Delivered via MPEG-DASH over the Internet for global viewing on Samsung Smart TVs and on special public display in the opera house, the broadcast is set for 7pm CET on 7 May with a production of Verdi’s Nabucco starring Plácido Domingo in the title role will. It will be streamed for global viewing on UltraHD smart TVs as well as to a 65" Samsung UltraHD TV at the opera house.

The Vienna State Opera boasts the world’s largest repertoire of opera and ballet works, holding 60 titles and more than 300 performances per season. Producing more than 40 live broadcasts annually, the Vienna State Opera, also known as Wiener Staatsoper, is a leader in the use of innovative technology for the arts and is making nearly all of its 2014/2015 season productions accessible to viewers via the Internet, smart TVs and mobile devices.

The new Wiener Staatsoper Samsung Smart TV app has already been released, claimed to be the first of its kind fully integrated UltraHD playout functionality that will allow viewers worldwide to watch the broadcast at their respective prime time, through Vienna State Opera’s unique time-shift feature.

VSO’s broadcast is based on video processing solutions from Elemental Technologies. In addition to 4K HEVC real-time video streaming, Elemental will support live streaming and video-on-demand (VOD) for the Wiener Staatsoper full HD live streaming service, which enables viewers to purchase a selection of live performances over the Web to be enjoyed on computers, mobile devices (iOS and Android), connected TVs and on Samsung smart TVs, time-shifted for optimal viewing in each local market. Elemental also supports a Vienna State Opera companion application that shows subtitles and score sheets through a second screen app in sync with broadcasts.

The workflow for the 4K streaming event was designed by Elemental partner ETAS High Tech Hardware Systems. Elemental Live will encode content captured by a Sony PMW-F55 CineAlta 4K camera. Delivery of the 4K HEVC MPEG-DASH streams will be managed by Ooyala for viewing worldwide via a custom Samsung connected TV application and PC-based application. Elemental will also encode content for a 65-inch Samsung connected TV for public viewing at the opera house.

“Our multiscreen offer, VOD services and user-selectable two-channel live programme provide new and exciting ways for fans to experience the arts with the highest levels of accessibility and artistry,” said Christopher Widauer, director of digital development for the Vienna State Opera. “The flexibility, speed and power of solutions from Elemental and the unique ability to stream 4K video using HEVC and MPEG-DASH, are vital for us to broaden the possibilities for opera and ballet viewing experiences.”