Japan on Monday started its first 4K ultra high-definition broadcasting satellite TV service, the Channel 4K. The Channel 4K, operated by Next Generation Television and Broadcasting Promotion Forum, or NexTV-F, will air contents provided by member TV stations, covering live music, travel and sports programs, for roughly six hours a day during the preliminary period.

In order to enjoy the content, Japanese consumers need a 4K television, tuner and antenna. In addition, they have to send an application to the operator to watch the channel.

NexTV-F has 62 corporate members consisting mainly of TV stations, electronics makers, ad agencies and trading houses.

The Japanese government is aiming to begin the commercial service for 4K broadcasting in 2016.

Japan will also continue working towards 8K test broadcasting in 2016. Public broadcaster NHK has already developed 8K technology, which has quadruple the resolution of 4K, or 16 times the sharpness of current high-definition TVs. The country is hoping to unveil 8K technology commercially before Tokyo's hosting of the 2020 Olympics.