Leading satellite services company GlobeCast announced on 1 February that home shopping channel Authentic TV has signed up to its global distribution network. Specialising in collectables and memorabilia, Authentic TV launches today on BSkyBs platform, uplinked via Eurobird 28.5°E from GlobeCasts Brookmans Park teleport.
The distribution service includes an online content storage and broadcast system which will enable Authentic TV to create and manage its own programming schedules remotely via the internet. The channel records some of its content in the USA but all content, regardless of its source location, can be sent direct to GlobeCasts secure server via FTP, thus negating the need for traditional satellite backhaul.
Once content is received and stored, Authentic TVs 24/7 programming schedule is automatically broadcast and uplinked to the Sky Digital platform. The channel will be available on EPG channel 687.
Authentic TV chief executive officer Stephen McCreath said: There were two reasons we chose to launch with GlobeCast. We make decisions based not just on costs and facility standards but also on the individuals who will personally be involved in the management of our business. Although GlobeCast was very competitive on price, we were also very impressed with their management team.
GlobeCast head of UK channel distribution Juliet Bayliss said: It is exciting to be in at the beginning when a channel such as Authentic TV launches. Our flexibility and range of services mean we can adapt to clients requirements regardless of their size. We now deliver more than 500 channels worldwide and many of those are looking to expand into new territories. We are well-placed to help them.