ITV

Tag: AsiaSat

  • Digital India is CASBAA India Forum 2016’s theme

    Digital India is CASBAA India Forum 2016’s theme

    MUMBAI: On March 22 CASBAA will host local and international speakers at the India Forum 2016, its annual discussion panel. The speakers will focus on the fast-evolving Indian broadcasting industry in the advent of the Digital India initiative.

    “The Government of India’s Digital India initiative has brought about a revolution in the country’s economy and has ushered in a plethora of opportunities for sectors to drive the overall digital revolution in India,” said  CASBAA CEO Christopher Slaughter. “We see that digital content in India is at an inflection point and the nation is at the top of digital and high-definition (HD) adoption. Further, we have observed that the content creators and broadcasters are increasingly evaluating new media and content delivery alternatives and are planning significant capital expenditure to upgrade their infrastructure in the coming years.”

    This year, corporate partners for the CASBAA India Forum 2016 include SES (Supporting Sponsor), AsiaSat, Diagnal, Eutelsat, MEASAT, Verimatrix, Videocon d2h and WWE Network (Sponsors).

    “Digital India – The Four Phases of Cable Enlightenment” is this year’s theme for the CASBAA India Forum 2016. A diverse roster of expert speakers will discuss India’s continued growth, including such topics as digitization challenges, security aspects, Indian OTT industry, advertising trends in Digital India, impact of digital advertising on traditional media, satellite industry in India among others.

    Several industry experts are expected to attend this event.   Trai chairman R.S. Sharma is expected to deliver the opening keynote address.  The inaugural address will be made by MIB Special Secretary J S Mathur and the industry keynote address will be delivered by  Tata Sky MD and CEO Harit Nagpal (Industry Keynote). Others attending the event include TRAi’s  Principal Advisor, Broadcast & Cable S K Gupta,  MIB Joint Secretary -Broadcasting R. Jaya, APT Satellite sales director for Indian and Middle East Thomas Antony ,   AsiaSat CEO William Wade,  BBC Global News COO Naveen Jhunjhunwala,  Disney India Media Networks vice president Nikhil Gandhi, Eutelsat UK MD  Nicholas Daly,  Google India Industry director   Nitin Bawankule,  Hathway CEO Jagdish Kumar, Media, Hinduja Group CEO Anthony D’Silva, Intelsat India country manager Gaurav Kharod, MEASAT CEO Paul Brown-Kenyon, MEC South Asia managing director T. Gangadhar and  Viacom18 Digital Ventures COO Gaurav Gandhi.  

  • Harmonic and AsiaSat to launch new UHD channel on 1 March

    Harmonic and AsiaSat to launch new UHD channel on 1 March

    MUMBAI: Harmonic and AsiaSat have inked a partnership to launch a new Ultra HD (UHD) channel 4K- SAT2/HVN, which will be AsiaSat’s second free-to-air UHD channel on AsiaSat 4 at 122 degrees East for the Asia Pacific.

     

    Launching on 4K-SAT2/HVN on 1 March, 2016 will be 4K video content from Harmonic’s video library, as well as content from the new NASA TV UHD channel, in 2160p60 with HEVC Main 10 profile utilising an end-to-end UHD video processing system from Harmonic.

     

    With the channel, consumers in Asia can explore the beauty of the world and of space in stunning UHD. NASA TV UHD, the first UHD channel in North America, was launched jointly by NASA and Harmonic in North America in late 2015.

     

    “With the cost of UHD TV sets dropping dramatically over the past year, demand for UHD content in Asia is expected to grow exponentially in the next couple of years. Our partnership with Harmonic for this new channel ‘4K-SAT2/HVN’ following the successful launch of our first UHD channel last year enables the delivery of a choice of rich and compelling UHD content on AsiaSat 4, allowing us to demonstrate the superior quality via satellite of a linear Ultra HD channel in 2160p60 resolution,” said AsiaSat vice president, marketing & global accounts Sabrina Cubbon.

     

    The UHD channels on AsiaSat 4’s UHD platform are available free-to-air across the satellite’s footprint, spanning from New Zealand to Pakistan and part of the Middle East and encompassing more than 50 countries and regions. Asian TV operators and home viewers with an AsiaSat 4 C-band antenna and a HEVC set-top box will be able to receive the free-to-air UHD channels in native UHD quality.

     

    The new 4K-SAT2/HVN UHD channel deploys Harmonic’s MediaGrid shared storage system, a highly scalable, Ethernet-based shared storage system optimised for digital media workflows; PolarisTM playout management suite; SpectrumTM X advanced media server system, which brings new levels of efficiency, simplicity and reliability to broadcast playout workflows; and the ElectraTM X3 UHD media processor, to enable full UHD channel production and transmission from the AsiaSat’s Tai Po Earth Station in Hong Kong.

