcast in North America, to the first productions and broadcasts of NHL and MLB games. Launched in April 2016, Sportsnet 4K (channel 998) and Sportsnet ONE 4K (channel 997) are North America's first 24/7 dedicated sports feeds to feature 4K content.

Sportsnet's 4K Broadcast Schedule

When the boys of summer return to Rogers Centre in April, they'll be swinging for the fences in 4K. For the second straight year, all 81 regular season Blue Jays home games will be produced and broadcast by Sportsnet in 4K.

The 2016/17 NHL season continues into the New Year with seven more Maple Leafs games in 4K, including the NHL Centennial Classic when the Maple Leafs host the Red Wings in the marquee outdoor game on January 1. This is in addition to the eight NHL games Sportsnet produced in 4K earlier this season.

Hoop dreams are even more vivid in 2017, with Sportsnet producing and delivering 14 NBA games in 4K.

NHL in 4K

NBA in 4K

Can't make it home before the tip-off, puck drop, or opening pitch? Fans don't have to miss a second of 4K action, with Rogers new NextBox_TM4K PVR set top box. Rogers offers the Sportsnet 4K feeds to all cable, satellite, and IPTV providers across Canada. All schedules subject to change – visit sportsnet.ca/schedule for game schedule updates and rogers.com/consumer/tv/4k for more 4K information.

About Rogers
Rogers is a leading diversified Canadian communications and media company that's working to deliver a great experience to our customers every day. We are Canada's largest provider of wireless communications services and one of Canada's leading providers of cable television, high-speed Internet, information technology, and telephony services to consumers and businesses. Through Rogers Media, we are engaged in radio and television broadcasting, sports, televised and online shopping, magazines, and digital media. Our shares are publicly traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: RCI.A and RCI.B) and on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: RCI).

SOURCE Rogers Communications Canada Inc. - English