C4 takes extra HD capacity from SES
October 4, 2011
The UK’s Channel 4 has taken an extra complete transponder from satellite operator SES. The capacity is in the form of a long-term contract, and is additional to the three already used by Channel 4 from SES’s orbital position of 28.2 degrees East.
The new capacity on ASTRA 1N will be used to transmit Channel 4’s main high-definition (HD) service together with further HD services over the coming years.
SES will bring into service three new satellites at 28.2˚East from 2012 to 2014, ASTRA 2F, 2E and 2G, providing additional capacity and greater back-up, together with more power and operational flexibility, for its customers in the UK and Ireland.
Kevin Burrows, Channel 4’s Chief Technology Officer (CTO) Broadcast and Distribution said, “HDTV is an essential part of our channel line-up going forward and this new capacity will enable us to provide our viewers with Channel 4’s portfolio of HD services.