     

    “Harmonic is the only video infrastructure provider to offer a complete UHD workflow solution for delivery of live and linear UHD broadcasts. This expertise, combined with our UHD channel-as- a-service offering, technology leadership and active involvement in standards bodies and other industry groups, is creating the momentum needed for global UHD service deployment. By providing AsiaSat with a full-scale workflow for delivering 2160p60 UHD video content, and also providing a complete slate of compelling content that showcases the medium of UHD, Harmonic is enabling UHD services to be rolled out quickly and affordably to consumers across the region, with amazing video quality,” said Harmonic chief marketing officer Peter Alexander.

  • Harmonic and AsiaSat to launch new UHD channel on 1 March

    Harmonic and AsiaSat to launch new UHD channel on 1 March

    MUMBAI: Harmonic and AsiaSat have inked a partnership to launch a new Ultra HD (UHD) channel 4K- SAT2/HVN, which will be AsiaSat’s second free-to-air UHD channel on AsiaSat 4 at 122 degrees East for the Asia Pacific.

     

    Launching on 4K-SAT2/HVN on 1 March, 2016 will be 4K video content from Harmonic’s video library, as well as content from the new NASA TV UHD channel, in 2160p60 with HEVC Main 10 profile utilising an end-to-end UHD video processing system from Harmonic.

     

    With the channel, consumers in Asia can explore the beauty of the world and of space in stunning UHD. NASA TV UHD, the first UHD channel in North America, was launched jointly by NASA and Harmonic in North America in late 2015.

     

    “With the cost of UHD TV sets dropping dramatically over the past year, demand for UHD content in Asia is expected to grow exponentially in the next couple of years. Our partnership with Harmonic for this new channel ‘4K-SAT2/HVN’ following the successful launch of our first UHD channel last year enables the delivery of a choice of rich and compelling UHD content on AsiaSat 4, allowing us to demonstrate the superior quality via satellite of a linear Ultra HD channel in 2160p60 resolution,” said AsiaSat vice president, marketing & global accounts Sabrina Cubbon.

     

    The UHD channels on AsiaSat 4’s UHD platform are available free-to-air across the satellite’s footprint, spanning from New Zealand to Pakistan and part of the Middle East and encompassing more than 50 countries and regions. Asian TV operators and home viewers with an AsiaSat 4 C-band antenna and a HEVC set-top box will be able to receive the free-to-air UHD channels in native UHD quality.

     

    The new 4K-SAT2/HVN UHD channel deploys Harmonic’s MediaGrid shared storage system, a highly scalable, Ethernet-based shared storage system optimised for digital media workflows; PolarisTM playout management suite; SpectrumTM X advanced media server system, which brings new levels of efficiency, simplicity and reliability to broadcast playout workflows; and the ElectraTM X3 UHD media processor, to enable full UHD channel production and transmission from the AsiaSat’s Tai Po Earth Station in Hong Kong.

     

    “Harmonic is the only video infrastructure provider to offer a complete UHD workflow solution for delivery of live and linear UHD broadcasts. This expertise, combined with our UHD channel-as- a-service offering, technology leadership and active involvement in standards bodies and other industry groups, is creating the momentum needed for global UHD service deployment. By providing AsiaSat with a full-scale workflow for delivering 2160p60 UHD video content, and also providing a complete slate of compelling content that showcases the medium of UHD, Harmonic is enabling UHD services to be rolled out quickly and affordably to consumers across the region, with amazing video quality,” said Harmonic chief marketing officer Peter Alexander.

  • Indonesia’s GPS to deliver 14 TV channels in APAC via AsiaSat 4

    Indonesia’s GPS to deliver 14 TV channels in APAC via AsiaSat 4

    MUMBAI: Indonesian system integrator for TV stations PT. Graha Pratama Sejahtera (GPS) has chosen Asia Satellite Telecommunications to launch a bouquet of 14 television channels on AsiaSat 4 at 122oE.

     

    The services, uplinked by GPS’s facilities in Jakarta, are distributed via AsiaSat 4 in C-band to satellite TV operators in Indonesia. With these new services, AsiaSat 4 has significantly expanded its television offerings to viewers across the country. These include general entertainment, news, music, lifestyle, wildlife, adventure and science programmes, broadcast in Indonesian, Hindi, English and Arabic languages.

