31/01/10

Sunday, no update




30/01/10

Saturday no update




29/01/10

Very quiet today

Feed

Asiasat 5 4067H 5632 DVBS "Golf Qatar Masters"


From my Email & ICQ


..


From the Dish


No Lyngsat

From asiatvro site

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NEWS


AUSTAR and Rovi Sign IPG Patent License Agreement


From press release

Agreement Marks Growth of Rovi's International Licensing Program

SANTA CLARA, Calif., Jan. 28, 2010 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Rovi Corporation (Nasdaq:ROVI) and Austar United Communications Limited (“AUSTAR”) (ASX:AUN) today announced that they have entered into a multi-year license agreement for interactive program guide (IPG) patents owned by Rovi.

The agreement provides AUSTAR with a license to Rovi’s IPG patents for AUSTAR’s pay television services in Australia. AUSTAR is an affiliate of UPC Broadband in Europe, via parent company Liberty Global, Inc. UPC recently negotiated a similar agreement with Rovi.

“We welcome AUSTAR, a leading subscription television provider in Australia, to our international patent licensing program,” said Samir Armaly, senior vice president of licensing, Rovi. “This announcement continues to illustrate the importance of our IPG intellectual property for service providers like AUSTAR, which are providing an enhanced entertainment experience for its customers.”

“AUSTAR has long been focused on offering innovative services and technology to our customers, as well as providing them with the best content, choice and value on offer,” said Deanne Weir, Director, Corporate Development, AUSTAR. “Our new agreement with Rovi helps us maintain this focus and take our customer experience to the next level.”

About Austar United Communications (AUSTAR)

AUSTAR (Australian Stock Exchange “AUN”) is a leading provider of subscription television services in regional and rural Australia, with more than 735,000 customers enjoying principally satellite digital television services. Internet and mobile telephony services complete AUSTAR’s product offering. AUSTAR is also a significant provider of programming in the Australian television market through its 50% owned joint venture, XYZnetworks, which owns and/or distributes Nickelodeon, Nick Jr, Discovery Channel, Channel [V], [V] Hits, MAX, Arena, The Lifestyle Channel, Lifestyle Food, CountryMusic Channel and The Weather Channel. Liberty Global, Inc., the largest international broadband cable operator in terms of subscribers, holds an indirect controlling stake in AUSTAR. 

About Rovi Corporation

Rovi Corporation is focused on revolutionizing the digital entertainment landscape by delivering solutions that enable consumers to intuitively connect to new entertainment from many sources and locations. The company also provides extensive entertainment discovery solutions for television, movies, music and photos to its customers in the consumer electronics, cable and satellite, entertainment and online distribution markets. These solutions, complemented by industry leading entertainment data, create the connections between people and technology, and enable them to discover and manage entertainment in an enjoyable form.

Rovi holds over 4,400 issued or pending patents and patent applications worldwide and is headquartered in Santa Clara, California, with numerous offices across the United States and around the world including Japan, Hong Kong, Luxembourg, and the United Kingdom. More information about Rovi can be found at http://www.rovicorp.com/.

The Rovi Corporation logo is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/newsroom/ctr?d=182970&l=10&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.globenewswire.com%2Fnewsroom%2Fprs%2F%3Fpkgid%3D6482


Maori seek their cut of spectrum cash


From http://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=10622897&pnum=0

Maori are insisting on a share of the money raised from the switchover from analogue to digital television.

The changeover is expected to raise more than $350 million in the next three to five years.

The Ministry of Economic Development and politicians tried to rush through a Cabinet shake-up of radio frequency policy before Christmas.

But Maori complained there had been no chance for them to present their views and arguments for their place in the digital future.

The rush for the Cabinet to produce a paper before Christmas revived rows about Crown obligations to treat the airwaves as Maori "taonga" or treasures.

And that has muddied the patch for the much-vaunted switchover to digital.

It has resurrected the bitter row in the 1990s over Crown broadcasting obligations under the Treaty which forced the Government to fund Maori TV. That was done as a result of obligations to the Maori language, but Maori claims to the airwaves hark back to a Waitangi Tribunal decision and are more economic than cultural.

A spokesman for Maori claimants said the lack of consultation was because the Crown had long doubted the validity of a 1999 Waitangi Tribunal decision that he said set out Maori rights to radio spectrum.

At stake now are prospects to secure a share of the expected $350 million-plus when the Government ends analogue transmission.

Channels that now use analogue signals will only be available on digital platforms such as Freeview and Sky, leaving the Government free to sell off analogue frequencies which could be used for telecommunications.

Maori say they were largely ignored in the formation of the digital policy. Spokesman Piripi Walker said Maori flew to Wellington for consultation with the Ministry of Economic Development in July.

They were given a cup of tea, and told policy would be in place by the end of the year.

They held a hui on November 4 and met ministers, but were unable to change the Cabinet's timetable.

Walker - a Maori broadcaster and veteran of the radio frequency row - said Maori were unhappy about the way the review of Government policy was handled, but they were not surprised after 20 years of battles over radio frequency rights.

The Cabinet passed its policy for the switchover to digital signals on December 14.

But now the Government has been dragged back into talks.

Four days earlier Maori had lodged a request for the Waitangi Tribunal to make an urgent hearing.

It is understood that after the Cabinet paper was released, Prime Minister John Key told Maori they would be consulted.

Under an arrangement tied up before Christmas, the tribunal will keep a watching brief on talks.

It could reopen consideration of the request to have the case accepted as a formal claim.

If that happens, it could slow the push towards the analogue switch-off.

It might be another case where successive Governments have underestimated the Maori broadcasting lobby.

A statement of claim and request for an urgent hearing was lodged by the New Zealand Maori Council, the Wellington Maori Language Board and others on December 10.

It said a Cabinet meeting would make decisions on December 14 on the allocation and disposal of radio rights spectrum.

Maori said the Cabinet paper would talk about their rights to spectrum and would be contrary to findings of the tribunal.

Claimants said proposed decisions were inconsistent with the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi.

"The electromagnetic spectrum is a taonga and Maori have the right to the technological exploitation of that radio spectrum," the statement of claim said.


Orbit contracts for capacity on TELSTAR 18


From  http://www.satellite-evolution.com/site/newsresult.htm?file=Orbit%20contracts%20for%20capacity%20on%20TELSTAR%2018

Telesat has announced that Orbitnet LLC of Mongolia (ORBITNET) has signed a multi-year agreement for Ku-band capacity on Telesat's Telstar 18 satellite. ORBITNET is a leading provider of advanced Internet solutions in Asia and is using Telstar 18 to bring broadband connectivity to business, government, and cellular operators in the region.
 
"Broadband satellite services combine the reliability, high speed and cost effectiveness that make them an ideal solution to meet the growing needs of developing Asian countries like Kazakhstan and Mongolia," said Sukhbaatar Pagvajav, Technical Director of ORBITNET. "Our company began using Telstar 18 in 2008 and our customers are very impressed with the quality of service we have been able to deliver. ORBITNET's business in Mongolia is going well. We have expanded into Bhutan and Kazakhstan and look forward to bringing broadband satellite services to more countries in 2010."
 
"The coverage and capabilities of Telstar 18 are ideal for meeting the needs of Asian broadband providers like ORBITNET," said Nigel Gibson, Vice President, International Sales for Telesat. "Telstar 18 is one of the most versatile satellites in the region with C-band that connects Asia to the Americas and Ku-band to serve video broadcasters and broadband networks. We see good opportunities for continued growth in Asia with Telstar 18."


Glitch hit Eutelsat W2


From http://www.advanced-television.com/2010/jan25_jan29.htm#f7

Eutelsat Communications has confirmed that a technical anomaly occurred in the evening of January 27 on the W2 satellite located at 16° East. This incident is under full investigation by Eutelsat in collaboration with the satellite's manufacturer, Thales Alenia Space. Immediate actions were taken in parallel in order to propose alternative capacity, to all customers affected by the anomaly, with services progressively being restored, said the satellite operator.

