SES ASTRA has further strengthened its position as the UK’s leading direct-to-home (DTH) satellite company with a major two-transponder contract with Channel 4.
It is SES ASTRA’s first direct deal with the British terrestrial channel, and the transmission capacity will be used across a variety of Channel 4’s digital channels as well as its extensive range of associated interactive TV applications.
David Scott, Deputy Chief Executive of Channel 4, said: “These transponders will provide Channel 4 with considerable flexibility when considering the expansion and future development of our broadcast services. We have worked with SES ASTRA in the past and look forward to a continued successful relationship.”
Alexander Oudendijk, SES ASTRA Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing, said: “Channel 4 programmes are watched by more than 75% of the UK population during an average week and we are delighted to add such a prominent terrestrial broadcaster to our client list. The UK is an extremely important market for SES ASTRA and this deal not only strengthens our position in the UK but also underpins our status as Europe’s leading DTH satellite company.”
On 15 September, SES ASTRA had announced its first transponder contract with the Broadcast division of communications giant ntl. The agreement gives ntl additional capacity in the rapidly expanding UK market for small channel launches.
The deal allows ntl to offer a seamless one-stop-shop solution including studio facilities and playout services from its Broadcast Media Centre at Feltham, contribution links, and the ASTRA 28.2° East satellite uplink and downlink. It will be of particular interest to new broadcasters and satellite channel start-ups.
ntl’s Broadcast division provides end-to-end service solutions for satellite channels and transmission services for terrestrial broadcasters. The company uplinks around 150 services from three teleports in London and Hampshire. It also provides comprehensive studio and playout services, and a full range of satellite newsgathering facilities including fully crewed production and uplink vehicles.
ASTRA’s 13 satellites transmit over 1400 analogue and digital TV and radio channels as well as multimedia and internet services. Its two prime DTH orbital positions are 19.2° East and 28.2° East. Professional services such as Satellite News Gathering and Cable Contribution transmit from 23.5° and 5.2 °East.