New DVB-S2 standard improvements break speed records on a 72 MHz Ku transponder operated by Eutelsat

Rambouillet, France, 18 June 2012. Newtec has ushered in a new era of bandwidth efficiency by breaking the magical 0.5 Gbps two way throughput over a 72 MHz transponder on a Eutelsat satellite.

Testing was performed at Eutelsat’s teleport in Rambouillet during the night in order not to disturb crucial daytime sport transmissions. A significant margin was taken in cloud cover conditions to ensure the tests were relevant for real-life high availability services in broadcast and telecom markets.

The tests were carried out in several steps to validate different market application scenarios. In the two-way high speed backbone tests, Newtec combined its Bandwidth Canceller and Next Generation modems (Newtec MDM6000 series) to achieve a staggering 506 Mbps (2 x 253 Mbps).

A number of innovative elements were used to improve overall current market available efficiencies, including Clean Channel Technology® (a Newtec technology for implementing lowest roll-off and filtering to boost throughput). New modulation and Forward Error Correction (FEC) codes were also used, which can be seen as demonstrators for evolutions in extending the DVB-S2 standard. In particular for this part of the test, a complete reworked 32 APSK 135/180 (135 over 180) modulation proved to be most optimised.

In another test, 352Mbps was achieved in a one-way distribution set-up over the 72 MHz transponder using 64 APSK modulations and related codes, with significant margin on the Ku-band system.

Serge Van Herck, CEO of Newtec, said: “This latest series of records indicates that Newtec is leading the effort on contributing new technology in previously unimaginable real world applications. The Newtec MDM6000 next generation modem is being released as soon as October and is applicable in a large scope of applications requiring high service availability.”

– ENDS –

Your Contact
Newtec Cy
Kerstin Roost
Public Relations Director
Tel: +49 30 430 95 562
E-mail: Kerstin.Roost@newtec.eu

About Newtec

Newtec (www.newtec.eu) is a global industry leader, shaping the future of satellite communications. Offering state-of-the-art products and scalable, integrated solutions for broadcast, broadband access and backbone and trunking applications, Newtec helps customers achieve greater efficiency, increase performance and expand market reach.

With its passionate commitment to R&D and its strong relationship with the European Space Agency (ESA), Newtec remains in the forefront of technological development, continuing the pioneering contributions that have led to industry standards including DVB, DVB-S2, DVB RCS and iSatTV Cenelec pr EN50478.

Newtec’s worldwide customer base includes the industry’s most prestigious broadcasters, satellite operators, telcos, systems houses and broadcasting unions. Established in 1985 and headquartered in Belgium, Newtec has regional offices as well as additional R&D centres located in Stamford, Conn. (U.S.), Singapore (Singapore), Beijing (China), Dubai (UAE), São Paulo (Brazil), Berlin (Germany) and France.

Leading Australian Provider of On-Demand Internet Streaming Media Selects VCAS for Internet TV for Multi-screen Protection of Premium Content

Singapore, CommunicAsia, 18 June 2012 – Verimatrix, the specialist in securing and enhancing revenue for multi-screen digital TV services around the globe, today announced that Quickflix Limited is securing its over-the-top (OTT) video-on-demand (VoD) service with the Verimatrix Video Content Authority System (VCAS™) for Internet TV. Quickflix is Australia’s leading online movie rental company offering subscriptions to the largest range of movies and TV shows delivered as DVD or Blu-ray by mail or streamed instantly on-demand from a library of hundreds of movies directly to PCs, Macs and a growing range of connected TVs and devices.

“The unparalleled OTT video security expertise from Verimatrix has enabled Quickflix to become one of the first service providers in Australia to provide premium VoD content to multiple devices,” said Quickflix’s Chief Executive Officer Chris Taylor. “The company’s robust solutions give us complete confidence in the security of our content, while helping us to maximize the monetization of that content across our multi-screen delivery environment.”

With one of the most comprehensive ranges of movie on-demand services available in the Australian market, content and revenue security are of utmost importance to Quickflix. The company delivers video to multiple consumer devices over unmanaged networks, mandating not only robust security for on-demand content, but also support for the HTTP Live Streaming (HLS) protocol for delivery to the iPhone operating system (iOS) and Android-based devices and Microsoft’s PlayReady digital rights management (DRM) for delivery to PCs and Macs. With a robust new content protection system from Verimatrix, Quickflix can support the creation of new business models, particularly those that take advantage of earlier release windows (ERW) for premium VoD content.