The so-far unexplained on-board failure saw the craft place itself into sun-pointing safe mode, forcing Eutelsat to off-load customers to two satellites at the same slot and to send another satellite to the affected position.

Eutelsat will be able to move some W2 customers to the Eurobird 16 satellite, also located at 16° East. In addition, Eutelsat’s W2M satellite, which had been located at 3 degrees east without serving a commercial mission, will be drifted to 16° East to cater for some of the W2 traffic. Eutelsat never put W2M into commercial service because of failures on its power system that became evident just weeks after the satellite's December 2008 launch.


Two licensees found guilty in mass foreign satellite trial


From http://www.thepublican.com/story.asp?sectioncode=7&storycode=66273&c=1

More than 20 other licensees also expected to stand trial in Chester

Two licensees involved in a mass trial over showing foreign satellite football have been hit with fines and hefty legal costs after being found guilty of breaching copyright laws.

At Chester Magistrates court this week, Michael Quigley, of the Red Lion, in Hillmorton, Rugby, was fined £500 and made to pay costs of £1,500.

And William Miller of the Grand Junction in Ashton-on-Ribble was handed a fine of £300 and will face costs of £1,618.

The punishments were for breaching section the Copyright Designs and Patents. It comes after an initial legal argument about the use of Albanian DigitAlb cards was dismissed last November.

The licensees are among 26 others from all over the country who are facing trial at the same court, after the district judge asked them to be brought together.

It is understood they are the first cases to be heard and others are due.


Taj Television to distribute Zee Sports and Ten Sports


From http://www.indiantelevision.com/headlines/y2k10/jan/jan218.php

MUMBAI: Soon after buying out Taj Television from Bukhatir Group, Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd (Zeel) has created a separate distribution entity for its sports channels, much like ESPN Star Sports.

Zee Sports and Ten Sports will be distributed by Zeel's subsidiary, Taj Television (India) from 1 February. The two channels are currently handled by Zee Turner.

"Ten Sports and Zee Sports are distributed across 4,000 cities and towns. This will be discontinued from the midnight of 31 January," Zeel said.

All the multi system operators (MSOs), local cable operators (LCOs), direct to home (DTH) and IPTV shall pay the subscription fee for the period after 1 February to Taj Television (India). 

Said Zeel Sports business CEO Atul Pande, “Sports distribution has specific requirements for which a dedicated team catering to this market is a must, we have thus set up a nationwide team of experienced professionals under Taj Television India who would help enhance the servicing and maximize values for us and our associates.”

The company claims a reach of 71 million C&S homes across India through the two channels.


Discovery Science, Discovery Turbo launch in India


From http://www.indiantelevision.com/headlines/y2k10/jan/jan214.php

MUMBAI: Discovery Science and Discovery Turbo have launched in India. The new networks will initially air on the Tata Sky DTH platform, but will soon be available on analogue as well.

Discovery Science is priced at Rs. 12 while Discovery Turbo is priced at Rs 10 for non Cas markets.

Discovery will, thus, operate five channels in India including Discovery Channel (a factual entertainment channel), Discovery Travel & Living (international lifestyle channel) and Animal Planet (dedicated to wildlife). The three networks reach 116 million cumulative subscribers in India with programming customised in English, Hindi and Tamil.

Says Discovery Asia-Pacific executive VP, MD Tom Keaveny, “India is globally recognised as one of the world’s most exciting television markets and is a priority market for Discovery. The launch of Discovery Science and Discovery Turbo reflects our enduring commitment to provide Indian viewers, affiliates and advertisers with a variety of credible, entertaining and high-quality networks.”

Discovery is in talks with DTH and cable TV operators to spread the reach of the two new channels. “The addition of two unique content channels, Discovery Science and Discovery Turbo, to our existing portfolio of channels reiterates our strategy to offer distinctive and relevant non-fiction content in a highly cluttered Indian television market. Both these channels will satisfy the insatiable curiosity of aspirational Indian viewers and reflect the changing face of Indian television. Carriage fee becomes an issue when there are 10 news channels and you want to add another one. That is not the case here. There is no science channel and there is no Turbo channel,” says Discovery India senior VP, GM Rahul Johri.

Targeting the family, Discovery Science will provide a look at the impact of science and technology on daily lives through a range of entertaining programmes focused on research and discoveries, human body, astronomy, genetics, exploration, medical advances and space.

Discovery Turbo, on the other hand, will showcase cars, trucks, motorbikes, planes, yachts and trains.
Targeting upscale males, the channel will cover a range of programmes on Formula One racing; motor clubs and trends, celebrity motoring profiles and events.

Both the channels will be ad free at this stage. Ads will be carried a few months down the line, says Johri. Marketing activities will be done once the two channels have achieved sufficient reach.

MSM Discovery president Rajesh Kaul says, "I am delighted to have two new compelling channels - Discovery Science and Discovery Turbo in the The OneAlliance bouquet. I am sure the innovative and unmatched programming on these two channels will add value to The OneAlliance."

Discovery Science aims to make science programming accessible, relevant and entertaining. The channel's goal is to search for the answers to the questions that have eluded us for centuries and reveal life’s greatest mysteries and smallest wonders, from uncovering lost worlds to exploring the latest in scientific discoveries.

Some shows on Discovery Science are:

- Master of the Universe: Stephen Hawking - Professor Stephen Hawking will examine just how far our understanding of the universe has developed and introduce unimagined science ideas. Driving this landmark series is Hawking's fascination with the big questions - How did the universe begin? How will it end? What was there before it?

- 100 Things that Will Change Your Life - Scientists are working on things that will change our world tomorrow or in 10 years, but one thing is certain – it will definitely change our lives forever. This countdown series will look at 100 projects that are flying under the radar right now, but are certain to make a difference tomorrow.

- Beautiful Minds approaches the huge scientific field of brain research through the most interesting and entertaining 'research projects', the Savants. Currently, there are around one hundred recognised Savants with genius-like talents worldwide. For all brain researchers the Savants are a fascinating window into the brain.

- How It’s Made visits dozens of assembly lines where technology turns raw material into finished products right before the viewers’ eyes. Viewers will be amazed to see how many common and ordinary items are manufactured in the most high-tech factories around the world.

Discovery Turbo offers programming for people who love the adrenaline rush of all things motored. Shows on this channel include:

- Mean Green Machines is a highly photogenic and fast paced thrill ride showcasing the latest, hottest and greenest vehicles just off the assembly line.

- Wheelers Dealers features the duo Mike Brewer and Edd China who save repairable classics before selling the newly made-over cars for more than just profit.

- Racer Girlz – In the ultra-competitive, exclusive, exhilarating and dangerous world of racing, a new group of racers is beginning its march to the top: female drivers and mechanics. But there is a cost. These women have found their passion in a world traditionally closed to them.

- Red Line TV covers the fast-paced sport of drifting, exposing viewers to the competitors during preparation and practice. As the cars are tested, viewers experience the power, hear the turbos spooling, the sound of the blow-off valve and the exhaust. Redline TV captures the cars and the people behind them, in all their glory.

- Trick My Truck is a series that features big, rig-truck mechanics who scour truck-stops in search of drivers whose trucks are in need of dire help, helping to transform them into their dream ride.




28/01/10

Not a lot going on..

Parliament TV on NZ Freeview has added a 2nd audio track

Wednesday night feeds

D2 12272 V 6670 "NBL Melbourne Tigers v Adelaide 36ers"

Asiasat 4 12490 V sr 13300 NBL Melbourne Tigers v Adelaide 36ers same as D2


From my Email & ICQ


..


