HISPASAT and Media Broadcast Satellite launch a new 4K content distribution platform

September 17, 2017

Both companies have reached an agreement today within the IBC framework, which strengthens their collaboration in the field of audiovisual services.

The platform will enable the deployment of 4K channels in Europe through a high-performance technological solution and a flexible business model for content providers.

Amsterdam, 17 September 2017. Spanish satellite and telecommunications operator HISPASAT and Media Broadcast Satellite, the leading provider of broadcast satellite services and operator of one of the world's largest teleports, have reached an agreement to provide 4K content distribution services in Europe, North Africa and the Middle East (EMEA). Thanks to this agreement, signed today within the IBC framework, both companies extend their powerful commercial offer for the audiovisual market with a platform aimed at achieving maximum flexibility for 4K content providers who wish to provide their signal to these regions in a quick and simple way.

The new platform combines the capacities of Media Broadcast Satellite's teleport in Usingen (Germany) with the high output of the HISPASAT satellites in the 30ºW position, with high quality coverage over Europe and North Africa specifically designed for the distribution of audiovisual content in the region. The technological solution is based on a shared digital platform that facilitates the transmission of individual audiovisual channels within digital multiplexes, sharing the carrier with other 4K channels.

In addition to the best performances in the quality content distribution market, the 4K distribution platform offered by Media Broadcast Satellite and HISPASAT incorporates a business model specifically dedicated to 4K content providers, for which a flexible risk-sharing which has been developed in order to avoid the entry barriers of content providers in terms of distribution costs.

4K television is already a reality on the market: currently more than 50 TV channels are broadcasted in 4K worldwide and this figure is expected to increase considerably in the coming years, reaching 800 channels by 2020.

In the words of Christian Fleischhauer, Managing Director of Media Broadcast Satellite, "This cooperation provides the perfect opportunity for broadcasters to grow their audience and distribute their content in a superb 4K quality”.

Ignacio Sanchis, Business Director at HISPASAT, also expressed his satisfaction for this agreement with Media Broadcast Satellite. "Hispasat has been committed to 4K for years in different initiatives with the aim of promoting this technology, for which the satellite offers a differential value. This agreement with Media Broadcast Satellite will enable us to offer our customers high value-added solutions to accelerate the deployment of 4K services in Europe and make this advanced technology available to a larger number of viewers as soon as possible, enabling them to enjoy a better visual experience".

About HISPASAT

HISPASAT is comprised of companies that have a presence in Spain as well as in Latin America, where its Brazilian affiliate HISPAMAR is based. HISPASAT is a world leader in the distribution and broadcasting of Spanish and Portuguese content, and its satellite fleet is used by important direct-to-home television (DTH) and high-definition television (HDTV) digital platforms. HISPASAT also provides satellite broadband services and other added value solutions to governments, corporations and telecommunication operators in America, Europe and North Africa. HISPASAT is one of the world's largest companies in its sector in terms of revenue, and the main communications bridge between Europe and the Americas.

Press contact: Iñaki Latasa ilatasa@hispasat.es (+34638065148)

About Media Broadcast Satellite

Media Broadcast Satellite, operator of one of the world’s largest teleports, has successfully been designing, implementing and operating satellite services for global customers since the late 1970’s. Through its own teleport in Usingen near Frankfurt, Media Broadcast Satellite provides customised solutions for broadcast, data, teleport and data centre applications. Satellites from 70° East to 60° West can be reached through more than 140 antennas in Ku-, Ka- and C-band. In order to provide maximum security and stability of our solutions, Media Broadcast Satellite operates a manned NOC 24/7/365 and a fully redundant RF, IT and power infrastructure. To underline the approach of high quality services “Made in Usingen/Germany”, the company holds relevant certificates like ISO27001 IT & Data Security and maintains engineering teams to support customers at all stages of transmission, distribution and service management. Media Broadcast Satellite's value chain covers standard services as well as fully managed services for DTH platforms, data networks and teleport co-location/gateways.

www.mb-satellite.com

Press contact: Holger Crump hcrump@fuchsmc.com