UWA Membership: What are the key advantages?

Becoming a member of UWA (Ultra-High-Definition World Association) comes with many advantages for companies within the UHD ecosystem, where UHD content and technology play a vital role. As UHD continues to evolve, the UWA equips its members with the necessary tools and resources to stay ahead in a highly competitive and fast-developing landscape. In this blog, we break down some of the key benefits of joining the association based on findings from our existing members.  

Innovative Development and Support  

UWA is at the forefront of UHD innovation, helping to push the boundaries of what is possible with UHD technology. For example, in recent interviews with European members, HDR standards across the industry were considered disjointed, with some better suited for streaming and others for broadcast, while they see the UWA's standards as providing a more consistent experience that is suitable for both mediums.  

European members joined the UWA due to its royalty-free standards and the quality of HDR Vivid and Audio Vivid compared to other free standards. By joining the UWA, they support the broader adoption of UHD. Additionally, members observed that other free UHD/HDR standards offer weak technical support, whereas the UWA is positioned to provide vital support with implementation. 

Global Networking Opportunities  

The UWA has an established base of members in APAC, making it a desirable network opportunity. Existing members noted that bridging the APAC and EU ecosystems was critical for joining the association, which included access to broadcasters, content creators, hardware manufacturers and software developers.  

Active participation in conferences and various other in-person and digital forums allows members to connect with industry leaders to share ideas and gain strategic partnerships, such as the IBC Roundtable, which took place in September in Amsterdam. These connections are valuable for business growth, knowledge sharing, and UHD standards development.   

Influencing Industry Standards  

Dissatisfaction with present standards was a recurring theme among existing members; there needs to be more consistent experience in the standards landscape of member workflows and industry developments.  

Pushing for broader adoption of UHD and 4k among broadcasters is essential, as UHD is delivered as a streaming-only add-on to their existing services despite the high level of adoption by OTT providers. Given its collaboration with international organizations, UWA bridges the gap between current standards and influences new standards, which align with members' visions for the future of UHD. Members can contribute to discussions on technical specifications, helping to shape the industry's future. 

Conclusion  

UWA membership substantially benefits businesses and professionals within the UHD sector in a continuously evolving industry. The association provides members with the tools to grow and succeed, from strong UHD standards, global networking opportunities and contributing to the future of UHD. Whether your business is looking to innovate, influence policy, or expand your market reach, joining the UWA is a strategic move that can accelerate your progress in the UHD landscape.