From the Dish


No Lyngsat

From asiatvro site

东经166度轨道位置的国际8号卫星C频段,CNN(美国)频道新增,设置4165 V 1820参数免费接收。[01-28]



NEWS


AsiaSat 2 Renamed AMOS-5i at 17ºE


From Press Release

Hong Kong, 28 January 2010 – Asia's leading satellite operator Asia Satellite Telecommunications Company Limited (AsiaSat) announced that Spacecom, the operator of the AMOS satellite fleet, has signed a contract for the exclusive use of AsiaSat 2, an AsiaSat satellite formerly located at 100.5 degrees East, and has now been relocated to 17 degrees East and renamed AMOS-5i.

AMOS-5i provides high powered C-band and Ku-band capacity for a variety of satellite communications services to the African continent until AMOS-5 is launched and commences service in mid 2011.

Spacecom has also contracted AsiaSat to provide satellite operation and Telemetry, Tracking and Control (TT&C) services for AMOS-5i.
David Pollack, President and Chief Executive Officer of Spacecom said, “AMOS 5i provides us an excellent opportunity to start developing our new orbital slot of 17 degrees East before the new satellite AMOS-5 is launched. AsiaSat is Asia’s most reputable satellite operator for service quality and reliability, we are glad to have AsiaSat as our partner who offers us quality satellite capacity that enhances our fleet coverage over the Middle East, Europe and Africa, and reliable satellite operation service for AMOS-5i.”

Peter Jackson, Chief Executive Officer of AsiaSat said, “We are very proud that AsiaSat 2 has successfully completed over 13 years of service life in Asia and will continue to serve other parts of the world at a new orbital location. AsiaSat 2 is a very valuable asset for the Company. We anticipate that AsiaSat 2’s quality and reliable service will continue to be of great value to Spacecom and its users.”

# # #

About Spacecom

Space-Communication Ltd. (Spacecom) is the operator of the AMOS satellites, which provide high-quality broadcast and communication services in Europe, the Middle East, and the US east coast. The AMOS satellite constellation, consists of AMOS-2 and AMOS-3, which are co-located at the prime orbital position of 4°W, and serves Direct-To-Home and other television platforms in Europe and the Middle East, as well as provides a secure and stable transmission to government agencies. The extensive signal strength and prime location makes the AMOS platform particularly suitable for DBS and DTH operators, as well as a wide range of broadcasters, ISPs, telecommunications operators and network integrators with Internet, voice, data and digital TV services.

With AMOS-5i and the scheduled launch of the AMOS-5 satellite in mid 2011 to the orbital position at 17°E, Spacecom’s coverage is expanding to Africa, where it delivers high-power C-band and Ku-band capacity to the entire African continent. AMOS-5i and AMOS-5 complement Spacecom’s existing satellite fleet consisting of AMOS-2 and AMOS-3, and together with AMOS-4, planned for launch in 2012 to serve Asia, establishes Spacecom’s position as a global satellite provider. Based in Israel, Spacecom is traded on the Tel-Aviv Stock Exchange (TASE) as SCC. Its major shareholders are Eurocom, Israel Aerospace Industries, General Satellite Services Co. (GSSC) and Mer Services Group. For more information, please visit www.amos-spacecom.com

About AsiaSat

AsiaSat, the leading regional satellite operator in Asia, serves over two-thirds of the world's population with its powerful satellite fleet, comprising AsiaSat 3S at 105.5ºE, AsiaSat 4 at 122ºE and AsiaSat 5 at 100.5ºE. The AsiaSat satellite fleet provides services to both the broadcast and telecommunications industries. Over 300 television and radio channels are now delivered by the company's satellites, reaching over 96 million households, with more than 360 million viewers across the Asia Pacific region. Many telecommunications customers use AsiaSat for services such as public telephone networks, private VSAT networks and broadband multimedia services. It is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Asia Satellite Telecommunications Holdings Limited, a company listed on The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited (Stock Code: 1135). For more information, please visit

www.asiasat.com
Media inquiries:
Spacecom
Donna Tal, Marketing Communication Director
Tel: (972) 3 755 1013
Email: [email protected]
Asia Satellite Telecommunications Company Limited
Sabrina Cubbon, General Manager, Marketing Winnie Pang, Manager, Corporate Affairs
Tel: (852) 2500 0899 Tel: (852) 2500 0880
Mobile: (852) 9097 1210 Email: [email protected]
Email: [email protected]


Sol's on the Move, normal service resumed


From http://www.smh.com.au/business/sols-on-the-move-normal-service-resumed-20100127-mz1q.html

THE television landscape, like much of the media, is changing fast as technology provides new platforms on which to distribute content.

Much attention has focused on the ABC's decision to launch a free, 24-hour digital TV news network in Australia and the impact it may have on the pay-TV model.

Certainly pay-TV is under threat from digital television technology, and the multitude of viewing options now available to households with a set-top box. The launch of the ABC new service later this year is not only a challenge to Rupert Murdoch's Sky News, but it will give viewers free, 24-hour news and children's programming on Aunty, in addition to sport on One HD and, if market rumours are to be believed, a 24-hour movie channel in the new year.

The competitive advantage of pay-TV is being eroded, and many see the launch of a 24-hour news station as a bellwether marking the demise of Foxtel's business model, which would now seem to hang on the Federal Government's delayed decision on sport broadcast rights.

Anti-siphoning laws have denied Foxtel the chance to bid for lucrative sporting rights in the past, as the Federal Government has determined that key sports should be available on free-to-air for viewing by the general public.

In Britain and the US, the exclusive rights to various football codes has swelled the coffers of pay-TV networks for more than a decade. In Australia AFL rights, rugby matches and cricket are protected from the chequebooks of the closed networks.

The most recent anti-siphoning list took effect in 2006 and expires on December 31 this year, but no decision on what sports will remain on the list has been announced.

Just where that all leaves Foxtel and its owners - the network is half-owned by Telstra, while News Corporation and Consolidated Media Holdings own 25 per cent each - is a puzzle that will be resolved over the next 18 months.

Certainly one man seems to have made up his mind. Former Telstra chief executive Sol Trujillo has just picked up a new job as a director of a Utah-based company called Move Networks, which is banking on internet TV being the technology of the future.

Move Networks delivers live, multi-channel television over the internet - it provides the hardware and software and charges subscriptions for its content.

Investors in Move Networks include Microsoft, Cisco, Comcast, Steamboat Ventures, Hummer Winblad Venture Partners, Benchmark Capital and Televisa.

It seems Trujillo, who knows the technology as well as anyone, sees a broadband future for TV. ''Move Networks has developed a compelling business model that will deliver enhanced distribution opportunities for content providers and provide communications and media companies with an innovative TV platform to give their customers access to live, archived, and time-shifted TV,'' he said after his appointment this week.

''By combining real-time TV with the portability, personalisation and interactive features of the internet, including the mobile internet, Move Networks provides the opportunity for a full multimedia experience.''

Joining Sol is Eddy Hartenstein, the chief executive and publisher of the Los Angeles Times, and also the founder and former chief executive and chairman of DirecTV. Hartenstein is a 25-year-veteran of the satellite TV industry in the US.

The job adds to an ever-growing dance card for Trujillo, who is also on the board of Weather Investments, the investment vehicle of Egyptian businessman Naguib Sawiris, which specialises in mobile telecommunications. In 2008, Forbes magazine estimated Sawiris' worth at $US 12.7 billion ($A14.1 billion)


Untouchable Astro has a fierce competitor



From http://www.mmail.com.my/content/26164-untouchable-astro-has-fierce-competitor

ASTRO might have to start looking over its shoulder soon. A fully-fledged Internet TV service is now available in Malaysia. DETV, a subsidiary of the Redtone Group, holds the distinction as the first Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) service as well as the first Chinese-centric IPTV service in Malaysia.

IPTV uses broadband as a medium to provide digital TV to subscribers.

