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BBC News World taps SES Astra for HD European broadcasting
| 06 April 2015
Satellite operator SES and the BBC have announced a long-term agreement to broadcast BBC News World HD in Europe through an Astra craft.
The channel, an HDTV version of BBC World News in English, is being transmitted from the Astra position 19.2 degrees East since last week on a multiplex operated and uplinked by SES from its headquarters in Betzdorf, Luxembourg.
Referring to figures from Satellite Monitor research, SES reports that over 52% of European satellite homes are now watching television in HD. In 2014, SES broadcast over 1,800 HD channels globally, and more than 500 in Europe.
"We are delighted that the BBC has chosen ASTRA 19.2E for the HD distribution of its premier international news channel", said Ferdinand Kayser, chief commercial officer at SES. "The momentum for HD has been rapidly increasing as more people appreciate the level of detail that HD delivers".
"We know from our viewers that they value HD services. BBC World News originates in pure HD, so it's fantastic to be able to bring this service to our European heartland", added Colin Lawrence, director of distribution for BBC Global News.
"Following the investments we made in our content and presentation on BBC World News, last year we saw an audience increase in daily reach. HD is undoubtedly becoming the default viewing preference, and this new partnership enables delivery of our world class service to European audiences."