Most recently, Quickflix launched its WatchNow app for iOS devices that allows subscribers to view unlimited movies and television shows instantly from leading content providers including Warner Bros, Sony Pictures and NBC Universal.

VCAS for Internet TV addresses all of these requirements by providing a seamless and transparent security solution across a range of devices for streamlined multi-screen video services, while also ensuring the highest quality of experience (QoE) for consumers. Additionally, VCAS for Internet TV, which includes enhanced HLS security techniques, enables operators like Quickflix to negotiate favorable content licensing agreements by providing the same high level of security in an unmanaged streaming environment as found in managed IP-based networks.

Quickflix also leverages the VCAS MultiRights™ framework to enable PlayReady user rights management for transparent content consumption, which is provided from the unified VCAS 3 head-end. The common entitlement API built into VCAS provides a single point of integration with business management systems. While PlayReady supports a multi-device subscriber domain concept, VCAS enables cross-DRM super domain management. Thus when content is entitled to a subscriber’s domain, it is automatically authorized to all the domain’s devices, regardless of delivery network or CAS/DRM

“We’re delighted to be part of Quickflix’s ground-breaking deployment,” said Steve Oetegenn, chief sales and marketing officer at Verimatrix. “As the OTT video services market continues to mature, Verimatrix stands ready to provide the enhanced OTT security functionality that our customers demand, while ensuring a transparent, high quality experience for their subscribers.”

Verimatrix will be demonstrating its robust revenue security solutions at CommunicAsia 2012, 19-22 June, at the Marina Bay Sands in Singapore. Visit booth #1M2-01to see demos of how the VCAS™ 3 architecture addresses current and future business and technical challenges.

About Quickflix

Quickflix Limited (ASX:QFX) (www.quickflix.com.au) is Australia’s leading online movie company offering subscription to the largest range of movies and TV shows delivered as DVD or Blu-ray by mail; or streamed instantly on-demand from a library of hundreds of movies & TV series direct to PCs, Apple Macs and a growing range of connected TVs and devices. In New Zealand Quickflix streaming is available at www.quickflix.co.nz.

About Verimatrix

Verimatrix specializes in securing and enhancing revenue for multi-screen digital TV services around the globe. The award-winning and independently audited Verimatrix Video Content Authority System (VCAS™) and ViewRight® solutions offer an innovative approach for cable, satellite, terrestrial and IPTV operators to cost-effectively extend their networks and enable new business models. As the recognized leader in software-based security solutions for premier service providers, Verimatrix has pioneered the 3-Dimensional Security approach that offers flexible layers of protection techniques to address evolving business needs and revenue threats. Maintaining close relationships with major studios, broadcasters, industry organizations, and its unmatched partner ecosystem enables Verimatrix to provide a unique perspective on digital TV business issues beyond content security as operators seek to deliver compelling new services. Verimatrix is an ISO 9001:2008 certified company. For more information, please visit www.verimatrix.com, our Pay TV Views blogand follow us at @verimatrixinc, Facebook and LinkedIn to join the conversation.

Media Contact:
Kelly Foster
Verimatrix
+1 619 224 1261
kfoster@verimatrix.com

• New user interface to drive uptake in VOD services for Astro, providing advanced functionality

• Expands portfolio of NDS solutions for Astro

SINGAPORE –June 19, 2012 – NDS today announced that they are providing an advanced user interface for Astro, Malaysia’s largest pay-TV operator, to support the launch of an enhanced video on demand (VOD) service as part of the Astro B.yond platform.

Acknowledging the demand for their on-demand service and the increasing penetration of broadband in Malaysia, Astro have chosen to upgrade their VOD service to enable advanced functionality, including the ability to purchase previously broadcast programmes, a whole series, or access subscription-based VOD services through a more advanced and user-friendly user interface.

The enhanced user interface enables subscribers to easily order VOD services without having to contact the customer service centre. This solution greatly enhances the Astro VOD service, including through their pure IPTV service.