All subscribers need is a DETV set-top box, a television and a 1Mbps broadband connection to watch nearly 30 channels from Malaysia, China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea and Singapore including Hunan World, CCTV, China Movie, Bloomberg Television, Channel News Asia and Aljazeera as well as Malaysia’s five free-to-air channels (TV1, TV2, TV3, NTV7 and 8TV).

Speaking to members of the media during the launch, DE Multimedia managing director Wei Chuan Beng said the goal of DETV is to introduce the world’s newest film and television programmes to the Malaysian audience. The project was two years in the making with an investment of RM10million to bring the service to the market.

“From the business point of view, IPTV is a long-term business and investment. We expect operations to be profitable in the future,” said Wei, noting that while its content packages are at the moment English and Chinese-centric, DETV will be looking into adding Malay and Indian programmes to its portfolio as well.

Some key features of DETV include the 72-hour programme storage function that allows audience to catch up on missed programming, along with video-on-demand offerings. DETV offers three packages:

  • DE Great Wall package: The Great Wall platform + local free channels + DE Selections
  • DE Classic package: International with news channels + local free channels+ DE Selections
  • DE Great Wall Plus: Great Wall TV + international with news channels + DE Selections The monthly subscription fee is RM49.90 for one package while for two, it is RM79.90.

To celebrate the upcoming Chinese New Year, DETV has introduced a special promotional package where subscribers can enjoy all channels and programmes for RM60.

Those interested in subscribing to DETV can visit any Jusco Shopping Centres, Onking branches and DETV service centres in the Klang Valley.

For more information, visit www.detv.com.my or call the service hotline at 1-800-87-9901


NDTV Worldwide to provide strategic support to Astro Awani


From http://www.afaqs.com/perl/media/media_newslets/?id=44099

NDTV Worldwide has signed a consultancy agreement with Malaysia’s Astro Awani Networks to offer operations and strategic management support to its channel Astro Awani, for a period of 2 years.

As part of the consultancy, NDTV Worldwide will assist with channel strategy; provide a relevant and compelling content plan; broadcast training and technology planning for the channel. NDTV will use its broadcast experience to provide the channel efficient workflows and revenue enhancement strategies for coming years.

Further, NDTV would deploy its staff on a continued basis to Astro Awani for planning and assisting the channel management in executing its content and channel strategies.

"We are indeed happy to extend the business relationship Astro Awani has had with NDTV. We remain focused on our vision of becoming the undisputed leader in the Malaysian TV market while emphasizing on profitability, as with every venture of the Astro Group. The continuation of our relationship with NDTV is a testimony of our confidence in NDTV’s abilities to assist us in running the channel and make it a success", said Zainir Aminullah, Executive Director, Astro Entertainment Sdn Bhd.

Shyatto Raha, Chief Executive Officer, NDTV Worldwide commented, "NDTV is extremely proud to continue offering its strategic and operational management capabilities. NDTV will assist the channel operations by introducing the best practices and efficient workflows, localised content strategies built by our experienced programming team. We will work closely with the Astro Awani team to ensure the channel to retain its leadership position through superior content and production values."

For further information, contact:

Comma Consulting
Joyeeta Mitra
Tel: +919910084274
Email: [email protected]


Russia launches another military satellite into orbit


From http://en.rian.ru/russia/20100128/157700730.html

MOSCOW, January 28 (RIA Novosti) - Russia launched on Thursday a Proton-M rocket carrying a military satellite on board from the Baikonur space center in Kazakhstan, the Defense Ministry said.

"A Proton-M heavy carrier rocket with a military satellite on board was successfully launched at 03.18 Moscow time [00.18 GMT] on Thursday from the Baikonur space center," Lt. Col. Alexei Zolotukhin, a spokesman for the Defense Ministry, told RIA Novosti.

The separation of the satellite from the rocket is expected at 12.19 Moscow time [09.19 GMT], the official added.

Russia reportedly operates a network of 60-70 military satellites with reconnaissance and missile early warning capabilities.

Commander of Russia's Space Forces, Maj. Gen. Oleg Ostapenko, said on January 15 that Russia would use extensively the new Angara class carrier rockets to deliver military satellites into orbit in the future.

The family of Angara rockets will be available in a range of configurations capable of lifting between from 2 to 24.5 metric tons into low-earth orbit, and its creators say it will have a low environment impact.

The Angara is intended mainly for launch from the Plesetsk space center to reduce Moscow's dependence on Kazakhstan's Baikonur, the main launch facility for the current generation of Russian rockets.

MOSCOW, January 28 (RIA Novosti)


BSkyB's revenue rises 10% as HD takeup soars


From http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2010/jan/28/bskyb-results

Satellite broadcaster signed up nearly half a million new customers to Sky+ HD in last three months of 2009

BSkyB continued its downturn-defying financial performance in the six months to the end of December, reporting a revenue rise of 10% year on year to £2.9bn.

The satellite broadcaster is within touching distance of reaching its long-held target of 10m households after adding 172,000 net new customers in the three months to the end of December, to hit 9.7m.

BSkyB managed to sign up 482,000 households to its Sky+ HD service in the same period, a 156% year-on-year increase, to take the total number of households to 2.08m.

"It has been another good quarter in what remains a tough environment, with more customers joining Sky and strong demand across our entire product range," said the BSkyB chief executive, Jeremy Darroch, who today announced a further increase in the company's dividend on the back of a solid financial performance.

"The standout performance came in high definition TV with almost half a million [more] customers choosing Sky+HD."

The company admitted it had spent an extra £70m in the six months to the end of December on marketing its HD service.

BSkyB increased the number of customers using its Sky+ personal video recorder set-top boxes by 553,000 in the three months to the end of December. The total Sky+ customer base now stands at 6.5 million.

The company added 101,000 new broadband customers in the three months to the end of December, to take the subscriber base to 2.4 million, while 130,000 opted to take up its telephony services.

BSkyB said that 18% of its customer base now take a a "triple-play" package of TV, broadband and telephony products.

Average revenue per user, a key measure of profitability for the company, hit £492 in the three months to the end of December. This represented an 11% year-on-year increase over the ARPU of £444 in the same period in 2008.

The company said that operating profit grew 4% year on year to £401m in the six months to the end of December, with adjusted earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation climbing 8% to £567m. Profit before tax was £358m.

"Our financial results were strong," said Darroch. "In recognition of the overall performance of the business, we have increased the interim dividend by a further 5%, representing a doubling of the dividend over five years. While the economic outlook remains uncertain, we remain well positioned with high-quality products offering customers great value for money."

BSkyB said that programming costs increased by £77m, or 9%, year on year in the six months to the end of December to £920m. The company said that "more than half" of the increase related to sports programming and either buying new additional rights, such as to the Scottish Premier League or the UEFA Champions League, and the underlying inflation on existing deals. Entertainment rights deals included House, Lie To Me and Modern Family.

Marketing costs increased by almost £100m, or 22%, year-on-year to £540m in the six months to the end of December. In the same period in 2008 the company spent £444m. BSkyB said that the £96m boost in marketing costs "reflects strong demand for our products and around half a million more Sky+ HD net additions year on year".

BSkyB said that ad revenue fell 5% year on year to £157m in the six months to the end of December. The company said that this was in line with expectations and represented an outperformance of the overall UK TV ad sector.

Last week the court of appeal ordered BSkyB to sell down its 17.9% stake in ITV to below 7.5%. The company has until 18 February to apply directly to the supreme court for permission to appeal the judgment.

Darroch, in a conference call, said that BSkyB was still "working on its position" as to whether the company will look to once again appeal.

He also said argued that BSkyB's business model was resilient enough to handle any potential negative judgment from Ofcom in its review of the pay-TV market. Reports suggest that BSkyB will be forced to drop the price it charges rival broadcasters for its sport content.

