The budget is £55m per season. DW is one of the biggest earners for BBC Studios, and they’re going to want to output in 4K anyway for future exploitation.
I’m inclined to agree on all counts, but I also think we’re working with a less complete view of circumstances than you assert. By all accounts the BBC is not in a great financial situation, so the difference between 2K and 4K might matter.
Edit: I’m now pretty sure The mirror’s estimate of 4K conversion cost is much too high (maybe the mentioned sum covers a season, not an episode), and so my own calculus needs to be scaled down as well.
The budget is £55m per season. DW is one of the biggest earners for BBC Studios, and they’re going to want to output in 4K anyway for future exploitation.
I’m inclined to agree on all counts, but I also think we’re working with a less complete view of circumstances than you assert. By all accounts the BBC is not in a great financial situation, so the difference between 2K and 4K might matter.
Edit: I’m now pretty sure The mirror’s estimate of 4K conversion cost is much too high (maybe the mentioned sum covers a season, not an episode), and so my own calculus needs to be scaled down as well.