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.
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5G is only just out of the gates but countries are already laying the groundwork for 6G.
About the author
Matthew Griffin Founder, 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." 15-time best selling author of the "Codex of the Future" series, Matthew is the Founder and Futurist in Chief 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.
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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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