"We anticipate we will hear from Ofcom at the end of March," said Darroch. "We intend to stay focused on the market place ... whatever comes our way we will be in good shape. Until Ofcom concludes the review it is all just talk."


Bharti Airtel plans to retail satellite broadband


From http://www.dnaindia.com/money/report_bharti-airtel-plans-to-retail-satellite-broadband_1340003

Satellite broadband enables internet download speed of 2mbps and is based on very small aperture terminal (VSAT) KU and C Bands of satellite communication. While KU Band is usually used for North America and Europe, C-Band is used in Asia Pacific. C-Band uses 3.7-4.2GHz for downlink and 5.925-6.425 Ghz for uplink.

As per the plan, Bharti will offer the services in about 25 cities and towns, which have a concentration of high-rise buildings, small and medium businesses and commercial establishments.
A Bharti spokesperson denied any such plan.

A source, however, said the company has appointed a consulting firm to advise on the go-to-market strategy and conduct necessary market research.

The satellite broadband market has hitherto been limited to e-governance projects and commercial establishments. The dominant players in the segment are Bharti, BSNL and HCL Comnet, with market shares of 31%, 30% and 25%, respectively.
Bharti had first introduced satellite broadband services in Gujarat in 2008 to connect village panchayats under an e-governance project.

Observers say it makes sense for telcos to invest in satellite broadband given that extra spectrum is still not made available.

“Even if we assume that 3G and WiMax are already there, providing internet access through satellite broadband seems an economical approach. 3G and WiMax would be targeted first at high revenue paying population, like it was first done in case of voice services,” a telecom sector expert said.

However, there would still be pockets of densely populated areas with a capability to provide higher revenue, which would need high incremental investments. “This is the reason options such as satellite broadband, which does not need much investment, are effective,” the expert said.




27/01/10

..


From my Email & ICQ


..


From the Dish


No Lyngsat

From asiatvro site

东经146度轨道位置的马布海2号卫星Ku频段,CCF 2010(菲律宾)频道消失,设置12544 V 21429参数无效接收。[01-27]
东经138度轨道位置的亚太5号卫星Ku频段,凤凰资讯、星空卫视(数码天空)等7个频道新增,设置12275 V 15000参数有条件接收。[01-27]
东经146度轨道位置的马布海2号卫星Ku频段,E-Talk(梦幻卫视)频道加密,设置12301 H 25600参数有条件接收。[01-27]

东经113度轨道位置的韩星5号卫星Ku频段,ABO(韩国)等全组频道消失,设置12731 H 28200参数无效接收。[01-26]
东经76.5度轨道位置的亚太2R号卫星Ku频段,海外宣传替换非凡新闻、TVBS-欢乐(华人卫视)频道,设置12491 V 22425参数免费接收。[01-26]
东经76.5度轨道位置的亚太2R号卫星Ku频段,台视、华视(MPEG-4)等10个频道新增,设置12405 V 30000参数免费接收。[01-26]
东经76.5度轨道位置的亚太2R号卫星Ku频段,海外宣传替换非凡新闻、TVBS-欢乐(华人卫视)频道,设置12491 V 22425参数免费接收。[01-26]
东经76.5度轨道位置的亚太2R号卫星Ku频段,台视、华视(MPEG-4)等19个频道新增,设置12405 V 30000参数免费接收。[01-26]
东经76.5度轨道位置的亚太2R号卫星Ku频段,博斯高球(华人卫视)频道解密,设置12462 V 22425参数免费接收。[01-26]
东经108.2度轨道位置的新天11号卫星Ku频段,蜻蜓一台(韩国)等频道加密,设置12411 V 11110参数有条件接收。[01-26]

东经78.5度轨道位置的泰星5号卫星Ku频段,Luxe TV替换自办高清(UBC)频道,设置12272 H 30000参数有条件接收。[01-25]


NEWS


Illegal dishes ordered down


From http://manningham-leader.whereilive.com.au/news/story/add-your-comment-illegal-dishes-ordered-down/

NEIGHBOURHOOD disputes over satellite dishes installed on residential roofs are ending up in the courts.

Last month, the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal heard two cases brought by neighbours complaining about the installation of satellite dishes at properties in Bulleen and Donvale.

In both cases, the property owners had failed to obtain a permit for the installation of the dishes, which were between 1.2m and 2.4m in diameter.

Manningham Council chief executive Lydia Wilson said the council had received 26 complaints from residents about dishes last year - but council staff were also looking out for illegal installations.

“Illegal dishes have been located by both council staff and also by complaints received by the community,” Ms Wilson said.

“In our experience, the main reason why people have not sought permits prior to erecting satellite dishes is that information about planning requirements was not provided by installation companies.”

In both cases heard last month, the tribunal refused to allow the illegally installed dishes to stay up.

In the first case, tribunal member Cindy Wilson found a dish on a property in Yarra Valley Blvd, Bulleen, had an “unacceptable” impact on other residents - despite three neighbours saying they did not have a problem with the dish.

In the second matter, the VCAT member Christina Fong said a 2.3m dish, attached to a pole at the rear of a property in Daniel St, Donvale - higher than the roof line - was not permitted because of the visual impact it created.

“Satellite reception of overseas television programs increases enjoyment, particularly for members of the community with an ethnic background,” Ms Fong said.

“However, it has to be within the parameters of planning guidelines when a permit is required.”

She said the council had a data sheet on the installation of satellite dishes. For a copy, phone 9840 9333.


Digital television service at a cost


From http://www.ypct.com.au/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=6591&Itemid=66

Journalist: John Duncan — Minister for Broad­band, Communi­cations and the Digital Econ­omy, Stephen Conroy, announced on January 5 all regional Australians, including those in black spot areas, will now receive the same television service as people in the cities via a satellite service. The news has residents on the Copper Coast and western Yorke Peninsula, who have been experiencing poor/intermittent digital reception, hopeful they will be able to take advantage of the service.

A spokesperson for the minister defined a digital television black spot as; “any household that is unable to obtain adequate reception for their local terrestrial digital television services”.

“The government is finalising details on the date the satellite services will be available to residents in South Australia as well as the process for households accessing the service and will communicate this information as it is available,” the spokesperson said.

However, the service will come at a cost.

The “approximate average cost” for the purchase and installation of residential direct-to-home satellite equipment is $600.

A satellite conversion subsidy will be made available to eligible households currently served by self-help transmission sites which are not upgraded to digital by the broadcasters.

But residents living on the Copper Coast and western YP are not served by self-help transmission sites and therefore not eligible for the subsidy.   

The spokesperson said residents who receive certain government pensions and payments will be eligible for assistance under the government’s household assistance scheme and more information on this subsidy will be made available closer to the switchover date.

Southern Cross Broadcasting assessing the options

Wallaroo, Moonta and Kadina are in the Upper Spencer Gulf license area operated by Southern Cross Broadcasting, which is yet to announce whether or not it will improve the digital transmission to the Copper Coast, upgrade to high definition transmission or provide the full suite 16 free-to-air digital services.

“We’re working with the government to work out how and when we are going to bring the additional terrestrial digital signals to South Australia and Broken Hill,” Greg Dodson, Southern Cross Media chief operating officer, said. 

“I had a meeting with the minister’s office and we’re waiting for the government to talk to us about how and when we do it.

“That’s all I can say at this stage but I don’t think the response is far away, hopefully by the end of January.”

A spokesperson for the minister said Southern Cross Broadcastering is not required to broadcast high definition digital services or the full suite of digital channels.

“It is currently, and will continue to be, a commercial decision for broadcasters as to whether they provide new digital channels with different content via terrestrial systems,” the spokesperson said.  “Under conditions of their licence ... there is no legislative requirement for the Spencer Gulf broadcasters to provide high definition programming.”


