News

Connected TV is here to stay, says Accedo

Singapore (June 21, 2012) – Accedo’s Reuben Verghese discussed how Connected TV will be the game changer for content distribution during a presentation at BroadcastAsia. He explore what content will work for Connected TV and triple play and how broadcasters and content providers can stay ahead by tailoring content for Connected TV. Asia Image spoke to Verghese before the conference in an exclusive interview.

Indian digital deadline delayed

June 20, 2012: The Centre has extended by four months to October 31 the deadline for digitising cable signals in Calcutta, Delhi, Chennai and Mumbai.

The Bengal government had demanded an extension but the Centre cited logistical reasons, including delay by the watchdog in issuing regulations, for the postponement. Reports from the field suggest all the four metros, not Calcutta alone, lag in meeting the switchover target. (See chart)

The earlier deadline, set in April, falls next week on June 30. Under the rules notified by industry regulator Trai then, subscribers can choose the channels they want to watch and not let cable operators decide it for them.

IGLOO Partners with Irdeto to Launch New TV Offering

Irdeto Cloaked CA to secure media environment for IGLOO service

SINGAPORE, 20 June 2012 – Irdeto, a global software security and media technology company, today announced that IGLOO, a new television offering launched as a joint venture between SKY and TVNZ, has selected Irdeto Cloaked CA to securely deliver premium content over the ground-breaking new TV service. With the service launching soon, IGLOO needed a partner that could not only provide an industry leading security solution, but also implement it quickly and effectively.

“After an extensive evaluation of vendors, solutions and approaches, it became clear that Irdeto was the trusted partner we needed to help us launch IGLOO,” said Chaz Savage, General Manager, IGLOO. “Irdeto brings a formidable combination of deep knowledge of the pay media industry, a proven solution and a forward thinking approach that perfectly suits what we’re hoping to accomplish with IGLOO.”

IGLOO is an affordable, pre-pay TV service that will be available for purchase in retail outlets. Once connected, customers will have access to FTA channels and the option to purchase a pack of 11 digital channels. The device also includes WiFi and Ethernet connections to access on demand content.

Irdeto Cloaked CA is a fully featured and renewable cardless conditional access solution that will enable IGLOO to deliver this content securely, while avoiding the hassle and cost associated with swapping out or replacing smart cards. As part of the agreement, Irdeto will also provide full implementation and testing of the solution.

“The launch of IGLOO is perfectly timed to take advantage of the digital switch over and it will give New Zealanders more choice. We’re thrilled to be a part of it and are dedicated to helping IGLOO deliver content securely today and into the future,” said Doug Lowther, Executive Vice President, Digital TV, Irdeto.

Irdeto is the partner of choice for pay TV operators in Asia Pacific, and 12 customers in Australia and New Zealand alone are securing and growing their media business using Irdeto solutions. Irdeto has over 40 years of pay media experience helping operators around the world offer innovative services in order to thrive in the increasingly competitive pay TV industry.

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About Irdeto

Irdeto is the most innovative software security and media technology company in the world. Through its dynamic monetization and security technologies, the company allows new forms of distribution for broadcast, broadband and mobile entertainment, as well as for the world’s most popular apps, eStores and consumer devices. Co-headquartered in Amsterdam and Beijing, the company employs more than 1,000 people in 25 locations around the world. Irdeto is a subsidiary of multinational media group Naspers (JSE: NPN). Please visit Irdeto at www.irdeto.com.

About IGLOO

IGLOO is a new television service which launches in New Zealand in 2012 offering unrivalled viewing flexibility and choice. A joint partnership between SKY (51%) and TVNZ (49%), IGLOO offers a range of both free to air and pay television channels with no long term contracts and unparalled flexibility.

IGLOO features 11 channels ranging from Food TV to National Geographic Channel, Kidzone24 and Comedy Central and will boast close to 1,000 films and TV episodes to stream straight to your TV. This revolutionary service also offers the very best of national and international sport available via its pay per view channel Front Row. IGLOO comes with an easy to install set top box which will be available at retail outlets nationwide, online or via their friendly customer services team. For more information please visit: www.igloo.co.nz or send enquiries to toot@igloo.co.nz

For further information, please contact:

Bridgit O’Donovan
Waggener Edstrom for Irdeto
Mobile: +65 9675 4562
bodonovan@waggeneredstrom.com

Katie Judd
Senior Manager, Public and Internal Relations, Irdeto
Office: +1 415 967 7148
Mobile: +1 603 738 9599
Katie.Judd@irdeto.com

Eutelsat Communications expands its footprint to high growth Asia-Pacific markets through acquisition of GE-23

Paris, June 19, 2012 – Eutelsat Communications (ISIN: FR0010221234 – Euronext Paris: ETL), one of the world’s leading satellite operators, today announced it has concluded negotiations to acquire the GE-23 satellite, associated customer contracts and orbital rights from GE Capital for US$228 million. The transaction is expected to close in the second half of 2012 (calendar), subject to regulatory approvals.

