Archive for November, 2009
Nov 30, 2009, post by Satellite News
Cooperation pays off as Rainbow Media, MEASAT Satellite Systems Sdn. Bhd. (“MEASAT”), and Ascent Media Pte. Ltd. agree to provide Sundance Channel and WE tv across the Asia-Pacific region via the MEASAT-3a satellite.
The channels will be broadcasted in high and standard definition. Today’s agreement marks a milestone for both brands, which will be made available for the first time throughout Asia.
Under the agreement, Ascent Media will deliver a complete file-based workflow and fully automated playout system, operated in a shared network environment, and will provide the HD uplink to the MEASAT-3a satellite. Ascent’s world-leading talent will also create promotional spots for both channels suited to the Asian market, as well as deliver other post-production services.
“We are pleased to announce this significant deal, which paves the way for the Sundance Channel and WE tv to be available in Asia for the first time,” informed Ed Carroll, Chief Operating Officer, Rainbow Entertainment Services. “Working with MEASAT and Ascent, we are looking forward to Sundance Channel expanding its reach into another major world market and the launch of WE tv beyond the United States.”
“We are fortunate to be working once again with Rainbow Media and Ascent Media for the distribution of Rainbow Media’s latest HD initiative in Asia. Our collaboration with Rainbow Media dates back to 2007 when VOOM HD, the first HD channel on MEASAT-3, was launched in Asia. The addition of Sundance Channel and WE tv strengthens our position as the leader of HD channel distribution in the region,” informed Terry Bleakley, Vice President, Commercial Operations, MEASAT.
“We are pleased to provide Rainbow Media with an end-to-end solution that allows them to quickly and efficiently expand their presence in another international market,” informed Jose Royo, Chief Executive Officer, Ascent Media Group. “Media companies of all kinds are increasingly looking for ways to implement more efficient operations and our shared HD platform provides a cost-effective solution for networks to continue to expand in a difficult economic environment.”
Under the creative direction of Robert Redford, Sundance Channel reaches more than 33 million subscribers in the U.S. informed.
Available in nearly 74 million U.S. households, WE tv (www.WEtv.com) is the premier source for women looking to satisfy their curiosity with fascinating, original stories and entertaining, informative content that is relevant to key stages of their lives.
Nov 30, 2009, post by Satellite News
Global satellite operators SES S.A. (Paris:SESG) (LuxX:SESG), Intelsat, Ltd., and Inmarsat plc (LSE:ISAT), informed that they have founded the Space Data Association Ltd. (SDA), a non-profit company established in the Isle of Man that is the first satellite operator-led association dedicated to sharing critical operational data in support of satellite operations, improving flight safety and preserving the space environment.
The SDA’s Directors are Stewart Sanders (SES), Tobias Nassif (Intelsat) and Ruy Pinto (Inmarsat). ManSat, an Isle of Man company, will deliver administrative services for the association that will be open to all satellite operators and other participants.
In order to enhance the management of satellite conjunction analysis and mitigation of RF interference, the SDA will also establish the Satellite Data Center to provide an efficient, reliable and secure means for participants to share key operations data. The SDA anticipates that its electronic Data Center will become operational in 2010.
“The sharing of data among satellite operators has been a key factor in the successful management of space resources we share. The SDA will provide the means for improving that sharing, securing the integrity of operations for all satellite operators and contributing to the long-term sustainability of the space environment,” said Romain Bausch, President and CEO of SES. “Also, on behalf of the directors of the SDA, I would like to thank the Isle of Man government for its support of the commercial space industry and the establishment of this association.”
Intelsat CEO Dave McGlade informed, “With the creation of the Space Data Association, global satellite operators have signaled their intention to play a leadership role in increasing the safety of space operations and preserving the space environment for future generations. This organization will create an important forum for sharing critical information among the member operators and between those operators and interested governments.”
Inmarsat Chairman and CEO, Andrew Sukawaty informed, “Inmarsat is committed to support this important initiative along with Intelsat and SES. The establishment of the Space Data Association is a significant milestone that will contribute to an improvement overall of our day to day satellite operations and I expect that many other satellite operators will soon join the SDA”.
“We are delighted to be part of this exciting project which has clear benefits across the entire satellite industry,” informed Ian Jarritt, Director of ManSat and Secretary to the SDA.
Nov 30, 2009, post by Satellite News
Eutelsat Communications (Euronext Paris: ETL) informed the signature of a far-reaching contract concluded between its Skylogic broadband affiliate and SFR, one of the leading telecommunications operators in France. SFR has selected Tooway(TM) to meet demand for broadband from its consumers beyond ADSL coverage. Called the ‘Satellite Internet Pack’ the new service supplied by SFR was launched today using capacity on Eutelsat’s HOT BIRD(TM) 6 satellite. It will be extended on Eutelsat’s new-generation KA-SAT satellite whose launch is planned for end 2010. With more than 80 beams operating in the Ka-band, KA-SAT will enable up to two million homes across Europe to benefit from broadband access.
In France, the Tooway(TM) service offers a consumer broadband solution at speeds and prices meeting the “Digital France 2012″ Plan. Operating totally independently from terrestrial networks, the service enables users to establish a high-speed Internet connection using a 67cm antenna and a modem that interfaces with a user’s PC.
Designed to serve homes in metropolitan France located in grey areas, SFR’s ‘Satellite Internet Pack’ is available in two packages: either a package with a specified subscription period from 34.90EUR a month including satellite kit, or a package with no commitment to a specific subscription period from 29.90EUR a month (plus 399EUR for the satellite kit).
The service offers download speeds of up to 3.6 Mbps and between 2.4 and 4.7 GB of data downloads per month depending on subscription. An “Endless Night” option also enables users to surf the Internet on an unlimited basis between 11 pm and 7 am with no data exchange deducted from the monthly total volume. Additional services include six mailbox addresses, antivirus software and anti-spam protection. The satellite kit comes with a DVD and installation guide as well as a satellite finder and a set of cables for self-installation. For customers preferring a professional installation SFR also provides a list of approved installers.
Launched in Europe in 2007, Tooway(TM) is based on Eutelsat’s satellite coverage, the commercial and infrastructure operating experience of its Skylogic subsidiary and SurfBeam technology developed by ViaSat. This technology used by Tooway(TM) comes to Europe after acquiring extensive experience on the North American market, where ViaSat already delivers the equipment and network for over 500,000 homes.
Commenting on the signature with SFR, Michel de Rosen, Eutelsat CEO informed: “The selection of our new Tooway(TM) broadband service by SFR, a hallmark in telecommunications for quality service and reliability, underscores the intrinsic ability of satellite technologies to complement terrestrial networks. This major contract also clearly demonstrates the ability of Tooway(TM) to deliver a comparable service to terrestrial broadband networks, with ease of use and high levels of scalability that can accompany growth. It consolidates our objective for large-scale development of satellite broadband in the Ka-band using dedicated in-orbit and ground infrastructure offering both compelling prices and speeds to consumers. Combined with the advanced performance of the SurfBeam technology developed by ViaSat, the multi-spot KA-SAT satellite that is currently in construction by EADS Astrium will have the capacity to deliver high-speed performance to up to two million subscribers.”
