ESPN to Air Alabama-Auburn In 4K This Saturday; Top 2 Ranked Teams

By Phillip Swann
The TV Answer Man – Follow me on X.

TV Answer Man, let us know when you get news of the ESPN 4K game of the week, please. I am really enjoying the 4K broadcasts. – Joe, Dayton, Ohio.

Joe, ESPN this Saturday (February 15) will offer an upscaled 4K broadcast of the men’s college basketball game between top-ranked Auburn and second ranked Alabama. (ESPN’s main channel will simulcast the game in High Definition.)

The SEC matchup will tip off at 4 p.m. ET. ESPN’s Matchup Predictor gives Auburn a 52.8 percent chance of winning. The Tigers are led by 6’10” senior forward John Broome who’s averaging 18.1 points a game and 10.9 rebounds. Alabama is paced by 6′ 1” guard Mark Sears who’s averaging 17.8 points a game.

Which TV Providers Will Show Alabama-Auburn In 4K?

YouTube TV, Dish, Sling TV, DIRECTV, DIRECTV Stream, Comcast, Optimum and Verizon are expected to offer the game on their ESPN 4K channels. ESPN does not offer 4K programming on its ESPN TV Everywhere app or ESPN+.

What Is Upscaled 4K?

The ESPN 4K broadcast will be ‘upscaled’ from 1080p HD.  The upscaled 4K means that the game will be produced in 1080p HD on site and upgraded to 4K for the home transmission. ESPN switched to upscaled 4K more than a year ago after previously doing some games in native 4K.

Is It Worth Watching a Game In Upscaled 4K?

Yes. From personal experience, I can assure you the picture is better. The high-def image from ESPN sometimes lacks detail and makes you wonder if it’s actually in high-def. However, the upscaled 4K image usually removes the blurriness and adds a realistic feel to the picture.

Joe, hope that helps. Happy viewing and stay safe!

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The TV Answer Man is veteran journalist Phillip Swann who has covered television for more than three decades. He will report on the latest news and answer your questions regarding new devices and services that are changing the way you watch television. See the bio for Phillip Swann here.