SES ASTRA has announced that the Spanish operator Digital+ has launched a 3D demo channel on ASTRA. The new demo channel called Canal+ 3D Demo is broadcast via SES ASTRA's orbital position 23.5 degrees East and available free-to-air across Europe.

Pioneering 3D broadcasting in Spain, Digital+ has launched the new 3D channel to allow installers and retailers to showcase 3D television at the point of sales. The channel will feature high quality 3D content including features film clips and concert clips during daytime.

With the launch of Canal+ 3D SES ASTRA confirms its market leadership in 3D television. To date, the satellite operator broadcasts six commercial 3D channels from Europe's first broadcasters and programme operators including BSkyB in the UK, Canal+ in France, Sky in Germany, Viasat in Scandinavia and Brava 3D and Penthouse 3D catering a pan-European audience.

In addition, SES ASTRA features its own 3D demo channel bringing the total number of 3D channel including commercial and demo channels to eight.

Ferdinand Kayser, President and CEO of SES ASTRA, said: "We are very proud that Digital+ has launched its 3D demo channel on ASTRA. As industry partner and technical service provider, we seek bringing innovations such as 3D forward. The fact that the leading Spanish pay-TV operator has chosen SES ASTRA demonstrates the confidence Europe's broadcasters have in our technical expertise and know-how. In view of the fast ramp up of 3D channels together with accelerating 3D TV screen sales, we are confident that 3D will soon establish itself as a premium layer of television."