     

    “We are excited that we have further expanded our transmission services to the broadcast community with AsiaSat’s excellent capacity. AsiaSat 4 is a high performance satellite with exceptionally high power and superior look angle. It is an ideal platform to support our country- wide television distribution services. We look forward to expanding our collaboration with AsiaSat in the future,” said PT. Graha Pratama Sejahtera director Liauw Ing Hauw.

     

    “We are pleased that PT. Graha Pratama Sejahtera chose AsiaSat as its prime satellite platform for television distribution services in Indonesia. This is an exciting development of AsiaSat 4’s service expansion for the TV sector in Asia. We will continue our efforts to grow the neighbourhood of AsiaSat 4, from digital TV to HD and Ultra-HD, to meet the growing demand for diverse and high quality television services in Asia,” added AsiaSat vice president, sales and business development Philip Balaam.

  • AsiaSat launches UHD FTA channel 4K-SAT for APAC

    AsiaSat launches UHD FTA channel 4K-SAT for APAC

    MUMBAI: Satellite operator Asia Satellite Telecommunications Co. Ltd. (AsiaSat) launched its first Ultra-HD (UHD) television channel 4K-SAT at 122°E on AsiaSat 4, marking a new era for AsiaSat’s satellite broadcasting services in the region.

     

    This new UHD channel will be available free-to-air (FTA) across more than 50 countries and regions within AsiaSat 4’s enormous footprint, spanning from New Zealand to Pakistan and part of the Middle East. Asian TV operators and home viewers with an AsiaSat 4 C-band antenna and a HEVC set top box will be able to receive the UHD channel directly.

     

    The new 4K-SAT channel broadcasts full UHD produced videos featuring fashion, lifestyle and documentaries from content partners including Hong Kong Cyberport Management Company Limited, FashionTV and Rohde & Schwarz.

     

    The UHD content from FashionTV includes major fashion shows from all over the world as well as features highlighting the latest in beauty and lifestyle trends, all delivered to Asian viewers in crystal clear, realistic and ultra-high definition. FashionTV, the global multimedia network in fashion and lifestyle content, also broadcasts its HD and SD channels on AsiaSat 5 and AsiaSat 7 in the Asia-Pacific.

     

    “We are delighted to be at the forefront of next generation broadcasting technology, bringing to Asian viewers true UHD content. We look forward to working closely with our content and technology partners to drive UHD audience penetration in Asia,” said AsiaSat vice president, marketing and global accounts Sabrina Cubbon.

     

    “The launch of this UHD channel on our new AsiaSat 4 UHD broadcast platform provides an opportunity for all stakeholders to experience and promote UHD content in Asia. This reaffirms our commitment to promoting leading edge technologies for the broadcast community. We shall continue to focus on compelling UHD content to enhance the quality of the television viewing experience,” Cubbon added.

     

    The 4K-SAT channel encoded in HEVC, is broadcasting at 50 frames per second (fps) with 10- bit colour depth. Besides offering 3840 x 2160 pixels resolution, four times the resolution of the full HDTV, the UHD specification also means a richer color palette, with more saturated colours and fine colour gradations. The superior quality of UHD broadcasting will deliver to consumers much better quality and more realistic picture and sound, offering an immersive viewing experience, particularly for sporting events and action movies.

     

    AsiaSat will be showcasing this new 4K-SAT channel at the CASBAA Convention in Hong Kong on 27 and 28 October.

  • AsiaSat, Rohde & Schwarz develop FTA UHD TV service for Asia

    AsiaSat, Rohde & Schwarz develop FTA UHD TV service for Asia

    MUMBAI: Asia Satellite Telecommunications Co. Ltd. (AsiaSat) and Rohde & Schwarz have partnered to advance next-generation Ultra-HD (UHD) TV technologies by implementing the first free to air (FTA) UHD channel on AsiaSat 4.

     

    AsiaSat plans for an UHD TV broadcasting service over satellite have taken a major step forward with the imminent launch of its first channel following an extensive technical evaluation carried out at the AsiaSat UHD laboratory. Through AsiaSat 4’s high-power coverage, broadcasters and pay-TV platforms with an AsiaSat 4 C-band antenna in the Asia-Pacific region will be able to receive the UHD channel directly.

     

    Operating at 122°E, AsiaSat 4 provides leading edge satellite solutions to clients for TV distribution, direct to home (DTH) as well as broadband services across the Asia-Pacific region. Its high power C-band footprint spans from New Zealand to Pakistan and part of the Middle East.

