MUMBAI: Fashion TV has launched a 4K revolution in the country and surrounding regions by starting transmission of first seven FTA 4K UHD (Ultra-HD) television channels after NASA's scientific content channel.

The new channels can also be seen in China, Pakistan, the Middle East, East Africa and South East Asia, Ultra News reported.

The channels utilise new video compression technology called HEVC or H.265 to reduce the amount of bandwidth needed for transmitting UHD content.

The new channels however cannot be watched using most of the satellite receivers and available STBs. 4K satellite receivers with HEVC support in India at present costs around Rs 4,500, compared to Rs 1,000-1,300 for HD receivers with MPEG-4 support. But, cheaper HEVC models with 4K support could be purchased from e-commerce websites.

The seven channels are being telecast from Apstar 7 satellite, which has been placed over India. The channels cater to different areas of fashion, such as films, make-up, photoshoots, men’s fashion, ‘midnite secrets’ and events.

In India, a majority of the Ku-band channels are encrypted, and viewers need smart cards from DTH providers such as Dish TV and Tata Sky. Some services such as DD's FreeDish and ABS are transmitted without encryption.