SES Astra to Launch 3D Demo Channel
posted:
Available free-to-air via 23.5 degrees East / Launch at ANGA Cable on 4 May 2010
Ferdinand Kayser, President and CEO of SES ASTRA, said: "With the first 3D television sets now available in the market, the launch of the 3D demo channel comes right in time to support this exciting technology. The new ASTRA 3D demo channel demonstrates the huge advantages of satellite for the transmission of high quality 3D TV signals, and the leading role of SES ASTRA in driving innovations in broadcasting technology. By working closely with leading TV set manufacturers, broadcasters and other industry partners, we once again demonstrate our ability to position ourselves at the forefront of new technological developments, and to bring together key-industry players to foster innovations."
Many broadcasters which are customers of SES ASTRA have already engaged the new technology and either started first test transmissions or launched regular 3D broadcasting. While British pay-TV operator BSkyB has been broadcasting soccer matches in 3D to pubs and clubs across the U.K. and Ireland since early April, French pay-TV operator Canal+ announced the launch of its first 3D channel in December 2010.
Transmission details for the new ASTRA 3D demo channel will be communicated at a later date.
About SES ASTRA
SES ASTRA is the leading Direct-to-Home (DTH) satellite system in Europe. The satellite fleet currently comprises 15 satellites. The ASTRA satellite system delivers services to more than 125 million DTH and cable households and transmits more than 2,500 analogue and digital television and radio channels. SES ASTRA also provides satellite-based multimedia, internet and telecommunication services to enterprises, governments and their agencies. With more than 110 High Definition (HD) channels on its main orbital positions, ASTRA represents the most important HDTV platform for Europe's leading broadcasters. The prime orbital positions for ASTRA are 19.2° East, 28.2° East, 23.5° East, 5° East and 31.5° East.
SES ASTRA is an SES company (Euronext Paris and Luxembourg Stock Exchange: SESG). SES wholly owns the market-leading satellite operators SES ASTRA and SES WORLD SKIES as well as participations in Ciel in Canada, QuetzSat in Mexico and satellite infrastructure start-up O3b Networks. SES provides outstanding satellite communications solutions via a global fleet of 41 satellites in 26 orbital locations.