A High Quality Asset

Built by Thales Alenia Space, GE-23 was launched in December 2005 and has an expected useful life of 15 years. From its location in geostationary orbit at 172°E, the satellite offers unique coverage over the Asia-Pacific region via a payload of 20 Ku-band transponders accessing five interconnecting beams and 18 C-band transponders connected to a trans-Pacific beam. Leveraging its comprehensive coverage and high-bandwidth capability, GE-23 offers a broad range of telecom services to a diverse base of blue chip customers.

GE-23 will be integrated into the Eutelsat Communications fleet, with a smooth transition for existing customers. It will be renamed EUTELSAT 172A.

Expanding Eutelsat Communications’ Reach and Commercial Offering in Asia

The acquisition of GE-23 fits with Eutelsat’s strategy to expand its presence in the most dynamic geographic regions. The satellite brings coverage of the Asia-Pacific markets where growth is driven by a broad range of applications. It will complement Eutelsat’s organic initiatives, notably the EUTELSAT 70B satellite, equipped with a dedicated Asian beam, which is scheduled to launch in Q4 2012 (calendar).

With GE-23, Eutelsat is also acquiring a quality customer portfolio with a strong track record of contract renewals. The extended coverage also opens the way for Eutelsat to broaden its offering to its existing clients and to develop new business.

Consistent with Eutelsat Communications’ focus on value creation

The opportunity was assessed consistently with the Group’s disciplined approach to both organic and external growth opportunities. The transaction is expected to be accretive to EBITDA margin and to EPS in year 1.

It will be financed through Eutelsat’s existing liquidity. From a leverage standpoint, it will lead to a moderate increase in the Net Debt / EBITDA ratio, and will therefore have no material impact on Eutelsat’s financial flexibility.

About Eutelsat Communications (www.eutelsat.com)

Eutelsat Communications (Euronext Paris: ETL, ISIN code: FR0010221234) is the holding company of Eutelsat S.A.. With capacity commercialised on 28 satellites that provide coverage across Europe, as well as the Middle East, Africa and significant parts of Asia and the Americas, Eutelsat is one of the world’s three leading satellite operators. As of 31 March 2012 Eutelsat’s satellites were broadcasting more than 4,250 television channels, of which 1,100 broadcast via the HOT BIRD video neighbourhood at 13 degrees East which reaches more than 120 million cable and satellite homes in Europe, the Middle East and North Africa. The Group’s satellites also serve a wide range of fixed and mobile telecommunications services, TV contribution markets, corporate networks, and broadband markets for Internet Service Providers and for transport, maritime and in-flight markets. Eutelsat’s broadband subsidiary, Skylogic, markets and operates high speed Internet services through teleports in France and Italy that serve consumers, enterprises, local communities, government agencies and aid organisations in Europe, Africa, Asia and the Americas. Headquartered in Paris, Eutelsat and its subsidiaries employ just over 750 commercial, technical and operational professionals. This culturally diverse staff comprises employees from 30 countries.

For further information

Press

Vanessa O’Connor, Tel: + 33 1 53 98 37 91, voconnor@eutelsat.fr
Frédérique Gautier, Tel: + 33 1 53 98 37 91, fgautier@eutelsat.fr

Investors & Analysts

Lisa Finas, Tel: +33 1 53 98 35 30, investors@eutelsat-communications.com
Léonard Wapler, Tel: +33 1 53 98 31 07, investors@eutelsat-communications.com

SES Gathers Momentum in Asia-Pacific with Further Significant Fleet Investment

SINGAPORE–June 19, 2012 — The increasing popularity of direct-to-home (DTH) satellite television and the growing demand for High Definition (HD) broadcast content across Asia-Pacific are driving the demand for satellite capacity in the region. With the number of channels offered by DTH platforms in Southeast Asia projected to reach 1,600 by 2016, leading global satellite operator SES is ramping up investment activities in Asia-Pacific to meet the increasing demand for satellite capacity.

SES’ current committed investment in Asia includes SES-8, which is due to launch in the first quarter of 2013. The satellite will deliver vital expansion capacity to thriving Asian video neighbourhoods in South Asia and Indochina. SES-8 will be the first geostationary satellite launched by SpaceX on a Falcon 9 rocket.

Additionally, SES is looking for further growth opportunities and sees the potential to invest in one to two additional satellites to deliver increased satellite capacity and coverage in Asia-Pacific beyond 2014. The new satellites will help fuel the growth in the pay TV markets and the maritime industry in the region.