SatLink — Taking On Turnaround


From http://www.satnews.com/cgi-bin/story.cgi?number=850719226

SatLink Communications Ltd. has signed a long-term agreement with Eurovision to provide turnaround services for  contribution feeds to and from Asia. SatLink will turnaround Eurovision's sports and news transmissions in HD and SD formats, to broadcasters and operators throughout  the Asian continent.

SatLink will receive Eurovision's transmissions by fiber and uplink them via the AsiaSat-5 satellite. Satlink offers distribution services of sport and news via a worldwide hybrid system of fiber optic network and satellites from Asia to Europe and from Europe to Asia and  to the Americas and Africa. The company also operates a wide array of MCPC platforms providing broadcasting services reaching around the globe with world-wide  transmission capabilities on platforms over Europe, Asia, North America, the Middle East and Africa, and an extensive global fiber network.


Fox International Channels to launch three new channels with StarHub TV


From http://www.media.asia/Newsarticle/2010_01/Fox-International-Channels-to-launch-three-new-channels-with-StarHub-TV/38604

SINGAPORE – Fox International Channels (FIC) and StarHub have furthered their partnership with the launch of three channels through StarHub TV – Fox, tvN and Nat Geo Music.

Starting on 1 February, the new channels are free to StarHub TV subscribers. FIC will also reintroduce the Nat Geo Wild channel to the Basic Education package.

“We want to be able to offer our customers the best entertainment from all over the world without them having to leave their sofas,” said vice-president of home solutions at StarHub, Ong Bee Lian.

This year, Fox is broadcasting exclusive TV series including 'Lie to Me', 'White Collar', 'The Simpsons', 'Burn Notice', and 'Criminal Minds'. tvN is a Korea-based channel powered by CJ Media. Subscribers can catch the ‘Korean wave’ under the Chinese Entertainment Upsize plan. Nat Geo Music is offered through the Education Upsize Group.


MB Channel expected to break even in 8 months


From http://www.bangkokpost.com/business/economics/31758/mb-channel-expected-to-break-even-in-8-months

Media Baron Co expects its satellite TV business to break even in the third quarter of this year, says its chief executive.

Sukhathep: Ads set to raise B5-6m a month

The company, owned by the Chansrichawla family, has invested 6 million baht to set up the satellite TV business.

The firm worked with INN News Agency to launch the MB Channel four months ago.

Sukhathep Chansrichawla, the company's CEO, said Media Baron's satellite TV operations will break even in the next eight months. The number of commercial ads will increase to 11 or 12 this year, from only four now, generating about 5-6 million baht per month, enough to cover operations costs.

"The satellite TV business is highly competitive," he said.

"We are very new in this area, but if our content is different from others we will receive a warm welcome from viewers. This is why we set our content concept as knowledge entertainment."

The Chansrichawla family is among one of Thailand's most prominent business families, with interests in insurance and real estate.

Media Baron has made providing integrated information, especially news and knowledge, its main objective.

Asia Broadcasting Television Co (ABTV) will manage the programming, broadcast via the Thaicom 5 satellite, which covers more than 22 countries.

"The MB Channel will emphasise its strength in offering news in a neutral manner," Mr Sukhathep said. "The news production is divided into two types - our own production covers around 60% of the channel's content with the rest coming from foreign programmes, for which we pay for the broadcasting rights."

MB Channel's own programmes include INN Hot News, Hello Health, economics show Sethasart Hang Kwam Jing and Mittare TV. Foreign productions include international documentaries, soap operas from India and Muay Thai fights.

Many product manufacturers and media-buying agencies are turning to satellite and cable TV to communicate more effectively with target audiences, said Mr Sukhathep.

A survey on popularity and ad-spending on satellite TV will soon establish a database of audience ratings. This will lead to rising confidence among advertisers when they compare the air-time rates with free TV, whose rates have been revised up regardless of the economic downturn, he said.

The company is confident MB Channel will be a hit with product owners and agencies as well as audiences, he said.


CASBAA — 2010 Convention Planning


From http://www.satnews.com/cgi-bin/story.cgi?number=678607360

The Cable & Satellite Broadcasting Association of Asia has announced details of the CASBAA Convention 2010 to be held at the Grand Hyatt Hotel, Hong Kong on October 25th – 28th. The annual industry gathering provides a unique and highly interactive platform for the Asian and global leadership of the subscription-TV and related media industries to debate the future of the ever-changing communications landscape.

The CASBAA Convention 2010 will kick off in Hong Kong with the Golf Masters, the by-invitation-only Regulators Roundtable, and the Speakers’ Cocktail Reception on Monday October 25th. The annual gathering in Asia will comprise an integrated conference program of plenary sessions, briefings, breakfast meetings and receptions, culminating in the CASBAA Charity Ball on the evening of Thursday, October 28th. The CASBAA Convention 2009 attracted more than 800 speakers, delegates, and media drawn from around the world. “The CASBAA Convention 2009 was an unprecedented success, thanks to industry and media support,” said Simon Twiston Davies, CEO of CASBAA. “Building on this base, we expect CASBAA 2010 to be an even bigger and more comprehensive event.”


Japan Plans 3D Broadcasts as Sony Preps 3D Truck


From http://www.pcworld.com/article/187830/japan_plans_3d_broadcasts_as_sony_preps_3d_truck.html

Television broadcasting in 3D took a couple of steps further towards reality on Wednesday when Japan joined the list of countries planning to launch the new format and Sony said it will soon deliver a truck equipped to broadcast 3D programming on the go.

Japan's Sky Perfect Communications plans to launch 3D broadcasting in the middle of this year with two to three programs per month, it said Wednesday. The announcement adds Japan to the list of countries planning to launch 3D broadcasting this year at about the same time compatible televisions begin appearing on the market.

Earlier this month ESPN, Discovery Channel and Sony said they would launch 3D channels in the U.S. during 2010. British Sky Broadcasting (BSkyB) is also planning to launch a 3D channel for viewers in the U.K. and Ireland and South Korea's SkyLife is also testing the format. Other broadcasters such as Australia's Foxtel are yet to announce firm plans but have expressed interest in 3D programming.

Sports, movies and gaming are the genres through which the industry expects 3D will become popular in the living room so most of the early TV content will be focused on sports and movies.

Hollywood is taking care of the movies with titles like "Avatar," which has become the highest grossing movie of all time with a box office total of US$1.9 billion to date. Movie-studio Fox said over 70 percent of sales came from 3D showings of the movie.

Programmers might get an early taste of the appetite for 3D sports in June when the World Cup kicks off in South Africa. Sony plans to broadcast up to 25 of the games in 3D and will produce and distribute a 3D film of the World Cup after the event.

On Wednesday Sony said its professional broadcasting unit had won a second order for a 3D-capable outside broadcasting truck.

The latest order is for a truck to be delivered in April to BSkyB for use covering sports and other live events. Earlier this month Sony said it would supply a similar truck to U.S.-based producer All Mobile Video.

Several major consumer electronics companies including Sony and Panasonic have said they plan to launch 3D-compatible television sets during 2010. The sets will be able to handle conventional 2D programming and be switched into 3D mode when suitable programs are transmitted. The first Blu-ray Disc players capable of 3D are also due out this year and Sony has promised to provide a software upgrade to its PlayStation 3 that will add 3D gaming capability.


American Forces Network access to be expanded in theater


From http://www.tmcnet.com/usubmit/2010/01/25/4588925.htm

Jan 25, 2010 (DEFENSE DEPARTMENT DOCUMENTS AND PUBLICATIONS/ContentWorks via COMTEX) -- JOINT BASE BALAD, Iraq -- United States Forces - Iraq is beginning a new initiative to standardize the American Forces Network's broadcasting capabilities on all enduring bases in theater.

