Rio Olympics 2016: Watch Usain Bolt in 8K and virtual reality

Parts of the 2016 Rio Olympic Games will be shot in 8K video and for virtual reality platforms. The Olympic Broadcasting Services (OBS) will shoot around 130 hours of 8K 'Super Hi-Vision' video for Japanese audiences, including the opening and closing ceremonies, swimming, judo, athletics, basketball and football, as the technology is trialled ahead of the 2020 Olympics in Tokyo.

Advanced Television reports that the 8K broadcasts, which will offer viewers an eye-popping resolution of 7680x4320 pixels, will include what OBS labels "3D 22.2 channel audio surround sound", making the viewing experience even more lifelike for those lucky few with an 8K-ready television. Given that 4K Ultra High Definition has barely reached the mainstream consumer market, that's very few indeed.

Also being trialled is 4K downscaling technology, which will convert 8K video into 4K signals, as well as wider colour gamut and High Dynamic Range (HDR) technologies. However, this will be purely for test purposes and won't be broadcast to viewers.

Viewers will, however, be able to watch some of the 2016 Olympics in 360 degrees. Those with a compatible virtual reality headset will be able to watch select events live in VR, while VR footage will also be available as on-demand content to those without a headset.

Even if you're yet to jump on the 8K or virtual reality bandwagon (like most of the world), fear not: Advanced Television reports that all 7,000 hours of coverage from the Rio Games will be shot in high-definition and 5.1 surround sound. And if you don't own an HDTV yet – well, we can't help you.