     

    Rohde & Schwarz is providing a comprehensive broadcast solution that includes the R&S CLIPSTER mastering station for editing, handling and playing out UHD data in real time. In addition, the R&S AVHE100 headend will be used for live encoding using an HEVC encoder with 10 bit color depth. Rohde & Schwarz technology not only gives AsiaSat the best UHD TV picture quality, it also provides a future-proof solution.

     

    “We are very excited to work with Rohde & Schwarz in this new and evolving technology that will drive future consumer viewing experience of video content. Rohde & Schwarz has shown exemplary commitment to quality and support in helping us through the evaluation phase. We look forward to launching our first UHD channel and promoting this new technology together,” said AsiaSat VP marketing and global accounts Sabrina Cubbon.

     

    “Rohde & Schwarz is the leading supplier for Digital TV transmission networks in Asia and the world. We are happy to support AsiaSat in establishing their first UHD channel and look forward to a very successful implementation,” added Rohde & Schwarz VP for sales and marketing, Asia Middle Heino Gregorek.

  • The Biggest Wave Makers in the Broadcast industry descend on this year’s CASBAA convention

    The Biggest Wave Makers in the Broadcast industry descend on this year’s CASBAA convention

    MUMBAI: In a year of undeniable sea-change within the broadcast industry, the debate at this year’s CASBAA Convention at its new venue at Hong Kong’s Intercontinental Hotel promises to be hotter than ever. With the theme ‘Making Waves’, the convention has secured an impressive line up of speakers comprising of key industry players from all over the world. From global media giants such as AOL and Virgin Media to regional players such as China Media Capital, this year’s convention will waste no time in getting to the heart of the most pertinent issues facing the cable and satellite industry today.

     

    With over-the-top– or OTT – inall its forms and formats being one of the biggest stories on the broadcast industry landscape this year, the topic will take pride of place at this year’s convention. Over the course of the convention, a wide range of issues related to OTT such as content, revenue-drivers, technologies, audience behaviors and regulation will be on the agenda.

     

    “Whilst we cannot deny the role that linear TV will continue to play a role in the region, we must face the reality that OTT is here to stay and adapt accordingly,” said Christopher Slaughter, CEO, CASBAA. “The simple truth is that companies that fail to evolve will be left behind. By taking a look at some of the best practices in the industry, both in our neck of the woods and further afield, it is our belief that the CASBAA Convention will help our members find ways to navigate – and even conquer – these unchartered seas.”

     

    Following an official welcome from Carrie Lam, Chief Secretary of the Hong Kong SAR Government, AOL’s Digital Prophet, David Shing will kick-start proceedings with an overview of the ever-evolving landscape, focusing on how OTT is now permeating every aspect of the content industry. Giving a UK perspective, Tom Mockridge of Virgin Media will discuss how the broadcast and digital landscapes have become increasingly intertwined and how Virgin has become a leader in this space.

     

    With news hot off the press of his new venture with Warner Bros., Li Ruigang of China Media Capital will be giving the China keynote speech. He will discuss how his investment strategy has helped establish him as one of the major players in the region bridging both the Chinese and international media landscape. Greg Beitchman from CNN and Mark Howard from Forbes will look at driving revenue streams in what is becoming an increasingly digital landscape, while content providers AlonShtruzman from Keshet Media and Mike Hyun-dong Suh from CJ E&M will look at key trends in the content market across Asia. Covering off the latest developments in how technology is being used in the broadcast arena will be David Downey from Invidiand Sam Rogoway from Victorious.  Gwynne Shotwell from SpaceX will be boldly going where no CASBAA speaker has gone before to look at how space technology will not only revolutionize the media industry but life as we know it.

     

    This year, CASBAA will also hold an additional conference on the Monday prior to the convention at the Sheraton Hong Kong to discuss the topic ‘Making Online Advertising Click’. With a view to looking at best practices in the online advertising space, Detective Chief Superintendent, David Clark from the City of London Police Force will discuss what policies have worked for them in the UK, while Dr. Paul Watters will release some updated research on the nefarious places respectable brands can appear online. A host of other speakers from the media to welfare sectors will also take part in this session.

     

    Sponsors for the CASBAA Convention 2015include: ABS, Accedo, Akamai, AMC, APT Satellite, AsiaSat, Brightcove, Conax, France 24, Ideal Group, InvestHK, Irdeto, ITV Choice, Kantar Media,Letv, MEASAT, MediaExcel, nowTV, PwC, RTL CBS Asia, Scripps Networks Interactive, SES, Time Warner, True Visions, Turner and TV5Monde.