“SES has experienced considerable growth in the emerging markets of Asia-Pacific, Latin America and Africa in the past year, which contributed 24 percent of total revenue in 2011. By making these substantial investments to meet demand for satellite capacity in Asia-Pacific, we hope to grow with our customers and continue to be the partner of choice for broadcasters, governments, businesses and communities here,” said Deepak Mathur, Senior Vice President, Commercial, Asia-Pacific and the Middle East, SES.

Follow us on: Twitter: https://twitter.com/SES_Satellites
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SES.YourSatelliteCompany
YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/SESVideoChannel
Blog: http://en.ses.com/4243715/blog
Find pictures and videos under: http://www.ses.com/4245221/library

About SES
SES is a world-leading satellite operator with a fleet of 50 geostationary satellites. The company provides satellite communications services to broadcasters, content and internet service providers, mobile and fixed network operators and business and governmental organisations worldwide.

SES stands for long-lasting business relationships, high-quality service and excellence in the broadcasting industry. The culturally diverse regional teams of SES are located around the globe and work closely with customers to meet their specific satellite bandwidth and service requirements.

SES (Paris:SESG)(LuxX:SESG) holds participations in Ciel in Canada and QuetzSat in Mexico, as well as a strategic participation in satellite infrastructure start-up O3b Networks. Further information under: www.ses.com.

Contacts
SES
Markus Payer
Market Communication & PR
Tel. 352 710 725 500
Markus.Payer@ses.com

Zee, India’s largest TV network, implements LiveU’s mobile uplink technology

Generates new live news and entertainment content for Zee News (A Zee Group Channel)

SINGAPORE, June 20, 2012 — LiveU( http://www.liveu.tv ) (www.liveu.tv), the pioneer of portable video-over-cellular solutions, has announced that Zee, India’s largest satellite TV network, is implementing LiveU’s flagship LU60 uplink technology to provide enhanced live news and entertainment content for its satellite channels. With the largest number of TV subscribers in India and a popular online entertainment portal, Zee also broadcasts internationally to other countries around Asia-Pacific, EMEA and the Americas.

Zee News selected LiveU after conducting rigorous evaluation of bonded uplink systems around India. LiveU’s superior video quality and constant reliability stood out, especially in areas with poor cellular coverage.

Manny (Menashe) Mukhtar, LiveU’s VP Sales for APAC, said, “Zee is a household name in India and recognized as one of the most innovative entertainment channels in Asia. It’s exciting to see how LiveU is helping Zee to bring more live coverage of news, sports and entertainment events to millions of viewers inside and outside of India.”

Local 24/7 support and service is provided by LiveU’s Indian distributor, LAMHAS Satellite Services, which has been working in India’s broadcast industry for many years.

“With satellite bandwidth constraints for SNG use, LiveU provides the missing link for broadcasters for their newsgathering operations. Not only existing but emerging news channels now depend on LiveU for daily newsgathering,” added Ajay Jain, CEO, Lamhas Satellite Services Ltd.

Zee News joins LiveU’s other prestigious broadcasting customers in India, such as Times Television Network (Times Now, ET Now), as announced at the Convergence India show in New Delhi in March 2012.

LiveU will present its full range of portable uplink solutions at Broadcast Asia 2012, June 19-22, at Suntec Singapore (Panasonic Stand No 3F-01).

About Zee

Zee Entertainment Enterprises Limited is one of India’s leading television, media and entertainment companies. It is amongst the largest producers and aggregators of Hindi programming in the world, with an extensive library housing over 100,000 hours of television content. With rights to more than 3,000 movie titles from foremost studios and of iconic film stars, Zee houses the world’s largest Hindi film library. Through its strong presence worldwide, Zee entertains over 500 million viewers across 167 countries. Zee TV was the first Hindi General Entertainment Channel in India.

Zee is part of the Essel Group, one of India’s most prominent business houses with a diverse portfolio of assets in media, packaging, entertainment, technology-enabled services, infrastructure development and education.

About LiveU

LiveU (http://www.liveu.tv) is the pioneer of broadcast-quality, video-over-cellular solutions that allow live video transmission (HD and SD) from any location around the world. LiveU’s backpack / handheld solutions include multiple 4G LTE/3G, HSPA+, WiMAX and Wi-Fi cellular links, which are optimized for maximum video quality based on the available network conditions. With top-tier customers in 60+ countries across five continents, LiveU’s solutions have been used for breaking news and high-profile events, including the 2012 US Presidential Campaign, 2011 British Royal Wedding, Hurricane Irene, Academy Awards(R), GRAMMY Awards(R), Super Bowl, NBA All Star Weekend, Brazilian Carnival, 2010 World Cup in South Africa and 2008 Beijing Olympic Games.

