6G demonstrated in the labs as researchers stream uncompressed 8k video
5G is only just out of the gates but countries are already laying the groundwork for 6G.
Key takeaways
- Currently 6G is expected to be able to stream 8K and UHD video with crazy low latency that’s around 1ms, and ultra-low power consumption, something that’s way beyond the capabilities of even the fastest 5G networks.
- Since the data rate of 8k and UHD video is so high, however, it’s necessary to compress the data when being transmitted wirelessly using microwaves or millimetre waves, which results in delays and increased power consumption.
- In 2017, one expert told E&T that 6G networks may never come to pass and that future iterations will instead rely on evolved 5G standards.
Cite or link to this article
Griffin, M. (2021) '6G demonstrated in the labs as researchers stream uncompressed 8k video', 311 Institute, 18 February. Available at: https://www.311institute.com/6g-demonstrated-in-the-labs-as-researchers-stream-uncompressed-8k-video/ (Accessed: 1 October 2026).
5G is only just out of the gates but 6G, which would push mobile network speeds into the Terabits range, and even 7G are already on the cards with China recently launching the world’s first 6G satellite demonstrator.
Currently 6G is expected to be able to stream 8K and UHD video with crazy low latency that’s around 1ms, and ultra-low power consumption, something that’s way beyond the capabilities of even the fastest 5G networks.
Since the data rate of 8k and UHD video is so high, however, it’s necessary to compress the data when being transmitted wirelessly using microwaves or millimetre waves, which results in delays and increased power consumption. So it’s only natural that researchers have been focusing on trying to develop technologies that supports the uncompressed wireless transmission of 8k and UHD video.
“In general, the higher the frequency, the greater the capacity to transmit information, with terahertz waves having a higher frequency than microwaves and millimetre waves. We focused on terahertz waves in the 300GHz band,” said Julian Webber, an assistant professor at Osaka University in Japan.
The researchers configured a two-channel terahertz transmitter (Tx) by modulating the output of a laser pair. They then sent an 8K video signal source using an intensity modulator and converted it into terahertz waves using an ultrafast photodiode.
“In general, such ultra high-speed data transmission experiments are performed using multilevel modulations via a complex system with high power consumption that uses off-line or on-line digital signal processing,” said research lead Masayuki Fujita.
“Our achievement demonstrates the usefulness of terahertz waves and is expected to accelerate research and development activities for the realisation of Beyond 5G and eventually 6G.
“Such uncompressed wireless transmission technology for UHD video will enhance the quality of telemedicine and telework, which are directly related to social issues, and will lead to the advancement of physical-cyber fusion by utilising the big data of UHD video.”
In 2019, former US President Donald Trump called for American firms to ramp up development on 6G in order to maintain the country’s technological lead.
In 2017, one expert told E&T that 6G networks may never come to pass and that future iterations will instead rely on evolved 5G standards.
What this means for your organisation
Compression is the bottleneck.
8K and UHD video carries so much data that wireless links must compress it. That adds delay and raises power use. The lab test sent the video uncompressed over terahertz waves in the 300GHz band, which removes that step.
The supply chain is still early.
Photonic terahertz signal generation is rated at TRL 5, with a first product expected in 2028 and wide use by 2038. Terahertz travelling-wave tubes are at TRL 4, with a first product in 2035 and wide use by 2050. Terabit networks are further along, at TRL 7.
Treat 6G as promising, not settled.
In 2017 one expert said 6G may never arrive and that evolved 5G standards could do the job instead. Since then China has launched a 6G satellite demonstrator, and China now produces about twice the high-quality research of the US. Plan for both outcomes and watch the lab results.
Three questions for your next leadership meeting
- Which of our services would gain from uncompressed UHD video with very low delay?
- Who is tracking terahertz research for us, and how often do we review it?
- What would we change if 6G turns out to be evolved 5G?
The trends and technologies behind this story
From the 311 Starburst, the 311 Strategic Intelligence Unit’s map of the technologies and trends shaping the next 50 years.
Analysis by the 311 Strategic Intelligence Unit, from Matthew Griffin’s article and 311 data. First published on Fanatical Futurist.
FAQ
Why does this matter?
5G is only just out of the gates but countries are already laying the groundwork for 6G.
About the author
Matthew Griffin Founder, President and Futurist, 311 Institute
Matthew Griffin is a multi-award winning Futurist and expert in Disruption and Innovation, Geopolitics, Leadership, and Technology, who NASA have described as a "walking encyclopaedia of the future" and a "futurist Polymath."
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Matthew Griffin is a multi-award winning Futurist and expert in Disruption and Innovation, Geopolitics, Leadership, and Technology, who NASA have described as a "walking encyclopaedia of the future" and a "futurist Polymath." 17-time best selling author of the "Codex of the Future" series, Matthew is the Founder, President and Futurist of the 311 Institute, a global Futures and Deep Futures advisory firm working with royal households, world leaders, G7, G20, and G77 governments, NGOs, and multi-national mid and mega cap firms to help them explore, shape, and lead the next 50 years of business and society.
An award-winning YouTube creator with over a million followers, with an unrivalled global reach and impact, Matthew is a highly sought-after international keynote speaker, lecturer, and mentor who collaborates with global leaders through the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) and United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) to shape pivotal initiatives such as the UN’s AI for Humanity program, the United Nations Conference of the Parties (UN COP), and the World Economic Forum in Davos.
As the former Global Head of Cloud, National Security, and Enterprise Sales for companies including Atos, Dell-EMC, and IBM, Matthew has a proven track record of building multi-billion dollar business units and turning failing divisions into market leaders. His ability to identify, analyse, and communicate the implications of hundreds of emerging technologies and trends is unparalleled, and his insights are trusted by many of the world’s most respected organisations, including ABB, Accenture, Adidas, AON, ARM, BCG, Centrica, Citi, Coca-Cola, Dentons, Deloitte, Dow Jones, EY, Google, KPMG, Lego, Legal & General, LinkedIn, Microsoft, PepsiCo, Qualcomm, RWE, Samsung, Siemens AG and Siemens Energy, T-Mobile, UBS, VISA, Walmart, Workday, Worldpay and many others.
Regularly featured in the global media including the AP, BBC, Bloomberg, CNBC, Discovery, Forbes, Khaleej Times, Telegraph, TIME, ViacomCBS, WIRED, and the WSJ, Matthews mission is to help organisations create a fair and sustainable future whose benefits are shared by everyone irrespective of their ability, background, or circumstances.
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Source: first published by the 311 Institute on 18 February 2021. Cite as: Griffin, M. (2021). 6G demonstrated in the labs as researchers stream uncompressed 8k video. 311 Institute. https://www.311institute.com/6g-demonstrated-in-the-labs-as-researchers-stream-uncompressed-8k-video/
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