  • ST Teleport expands capacity and partnership with AsiaSat

    ST Teleport expands capacity and partnership with AsiaSat

    MUMBAI: Full-service satellite and fibre communications solutions provider ST Teleport, based in Singapore, has expanded its capacity commitment and strategic partnership with Asia Satellite Telecommunications (AsiaSat) to enhance service offerings to the VSAT and media sectors.

     

    ST Teleport recently expanded its C-band capacity in Asia with a new dedicated antenna for AsiaSat 4 at the orbital location of 122°E to provide leading-edge satellite-based service solutions for maritime, oil and gas, enterprise, and media businesses. In response to strong user demand for high-quality connectivity solutions for data and video services in Asia, both companies have further strengthened their collaboration to offer enhanced land/sea/air based VSAT services. 

     

    ST Teleport’s advanced earth station complex facilities in Singapore is now capable of connecting to AsiaSat’s comprehensive fleet of satellites, including the new Ku-band capacity on AsiaSat 8’s South East Asia and Middle East beams, to offer more choices to customers. The extension of the partnership will accelerate growth opportunities for ST Teleport and increase its offerings to customers looking for fast and flexible satellite communications solutions at competitive prices. 

     

    “Our partnership with AsiaSat will further strengthen both of our positions in the satellite communication services sector. Access to more AsiaSat capacity will enable ST Teleport to efficiently expand our services geographically and to serve more diverse industries and businesses. ST Teleport’s continuous upgrading of its network and capacity demonstrates its commitment to provide advanced and cost effective satellite solutions to our data, maritime and media clients locally and internationally,” said ST Teleport managing director Joseph Chan.

     

    “We are pleased with this expanded partnership with ST Teleport. We aim to bring a new level of high performance, cost-effective satellite solutions and comprehensive coverage to ST Teleport and their clients through this stronger partnership. This collaboration also underscores our commitment to working closer with our partners and clients to deliver the quality, value and choice of capacity that meet their service needs,” added AsiaSat vice president sales and business development Philip Balaam.

  • Aircom Pacific leases transponders across AsiaSat fleet for in-flight entertainment delivery

    Aircom Pacific leases transponders across AsiaSat fleet for in-flight entertainment delivery

    MUMBAI: Asian satellite operator Asia Satellite Telecommunications Co. Ltd. (AsiaSat) has reached an agreement with in-flight entertainment and connectivity service provider Aircom Pacific, Inc. for using AsiaSat’s transponder capacity and uplinking services.

     

    Under the agreement, Aircom Pacific will use Ka-band and Ku-band capacity on AsiaSat 7 and AsiaSat 8 to deliver its in-flight entertainment and connectivity services for airlines flying routes over Asia. These services include Wifi broadband Internet, streaming TV and videos, streaming gaming, cellular connectivity, and real-time Duty Free shopping and travel services, enabling passengers to enjoy more comprehensive entertainment options during their flight while staying connected to their work and social networks at all times.

     

    “We chose AsiaSat as our satellite partner because it offers us the capacity, coverage and expertise in aero services necessary to ensure a successful implementation in the coming calendar year. The airline industry is intensely competitive. In-flight entertainment and connectivity will be the key for airlines to achieve differentiation and to boost passenger loyalty. Working with AsiaSat to launch this brand new range of in-flight services, we anticipate providing our partner airlines better value, improved and more convenient services to their passengers,” said Aircom Pacific chief marketing officer Alan Gallant.

     

    “Advanced satellite solutions are playing an increasingly important role in enabling in-flight service providers and airlines to offer the best possible entertainment and connectivity solution to their passengers. We are excited that AsiaSat’s satellite capacity was selected by Aircom Pacific to deliver more sophisticated in-flight communications and entertainment services that meet passengers’ growing demand for higher-quality entertainment and connectivity,” said AsiaSat vice president, sales and business development Philip Balaam.

  • AsiaSat announces sales solutions team

    AsiaSat announces sales solutions team

    MUMBAI: Satellite  operator  Asia  Satellite Telecommunications  (AsiaSat)  has  announced  an  enhancement  of  its  sales development and support activities in order to improve the solutions it delivers to its clients.

    A new sales solutions team has been formed and will provide focused and solutions-driven support to the company’s sales and business development activities.  Led by Alan Wong, manager, sales solutions, this team will have an increased focus of identifying and implementing the best solution for each customer’s requirements.

    “With rapidly-changing markets and requirements, this group, working together with our Sales and Engineering & Operations teams, is a key asset for better addressing customer needs and strengthening our partnerships with current and prospective clients,” said Philip Balaam, Vice President, Sales and Business Development.  “As part of our continuous improvement we are looking at offering a more effective and targeted sales approach and the Sales Solutions team will be an important pillar of that effort.”