SES Signs New Multi-Year Capacity Deal with Telikom PNG

SINGAPORE–June 19, 2012–SES (Paris:SESG) (LuxX:SESG) announced today at CommunicAsia2012 that it has signed a new multi-year capacity deal with Telikom Papua New Guinea (Telikom PNG), the country’s incumbent telecommunications operator. The deal involves a renewal of satellite capacity on NSS-9 at 183 degrees East and on NSS-6 at 95 degrees East. In total, Telikom PNG currently contracts more than 100 MHz in capacity with SES and is one of SES’ largest customers in Papua New Guinea.

Telikom PNG is the premier operator of voice and data services in Papua New Guinea. The renewal will enable Telikom PNG to continue expanding its cellular services into new regions and provide telephone services over challenging mountainous terrain by providing cellular backhaul between a large number of sites around the country and the capital, Port Moresby.

Deepak Mathur, Senior Vice President Commercial, Asia-Pacific and the Middle East at SES, said: “NSS-9 deploys state-of-the-art technology and is one of the most powerful satellites in SES’ fleet of 50 satellites, enabling customers like Telikom PNG to optimise their networks to get the maximum throughput to save costs and operate more efficiently. We are delighted to support Telikom PNG’s service expansion to improve connectivity for enterprises, governments and consumers, and contribute further to the development of the telecommunications sector in Papua New Guinea.”

Charles Litau, CEO, Telikom Papua New Guinea, said: “The new deal will allow us to provide our customers with connectivity to the remotest locations – the highlands, mining camps and islands of Papua New Guinea. We have benefitted from SES’ global expertise and excellent technical and engineering support, and we look forward to further developing our strong partnership by exploring other business opportunities in Papua New Guinea.”

Twitter: https://twitter.com/SES_Satellites

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SES.YourSatelliteCompany

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/SESVideoChannel

Blog: http://en.ses.com/4243715/blog

Find pictures and videos under: http://www.ses.com/4245221/library

About SES

SES is a world-leading satellite operator with a fleet of 50 geostationary satellites. The company provides satellite communications services to broadcasters, content and internet service providers, mobile and fixed network operators and business and governmental organisations worldwide.

SES (Paris:SESG) (LuxX:SESG) holds participations in Ciel in Canada and QuetzSat in Mexico, as well as a strategic participation in satellite infrastructure start-up O3b Networks. Further information under: www.ses.com.

Contacts
Markus Payer
Market Communication & PR
Tel. +352 710 725 500
Markus.Payer@ses.com

Five-year nationwide digital master plan in effect

June 20, 2012 – The 2012-16 master plan for broadcasting took effect on April 4.

Under the plan, issued by the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC), a digital broadcasting system will be operating within four years.

At least 80% of households in large provinces must receive a digital signal for radio and TV by year five.

Vice-chairman Natee Sukolrat said in the first eight years of the digital era, users will have to pay 500 to 1,500 baht for a set-top box to watch digital TV.

now TV Deploys OTT With Harmonic

June 20, 2012 – now TV, a member of PCCW (SEHK: 0008) and Hong Kong’s leading pay-TV operator, has chosen ProMedia software solutions from Harmonic Inc. (NASDAQ: HLIT) to power its new OTT multiscreen streaming application, the now Player. Harmonic’s ProMedia Live real-time multiscreen video processing and encoding system and ProMedia Package adaptive stream preparation system, managed by Harmonic ‘s NMX Digital Service Manager, enable now TV subscribers to watch high-quality live television and video-on-demand services on any viewing platform, including smartphones, tablets, PCs, and other IP-connected devices.

“now TV wanted to augment its service to include a high-quality and reliable over-the-top viewing experience. Harmonic’s ProMedia family allows us to support live streaming efficiently, while providing a superior quality of service,” said Belinda Chan, senior vice president of operations and technology at PCCW. “By accessing an over-the-top media portal in our broadcast operation centre, now TV subscribers can connect to a variety of rich media content on any device anytime.”

Murdoch eyes Foxtel as Packer exits media

June 20, 2012 – Rupert Murdoch’s News Corp made a $1.97 billion takeover offer for Consolidated Media Holdings, boosting top shareholder and billionaire James Packer’s war chest as he abandons media in favour of casinos.

Mr Packer, who has built stakes in casinos in Australia, London, Macau and Las Vegas, indicated he would accept the offer in the absence of a higher bid for the pay-TV stakeholder, in which he holds 50.1 per cent.

For News, a successful bid would double its stake in pay TV business Foxtel to 50 per cent, and give it 100 per cent of content provider Fox Sports.

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