Two Multichannel Video Programming Distributors (MVPDs) in the US have launched the first commercial linear Ultra HD services to cable and IPTV subscriber homes using SES’s satellite-delivered, pre-packaged, Ultra HD solution.
Marquette-Adams of Oxford, Wisconsin and Highlands Cable Group of Highlands, North Carolina have licensed the SES-provided Ultra HD programming through Vivicast Media and initiated their Ultra HD offerings following successful trials of the SES platform. Additional cable and IPTV operators are also close to launching their own Ultra HD services on SES’s system.
More than 20 MVPDs, with a combined audience of nearly 10 million subscribers, are testing SES’s all-in-one Ultra HD solution, which packages the world’s largest 4k Ultra HD channel line-up, satellite distribution services and reception equipment. Programming on the SES Ultra HD line-up features ten 4k Ultra HD channels, including Fashion One 4K, Travelxp 4K, 4KUniverse, NASA TV UHD, Insight TV, UHD1, C4K360, Funbox 4K, Nature Relaxation 4K as well as SES’s UHD demonstration channel. The channels are hosted on three SES satellites at the centre of the orbital arc (SES-1, SES-3, AMC-18), which covers 100% of the cable head-ends in the US.
Vivicast has played an integral role in the launch of commercial linear Ultra HD by securing licensing rights for the pay-TV providers offering the 4k Ultra HD programming line-up provided by SES.
Commenting on the development, Steve Corda, VP of business development in North America for SES, said: “These historic commercial linear Ultra HD services are being delivered to subscriber homes by cutting-edge pay-TV providers, who are leveraging SES’s satellite-based Ultra HD platform.
“We have delivered on our bold plan announced at NAB two years ago, which was laser-focused on enabling linear Ultra HD home delivery in half the time it took HD to reach the same television milestone in the US. SES cut through the operational and technical barriers with our scalable solution delivered via satellite, which provides high quality Ultra HD and can reach over 100 million television households throughout North America.”
Stuart Smitherman, president of Vivicast Media, added: “Thanks to two forward-thinking Pay TV systems, the future of 4k is beginning to unfold in the US. Vivicast Media salutes Marquette-Adams and Highlands Cable Group on becoming the first traditional cable systems in the nation to successfully meet the growing demand for entertainment delivered in next-generation 4k.
“Vivicast Media and SES have together greatly accelerated the delivery of compelling Ultra HD TV networks to homes across the US, including the world’s first High Dynamic Range channel, Travelxp 4K.”
SES is showcasing its innovative Ultra HD platform at NAB in Las Vegas this week (SES NAB booth number SU1910).
Source: http://www.broadbandtvnews.com/2017/04/24/ses-expands-ultra-hd-presence-in-us/