Brian Lenz, Chief Innovation Officer, Astro commented: “We pride ourselves on providing innovative services and quality content to our subscribers and this deployment combines the two by enabling our subscribers to easily access, purchase and enjoy our on-demand content library.” He added “NDS has supported us in a number of deployments to enhance our platform and we value their ongoing commitment to enriching our service.”

Sue Taylor, SVP and GM Asia Pacific, NDS added: “The Astro platform is one of the most advanced in Asia and this development will enhance their on-demand offering to support increased ARPU from subscribers.” She added “As an innovator in the market, Astro strive to provide their subscribers with advanced services that will enhance their experience and we are proud to be their technology partner of choice.”

As part of the service enhancement, NDS provided end-to-end systems integration. Astro currently employs a number of technologies from NDS; in 2011 NDS provided the core technologies for the launch of hybrid functionality on the B.yond platform, including MediaHighway® set-top box software and progressive download technology. The Astro platform is secured by VideoGuard® Conditional Access (CA) and utilises NDS DVR technology.

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For further information:

NDS
Amy Lucas 
Corporate Communications
T: +44 20 8476 8243     
alucas@nds.com

Tricia Stevenson
Marketing Director, Asia Pacific     
T: +65 813 9907
tstevenson@nds.com

Axicom for NDS
James Wood
T: +44 20 8392 4063
james.wood@axicom.com

Astro Contact
Tammy Toh
Communications
T: +603-9543 6688 ext 2406
tammy_toh@astro.com.my

About Astro Malaysia Holdings

Astro Malaysia Holdings Sdn Bhd is Malaysia’s leading integrated cross-media group with operations in 4 key businesses: Pay TV, Radio, Content and Digital. Launched in 1996, Astro today has a 50% penetration of TV homes in Malaysia or 3.1 million customers, making it a key pay TV operator in Southeast Asia. Astro broadcasts over 153 channels, of which 20 are in HD, is a leading edge innovator with its introduction of HD, 3D and PVR – a first in Malaysia, and also Video On Demand, Over the Top and IPTV service. It is the leading aggregator, creator and distributor of original multi-language content of various genres across multi-channels. Its radio network both terrestrial and digital covers all key languages cumulatively reaching 13 million listeners a week and ranked among the top 10 stations in the country. Its digital arm involved in digital publishing, applications and platforms as well as publication of entertainment and lifestyle magazines locally. For details, log on to www.astro.com.my;

About NDS

NDS Group Ltd. creates the technologies and applications that enable pay-TV operators to securely deliver digital content to TV STBs (set-top boxes), DVRs (digital video recorders), PCs, mobiles and other multimedia devices. Over 90 of the world’s leading pay-TV platforms rely on NDS solutions to protect and enhance their business.

NDS’ VideoGuard® is the world’s market-leading content and service protection solution, deployed in 133 million pay-TV households. VideoGuard conditional access (CA) and digital rights management (DRM) technologies safeguard pay-TV service revenues exceeding $50 billion. NDS middleware, which enables a host of advanced services for subscribers, has been deployed on 226 million devices. NDS DVR technology, centred around XTV™, is a leader in the global industry with 49 million units deployed. (Deployment figures as of 30th April 2012).

Headquartered in the UK, with over 5000 employees, NDS remains committed to investing in technology and development with over 75% of its employees dedicated to pioneering work at development centres in France, India, Israel, Korea, UK and US.

NDS Group Ltd. is a private company owned by the Permira Funds and News Corporation. See www.nds.com for more information.

Click here for the NDS RSS feed or follow us on Twitter.

Irdeto’s advanced multi-screen TV services and dynamic security solutions deliver premium entertainment for new over-the-top service in Malaysia

CommunicAsia, SINGAPORE, 19 June 2012 – Irdeto, a global software security and media technology company, today announced that Astro Malaysia Holdings (Astro) has selected the company’s patented Broadband multi-screen TV services and ActiveCloak™ for Media solutions to launch Astro On-the-Go (OTG), a new over-the-top (OTT) service that delivers premium linear channels, Catch-Up, LIVE events and VOD content to connected devices.

The Irdeto Broadband solution has been a part of Astro’s successful B.yond IPTV service since 2010. The new deployment of Irdeto Broadband’s multi-screen TV services and ActiveCloak for Media are enabling Malaysia’s largest MSO to effortlessly deliver its content, applications and experiences to meet consumer demand for entertainment anytime, anywhere and on any device, while minimizing risk to its revenues. Irdeto was also chosen for system integration.

