CFP National Championship 2025: ESPN To Deliver Main Game Telecast in 4K for the First Time The 1080p HDR show will be upconverted in Bristol By Brandon Costa, Director of Digital
Monday, January 20, 2025 - 11:58 am
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The 2025 College Football Playoff National Championship Game is certainly a historical one as the first in the new era of the expanded 12-team format. However, it's also a milestone in live production and distribution: for the first time, ESPN will present a feed of its main game broadcast in 4K.
This milestone reflects the team's commitment to delivering a cutting-edge viewing experience for fans, says John LaChance, executive director, remote production operations, ESPN. Offering the National Championship in 4K showcases our dedication to innovation and our ongoing efforts to enhance the quality and clarity of live sports broadcasts. It's a proud moment for everyone involved, underscoring months of preparation and teamwork to make it possible.
The 2025 College Football Playoff National Championship Game will take place at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. (Photo: Phil Ellsworth / ESPN Images)
The 4K presentation is an upconversion of the onsite production, which is being done in 1080p HDR. In the past, ESPN had offered a 4K feed of the Skycam as one of its many MegaCast viewing options.
MORE FROM THE COLLEGE FOOTBALL PLAYOFF NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP GAME:
It's All Hands on Deck for ESPN's Massive Production in Atlanta
ESPN's MegaCast Menu Highlighted by REMI Production of Field Pass With The Pat McAfee Show
Van Wagner To Hype Up Buckeyes, Fighting Irish Fans From New IP-Based Control Room
Inside Ohio State Football's Creative Storytelling at Monday's Title Game
Notably, there is no dedicated production truck onsite 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 upconverted.
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 expanded testing, QC processes, and ensuring that backup systems are in place to maintain the highest standards of quality and reliability.
Tonight's 4K presentation will be available to subscribers of Comcast, DIRECTV, Dish Network, Optimum, Sling TV, Verizon, and YouTube TV.
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CFP National Championship 2025: ESPN To Deliver Main Game Telecast in 4K for the First Time The 1080p HDR show will be upconverted in Bristol By Brandon Costa, Director of Digital 
