Channel 4 contracts third Astra tp

Analoguesat

SES ASTRA Secures Channel 4 Contract For Additional Transponder
Channel 4 to use third satellite transponder on ASTRA 2A
New programs include Quiz Call and More4+1
SES ASTRA, an SES GLOBAL company (Euronext Paris and Luxembourg Stock Exchange: SESG), has concluded an agreement with Channel 4 from the UK for a third transponder on its satellite ASTRA 2A in the orbital position 28.2° East. The new long-term agreement follows a successful two-transponder deal with Channel 4 in autumn 2004. Channel 4 will use the additional capacity to support the expansion of new services, including the launch of new channels and associated data services.

The new channels include the recently launched Quiz Call and More4+1, which is scheduled for launch today. Quiz Call is devoted to quiz and game-show programming that gives viewers the chance to compete for cash prizes. More4+1 will offer a blend of documentaries, films, drama, current affairs and a daily news program, and may include a late-night studio discussion show.

Alexander Oudendijk, Senior Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer of SES ASTRA, said: "Channel 4 is one of Britain's most prominent and innovative terrestrial broadcasters whose programs are watched by more than three-quarters of the UK population during an average week. Channel 4 is also an important customer for us and we are delighted that the company has once again come to us for additional transmission capacity."

Kevin Burrows, Channel 4's Chief Technology Officer, said: "We will be exploring several projects over the coming year and this third transponder will give us the capacity to launch new and supporting services as these plans develop. We chose SES ASTRA because we have a long-term relationship with our current contracts, and the company was able to provide a flexible option for us to take additional capacity as our needs develop. We have also found the service to be extremely reliable, which is a crucial broadcasting requirement."

ax197

Which means what ? Do we have a chance of seeing More4 on 2A ?

Analoguesat

No idea what it means, Im just reporting the press release.

However, this bit is interesting:

including the launch of new channels and associated data services.

so I take it from that interactive streams and future launches. I think More 4 is safe on 2D

ax197

However, at the end of the first paragraph they say that the new capacity will support the launch of new channels. Now in the second paragraph they define the new channels by mentioning quiz call and more4+1. Note that they do not mention More4 but the timeshift version of it. The latter sounds very strange to me and it compares to the E4 case, where both E4s UK are on 2D whereas E4 Ireland is on Eurobird.

Why to mention the timeshift version if it is not to be transmitted from 2A and why to refer specifically to those two channels ? !!

Analoguesat

My guess is its just a badly worded press release. More 4+1 is already carried on the 2D capacity so they arent going to save much by shifting it. However we will have to see what happens. Almost anything can happen in the world of satellite.

ax197

Yap, so fingers crossed that something good might be around the corner for all non-2D viewers

skyoutUK

It looks like C4 is abandoning Eurobird 11565 transponder. Only E4 Ireland is left there at this point, it's strange they moved FilmFour to 2D as it was never even considered as potential FTA candidate.

I'm afraid all we gonna get from new 2A transponder are more interactive services but you never know i just hope for us outside of 2D footprint to avoid dreaded "No satellite signal is being received" on any more channels from C4 stable.

BarMoo

In reply to my threats of terror to SKY, I received this fax in my sleep. Interesting stuff - when your asleep and definitely better than moist underwear

"which ever service you (Channel4) provide whether old, really old or new or not even thought up yet, regardless of whether this service is a plus+1 service of another said service that is either old, really old or new or not even thought up yet and irrelevant of whether that service and/or plus+1 service is really, and always will be available on FreeView for free (a service, we (BSKYB) is a partner thereof) all channel4 services shall be encrypted by us until said encryption contract expires; thereafter, we shall allocate crap EPG placings for any and/or all channels you provide, if you choose not to encrypt them again with us and in any event whether encrypted or not as all Channel4 services can only be viewed via our (BSKYB) proprietary equipment and as such we shall deem any and/or all Channel4 services as being subscription only channels therafter; with the sole exception of Channel4 (the PSB with 5 ad breaks per hour channel)"

Disclaimer: No-one was hurt with my threats of sleeptime terror whether implied or otherwise.

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Have Fun, Moo.