“Astro On-the-Go is an important step in our aspiration to provide all Malaysian households with an engaging, personalized media experience, and we believe this new service will help secure our market position and connect with a new generation of Malaysian consumers,” said Brian Lenz, Chief Innovation Officer of Astro. “Irdeto has been a trusted partner from the very beginning of our IPTV history with the most experience in pay media and the ability to provide innovative technology and services at every step as we prepare for the future.”

With approximately 50% penetration in the Malaysian market and serving more than three million customers in the increasingly competitive landscape, Astro designed Astro OTG to nurture and attract new subscribers with a more personalized, flexible entertainment experience beyond the living room.

According to Graham Kill, CEO, Irdeto: “Astro On-the-Go is proving once again that Astro is innovating to satisfy consumer demand for anytime, anywhere entertainment. The extension of our partnership is confirmation that to be truly successful in a multi-screen environment, you need a holistic, solution and managed service that blends dynamic security with robust content management and flexible TV services. We are proud to continue supporting Astro’s business growth to help them deliver quality content wherever their consumers want to enjoy it.”

Astro is using Irdeto ActiveCloak for Media, a dynamic and renewable software security solution, to further establish itself as a trusted OTT distributor for content owners and Hollywood studios, enabling it to expand its range of consumer devices. Astro OTG will start with iPads, iPhones, PCs, and Macs, followed by Android-powered smartphones in its second phase kicking off in September 2012. Astro is relying on Irdeto Broadband’s multi-screen TV services to:

• Easily configure and automate content-viewing rules

• Package and deliver content in more personalized ways

• Create engaging customer experiences and applications complete with intuitive search and recommendation

• Provide social and interactive viewing capabilities; and

• Determine the best recipe for monetizing content across multiple distribution methods.

Irdeto has over 40 years of pay media experience helping operators around the world offer innovative services in order to thrive in the competitive pay TV industry. Leading, global pay TV companies like Comcast, Rogers, Mediaset, Viasat and Sony rely on Irdeto to protect and enable their digital media businesses.

###

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 Astro Malaysia Holdings

Astro Malaysia Holdings Sdn Bhd is Malaysia’s leading integrated cross-media group with operations in 4 key businesses: Pay TV, Radio, Content and Digital. Launched in 1996, Astro today has a 50% penetration of TV homes in Malaysia or 3.1 million customers, making it a key pay TV operator in Southeast Asia. Astro broadcasts over 153 channels, of which 21 are in HD, is a leading edge innovator with its introduction of HD, 3D and PVR – a first in Malaysia, and also Video On Demand, Over-the-top content and IPTV service. It is the leading aggregator, creator and distributor of original multi-language content of various genres across multi-channels. Its radio network both terrestrial and digital covers all key languages cumulatively reaching 13 million listeners a week and ranked among the top 10 stations in the country. Its digital arm involved in digital publishing, applications and platforms as well as publication of entertainment and lifestyle magazines locally. For details, log on to www.astro.com.my

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

June 18, 2012, Singapore / New Delhi: Exset, a leading provider of Conditional access and Middleware solutions, announced that it has appointed Mr. Stephen Wong as Head of Sales, Asia Pacific, Exset.

“It’s our honor to have Stephen on board, and we believe his vision and experience will make Exset a strong local leader in the region, populating our Digital Monetization System in response to the analog switch ” said Mr. Alex Borland, Chief Executive Officer of Exset B.V.

“It’s my great pleasure to be part of the Exset family, which has a complete suite of solutions to help and enhance digitization progress in South East Asia. Seeing all the ingredients of a successful Broadcast Technology Provider in Exset, my endeavor would be to pave way for greater success of all the constituents of the value chain in the region, which is highly competitive with exciting potentials,” said Mr. Wong on joining Exset’s Singapore Office.

Mr. Wong will be working directly with local partners, ensuring Exset solutions for the Digital operators are successfully deployed. Exset offers operators in South East Asia a great opportunity to have Digital TV solution that monetize their operations quickly

“Stephen will be a key asset of the Exset team which stands poised to redefine the operator pay TV space in emerging markets through partnership, localization and innovation” added Mr. Rahul Nehra – Global Head of Sales & Marketing, Exset.

