SES adds another UHD channel
December 5, 2016
By Chris Forrester
4KUniverse, a general entertainment Ultra HD channel, is the latest in a series of networks to join SES’s fast-growing Ultra HD line-up being delivered to cable operators and other television platforms across North America
A mix of documentaries, sports, movies, and TV shows aimed at Millennials and Generation-X viewers, 4KUniverse will make its debut in January on the SES-1 satellite, one of three satellites (SES-1, SES-3, AMC-18) hosting North America’s leading Ultra HD distribution platform at the centre of the orbital arc. 4KUniverse, licensed to multiple video programme distributors (MVPDs) by Vivicast Media, is the fourth Ultra HD channel in less than two months to join SES’s regional Ultra HD platform, home to eight linear Ultra HD channels as of January.
4KUniverse takes the overall total of UHD channel to 30 on various SES satellites.
The channel offers Ultra HD content featuring high-end entertainment series, including Model Turned Superstar and wine competition series Best Bottle. Live sports content includes exclusive 4K rights to the AVP Pro Beach Volleyball Tour, while the 4KUniverse movie vault features a broad range of titles, such as 80’s drama The Toy Soldiers and the launch of crime thriller Wolf Mother next year. Nature documentaries on the Grand Canyon, Mount Rainier and the Hoh Rainforest showcase majestic drone aerials over popular landmarks, rounding out the offering at launch. Plans for 2017 include brand new, original Ultra HD shows for daytime and primetime audiences.
“4KUniverse represents a tremendous addition to the expanding Ultra HD content choices offered over the SES Ultra HD distribution platform serving North America,” said Matthew Mancinelli, Founder and CEO of 4KUniverse. “We have been collaborating with the SES team for months, by testing with block programming on their promotional channel – all leading up to this exciting launch of our 24/7 Ultra HD channel with cable and telecom companies across the US. Our first carriage deals will be announced shortly.”