SES Astra, an SES Global company has 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 degrees East satellite uplink and downlink.
It will be of particular interest to new broadcasters and satellite channel start-ups.
Steve Holebrook, Media Solutions Director at ntl, said: “This agreement is an exciting step for us and a significant development in the scope of our service offering. We can now provide a complete package for satellite broadcasters and we already have a number of channels lined up to go on.”
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.
SES Astra Sales and Marketing Senior Vice President Alexander Oudendijk, said: “ntl’s broadcast division has a long history in broadcast transmission and has helped pioneer digital technologies. A client with this kind of pedigree is yet another coup for SES Astra and speaks volumes about our expertise and experience.”
The Astra satellite system is Europe’s leading direct-to-home (DTH) satellite system. It is used by a wide range of broadcast and multimedia companies to deliver free-to-air and pay broadcast as well as broadband services to more than 94 million DTH and cable households in Europe.
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 degrees East and 28.2 degrees East. Professional services such as Satellite News Gathering and Cable Contribution transmit from 23.5 degrees and 5.2 degrees East.