"The bottom line is we have the best armed forces in the world and they deserve the best quality-of-life programs we can provide," said Air Force Lt. Col. David Ellison, the chief of programs for the personnel sector of USF-I. "Our goal is to ensure that, at a minimum, all enduring (bases) have AFN TV drops in all (containerized housing units) so that members have access to AFN programming. It provides a taste of America, a taste of home." Ellison, a Columbia, S.C., native, said smaller bases that are scheduled to remain in place through the upcoming withdrawal of troops and equipment from Iraq are the focus of the initiative. Locations such as Joint Base Balad and Victory Base Compound are already at or very near the standard, he said.

AFN programming provides constructive recreational and healthy entertainment options to servicemembers and is essential to their morale, said Ellison.

In addition to entertainment, AFN provides valuable education, said Air Force Master Sgt. Jody Hoefs, the noncommissioned officer in charge of the AFN maintenance field office with USF-I.

"If you have AFN where you can relax, you're going to get that good command information," said Hoefs, a Pelican Rapids, Minn., native.

Hoefs said he acts as a subject matter expert for the initiative and provides solutions for units looking to add AFN to their locations.

The initiative requires the mayor's cell of every enduring base in Iraq to provide information detailing where they sit in regard to 100 percent coverage by Feb. 5, said Hoefs.

After USF-I has this information, it will work to bring all locations up to standard by Feb. 19, Ellison said.

"It's not just about enduring bases," said Ellison.

Units on bases scheduled to close during the upcoming withdrawal can still have AFN set up with USF-I's assistance, Ellison said.

Ellison said the technology used to broadcast AFN in Iraq is mostly wireless and inexpensive for units to purchase. If units lack the money in morale, welfare and recreation funds, USF-I will assist in the funding, he said.

Decoders and satellite dishes for public areas such as dining facilities and MWR centers can be obtained at no cost, but installing AFN in CHUs at bases scheduled to close will be at the cost of the units, said Hoefs.

Hoefs said units can contact him with their needs and what they are looking for, and he will work with them to come up with an appropriate plan of action.

Ellison said USF-I wants to help all units but has to take costs into consideration when setting up AFN for locations that will close during the drawdown.

"We all deserve AFN, but we have to be good stewards of taxpayer money," he said.

To inquire AFN installation, units can send their requirements to [email protected].


Intelsat Nabs Big Navy Satcom Contract


From http://www.spacenews.com/contracts/100126-intelsat-nabs-big-navy-satcom-contract.html

WASHINGTON — Intelsat General Corp. of Bethesda, Md., was awarded a contract worth as much as $542.7 million over five years to provide global end-to-end satellite communications services for the U.S. Navy, according to a Jan. 26 Defense Department press release.

Intelsat General, a subsidiary of satellite operator Intelsat of Washington and Bermuda, will provide C-, Ku- and X-band satellite capacity, ground terminals and terrestrial backhaul and network management services as the prime contractor for the Navy’s Commercial Broadband Satellite Program (CBSP). The program will replace the Navy’s current L-band mobile satellite services provided by Inmarsat of London.

While Intelsat does not operate any X-band communications satellites, the company in September announced a strategic arrangement with Paradigm Secure Communications of the United Kingdom to be its preferred provider of X-band capacity. Paradigm operates the Skynet satellite fleet on behalf of Britain’s Ministry of Defence.

The indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity CBSP contract, which includes one base year and four one-year options, was issued by the Defense Information Systems Agency. Four other competitors submitted bids for the contract, the release said.


Arianespace To Launch The First Ten Galileo Satellites


From http://www.space-travel.com/reports/Arianespace_To_Launch_The_First_Ten_Galileo_Satellites_999.html

Arianespace and its subsidiary Starsem have already orbited the Giove-A and Giove-B satellites, thus securing the frequencies allocated to the Galileo constellation.

Jean-Yves Le Gall, Chairman and CEO of Arianespace, and Rene Oosterlinck, Director of the Galileo Program and Navigation-related Activities at the European Space Agency (ESA), has signed the launch contract for the first ten FOC (Full Operational Capability) satellites in Europe's planned Galileo satellite positioning system at ESTEC (European Space Research and Technology Center) in Noordwijk, the Netherlands.

The contract is managed by ESA on behalf of the European Union.

Also present at the contract signing ceremony were Matthias Ruete, Director General of the Energy and Transport Directorate General in the European Commission, and Jean-Jacques Dordain, Director General of ESA.

These ten satellites will be placed in a circular orbit at an altitude of 23,000 kilometers. They will be launched in pairs starting in December 2012, using five Soyuz launchers operated from the Guiana Space Center. The satellites will be built by the team of OHB Technology of Germany and Surrey Satellite Technology, Ltd. of the United Kingdom.

Arianespace and its subsidiary Starsem have already orbited the Giove-A and Giove-B satellites, thus securing the frequencies allocated to the Galileo constellation.

Arianespace will also launch the first four operational satellites in the constellation, within the scope of the In Orbit Validation (IOV) program, from the Guiana Space Center, Europe's Spaceport in French Guiana, starting at the end of 2010.

With a complete family of launchers comprising Ariane 5, Soyuz and Vega, Arianespace guarantees independent access to space for Europe and offers the best solution for launching the entire Galileo constellation.


Satellites - One Size Fits All


From http://www.spacedaily.com/reports/Satellites_One_Size_Fits_All_999.html

Standardization is not easily achieved for low-Earth-orbiting (LEO) satellites. The variety of applications and missions requires special satellite designs in almost all cases. The only situation in which a single design can be effective in terms of cost, mass and complexity is one in which many cloned satellites are needed for a unique application.

Over the past few decades NASA and other organizations have attempted to design satellites that would be capable of carrying out multiple missions. The fundamental idea is to create a single spacecraft design that could be duplicated over and over in order to reduce unit costs while satisfying several space missions and applications. To date, the results have been disappointing.

The spacecraft bus tends to become overly complicated, excessively heavy and too costly for most applications. The underlying problem with this approach is the one-of-a-kind market demand that has plagued the satellite community since its beginnings. Low production and flight numbers just do not permit realization of scaling and production advantages that are common in mass production industries.

It has taken five decades to arrive at the conclusion that most missions require unique design features which effectively precluding the use of a one-size-fits-all design.

While it is true that Iridium, GPS and a few other programs have been able to produce large numbers of satellite clones, the majority of satellite purchases involve very few flight vehicles. Fortunately, the situation is not "black and white." There are a good number of "standard" spacecraft buses that are marketed by the satellite manufacturers.

For example, the geostationary Earth orbit (GEO) communications satellite market amenable to some standardization of the spacecraft bus elements and subsystems.

Most GEOs require an Earth-pointing attitude control system, power collected from sun-oriented arrays and stationkeeping requirements that are similar for all equatorial positions. All payloads can be mounted on the Earth-pointing face, and so on. This situation is uniquely convenient for manufacturers of GEO communications birds.

However, standardization is not easily achieved for low-Earth-orbiting (LEO) satellites. The variety of applications and missions requires special satellite designs in almost all cases. The only situation in which a single design can be effective in terms of cost, mass and complexity is one in which many cloned satellites are needed for a unique application.

Although two examples were cited above, the next new opportunity may be a distributed space infrastructure that could replace large monoliths with constellations of small satellites. This idea has been around for some years but has not been tested for a number of technical and political reasons.

However, recent monolithic program shortcomings in combination with advances in small spacecraft technologies and computational techniques have encouraged a refocusing of efforts toward the possible future adoption of distributed space systems.

It is possible that one day soon many of today's space applications will be accomplished using large numbers of inexpensive small spacecraft, all working together to provide functions that are currently the purview of billion-dollar big birds.


Egyptian Court: Not Enough Evidence to Stop al-Manar Broadcasts


From http://www.naharnet.com/domino/tn/NewsDesk.nsf/0/239CD11957D51B9CC22576B800264553?OpenDocument

An Egyptian court has rejected a lawsuit requesting a ban on Hizbullah's al-Manar TV for allegedly airing programs defaming Egypt and its government.