Mr. Wong has been in the Broadcast and Telecommunication industry for more than 20 years, holding various technical, operational and sales functions at HBO, SingTel, Global Access, Nagravision, Intelsat, etc. in support of broadcasters and Pay TV operators across South Asia and South East Asia region. Stephen holds a 2nd Upper Class Honors Degree in Computing and Information Systems from the University of London.

About Exset:

Exset, is a Broadcast Technology and Solutions company founded in 2011 based in The Netherlands with offices in UK, Estonia and India. Exset provides software and security solutions to the television industry focusing in emerging markets where localisation, social and economic factors require a fresh approach form the traditional technology suppliers companies. We strive to provide a unique service by understanding the regional markets and working collaboratively with our customers to deliver highly tailored solutions using the latest technologies and maximizing their return on investments.

For Further Information Contact

Rajesh Prothi 
AbsoluteFactor 
Email: rajesh.prothi@absolutefactor.com 
Hand Phone: +91 98102 09123 

Andrew Pons
Exset 
Email: andrew.pons@exset.com 
Phone: +44 (0) 7595 002 542 

Legendary Actor Ti Lung Visits Jakarta for the First Time to Attend Launch Event

Hong Kong (June 18, 2012) – Celestial Tiger Entertainment, the operator of the largest bouquet of pan-Asian channels dedicated to Asian entertainment, announced today the launch of Celestial Classic Movies (CCM) on Indovision and OkeVision, the branded services of PT MNC Sky Vision, Indonesia’s largest DTH operator. To celebrate the channel’s launch, CTE brought legendary actor Ti Lung to attend PT MNC Sky Vision’s launch activities including media interviews and an exclusive dinner with subscribers. Ti Lung has starred in over 120 Chinese and Hong Kong films including some of the most iconic Shaw Brothers movies such as Blood Brothers and The Clans of Intrigue. Most recently, Ti Lung starred in the film Frozen with rising star Aarif Lee. CCM will be airing some of Ti Lung’s best work in July as part of CCM’s Celestial VIP showcase.

-END-

Media enquiries

Pauline Poon
Celestial Tiger Entertainment
T: 852 2239 6131
E: pauline.poon@celestialtiger.com

About Celestial Classic Movies

CELESTIAL CLASSIC MOVIES presents some of the best Chinese movies ever produced! From the most iconic Kung Fu films to the most memorable dramas, CELESTIAL CLASSIC MOVIES brings you masterpieces from Chinese cinema history including movies from the world-famous Shaw Brothers Film Library. All Shaw Brothers movies featured have been digitally restored to bring viewers sound and picture quality matching the original cinematic prints. Broadcasting 24 hours a day, CELESTIAL CLASSIC MOVIES also showcases the best work of many legends of Chinese cinema, including master directors like Chang Cheh, King Hu, Li Han-hsiang and Liu Chia-liang and stars such as Cheng Pei-pei, Ti Lung, David Chiang, Gordon Liu, Leslie Cheung and Maggie Cheung.

About Celestial Tiger Entertainment

Celestial Tiger Entertainment (CTE) is a diversified media company dedicated to entertaining audiences in Asia and beyond. The company focuses on the operation of branded pay television channels, content creation and content distribution targeted at Asian consumers.

CTE operates a powerful bouquet of distinct pay television channels including: Celestial Movies, the most broadly distributed 24-hour Chinese and Asian movies channel in the world; Celestial Classic Movies, the gateway to an unparalleled array of Chinese movie masterpieces; Celestial Movies On Demand, Celestial’s subscription video on demand service; KIX, the ultimate in action entertainment; Thrill, Asia’s only horror and suspense movie channel; and KIX HD, featuring the best of action with a late-night dose of thrillers in high definition.

As one of Asia’s largest vertically integrated entertainment companies, CTE produces original content which complements its channels business. CTE is also the exclusive sales agent of content in all media in Greater China and Southeast Asia from independent Hollywood studio Lionsgate.

Headquartered in Hong Kong, CTE is a joint venture among Saban Capital Group, a leading private investment firm specializing in the media, entertainment and communications industries; Celestial Pictures, a major Asian entertainment company wholly-owned by Astro, the owner and operator of the leading DTH platform in Malaysia; and Lionsgate, the world’s largest independent filmed entertainment studio.

For more information, please visit www.celestialtiger.com.