Lawyer Samir Sabri, who filed the lawsuit, had earlier urged the Egyptian prime minister and ministers of investment and information to ban the channel which is transmitted on Egypt's Nilesat satellite network.

The Administrative Judicial Court, however, rejected the lawsuit saying Sabri hadn't provided enough evidence to back his claim.

On Sunday, Arab information ministers slammed a U.S. Congress bill passed in December that imposes sanctions on satellite channels deemed hostile to the United States.

After a six-hour meeting in Cairo, the ministers issued a communique that said the bill was "considered interference in the internal affairs of Arab states which regulate their media affairs according to national legislation."

The bill, adopted by a massive 395-3 majority, calls for punitive measures against al-Aqsa, the station of the Islamist Palestinian movement Hamas, which broadcasts from the Gaza Strip, and al-Manar.


Scientists to discuss alien life


From http://www.google.com/hostednews/ukpress/article/ALeqM5hs6dHek0TFnOAgICNwVrAAC6UMag

Extra-terrestrial life is to come under the microscope as scientists and academics discuss its possible effect on humanity at a gathering in London.

The second day of the conference, organised by the Royal Society, the UK's national academy of science, will hear talks on human responses to extra-terrestrial life.

Lord Martin Rees, president of the Royal Society, will ask whether a microwave transmission from light years away will result in fear and pandemonium, or perhaps even delight.

Other speakers at the conference, entitled The Detection of Extra-terrestrial Life and the Consequences for Science and Society, will investigate the implications of the discovery of alien life for religion and theology.

And the world's leading ET hunter, Dr Frank Drake, will discuss the ongoing search for beings from another realm.

Dr Drake said satellite TV and the digital revolution was making humanity more and more invisible to inquisitive aliens on other planets.

Dr Drake, who founded the SETI (Search for Extra-terrestrial Intelligence) organisation in the US 50 years ago, said the digital age was effectively gagging the Earth by cutting the transmission of TV and radio signals into space.

At present, the Earth is surrounded by a 50 light year-wide "shell" of radiation from analogue TV, radio and radar transmissions. But although the signals had spread far enough to reach many nearby star systems, they were rapidly vanishing before the march of digital technology. Dr Drake said to a race of observing aliens, digital TV signals would look like noise.

Any alien civilisations that existed were likely to be far more advanced than ours, he said. Their analogue TV age probably came and went long ago, before humans even thought about searching the sky for signs of intelligent life.

Dr Drake said he remained convinced that intelligent life existed beyond the Earth, despite the lack of success of SETI scientists who have spent half a century tuning into the stars.


(Craig's comment, ummmm!..)




26/01/10

No update today, taking a break




25/01/10

Sorry the update is late as always..

Intelsat 8 Australia network on 3829 H Sr13238, signal reported down by 3dB.

SKY NZ has added 4 channels for the winter Olympics

D1 12608 H sr 22500 Fec 3/4, 13 TV channels now load on this T.P so don't expect high quality video. Maori TV has been removed

Saturday feeds

IS5 3760 H Sr 25000 3/4 "Hope for Haiti concert"
IS5 4160 H Sr 26479 3/4 "Hope for Haiti concert"

D1 12509 V SR 6670 "VUA 6.6Ms/s QPSK"
D1 12518 V SR 6670 "GCAST7 cycle race (sbs feed ???)"

Intelsat 8 12561 V Sr 6670 "NZ' v8's" (NZ/Islands beam)

Sunday feeds

D2 12554 H Sr 6980 SAG awards
D2 12680 V Sr 6670 Tour Down Under


From my Email & ICQ


..


From the Dish


Express AM3 140E 11665 V "Zee TV Russia" is now encrypted.

Telstar 18 138E 3660 V "FTV" is Fta.

JCSAT 3A 128E All channels in the TAS mux on 4000 V are encrypted again, except FTV, FTV News, Da Ai TV and MAC TV.

AsiaSat 3S 105.5E 4020 V "Sahara Aalami" has left .
AsiaSat 3S 105.5E 4111 H "Horizon Channel" has left .

AsiaSat 5 100.5E "Rai Italia 3 Asia" has left 4000 H, moved to 3880 H.

AsiaSat 5 100.5E 12306 V "CRI TV" has left .

Measat 3 91.5E 3840 V "Celestial Movies SE Asia" is Fta.

ST 1 88E "Prime TV (India)" has started on 3469 V and 3591 H, Fta. HB Finance Channel, Express Finance Satellite TV, Heng Seng Financial News and
MTV Mandarin are now encrypted.

Apstar 2R 76.5E 3840 H "New Channel TV has replaced Star Love TV" on , Fta.

ABS 1 75E 12548 V "Detskiy, Russkij Illusion, Illusion + and Zoo Park" are now encrypted.
ABS 1 75E 12548 V "24 Techno and Nastoyashee Strashnoe TV"are now encrypted.
ABS 1 75E 12670 V "Mat i Ditya" is now encrypted.

Intelsat 7 68.5E 3661 V "DCLM" has started on , Fta.

NSS 12 57E 3800 R "BFBS 3 Kids, BFBS 4, Sky Sports 1-2 and Q" have started on , MPEG-4, new SR: 20000.

Yamal 202 49E 3953 L "TV Lanka Channel 2" is now Fta.

Intelsat 12 45E 11673 V "NHK World TV" has started on , Irdeto.

From Asiatvro site

东经76.5度轨道位置的亚太2R号卫星C频段,New Channel TV(波斯语)频道新增,设置3840 H 27500参数免费接收。[01-25]
东经100.5度轨道位置的亚洲5号卫星C频段,Raitalia 3(意大利)频道消失,设置4000 H 28125参数无效接收。[01-25]

东经113度轨道位置的韩星5号卫星Ku频段,Betv、YTN(韩国)等频道加密,设置12621 V 13333参数有条件接收。[01-24]
东经108.2度轨道位置的新天11号卫星Ku频段,蜻蜓一台(韩国)等频道解密,设置12411 V 11110参数免费接收。[01-24]

东经68.5度轨道位置的国际10号卫星C频段,DCLM Channel(英语)频道新增,设置3661 V 14070参数免费接收。[01-24]
东经113度轨道位置的韩星5号卫星Ku频段,Betv、YTN(韩国)等频道解密,设置12621 V 13333参数免费接收。[01-23]
东经78.5度轨道位置的泰星5号卫星C频段,RRsat promo(RRsat)频道新增,设置3551 H 13333参数免费接收。[01-23]
东经80度轨道位置的快车MD1号卫星C频段,FNS(俄罗斯)频道新增,设置3625 R 33483参数免费接收。[01-23]

东经138度轨道位置的亚太5号卫星Ku频段,MRTV(缅甸)频道消失,设置12380 H 2220参数无效接收。[01-22]
东经88度轨道位置的中新1号卫星C频段,Filmy Tiame替换Prime TV(中华电信)频道,设置3469 V 30000参数免费接收。[01-22]
东经88度轨道位置的中新1号卫星C频段,Filmy Tiame替换Prime TV(中华电信)频道,设置3595 H 30000参数免费接收。[01-22]
东经78.5度轨道位置的泰星5号卫星C频段,RRSat Promo(RRSat)频道新增,设置3640 H 28066参数免费接收。[01-22]
东经80度轨道位置的快车AM2号卫星Ku频段,Dom Kino、Telenyanya(俄罗斯)频道消失,设置11606 V 44948参数无效接收。[01-22]
东经146度轨道位置的马布海2号卫星Ku频段,民视新闻替换JET TV(华人卫视)频道,设置12621 V 30000参数有条件接收。[01-22]


NEWS


New pay TV arts channel to be called STVDIO


From http://mumbrella.com.au/pay-tv-arts-channel-named-stvdio-but-pronounced-studio-16375

The new SBS-produced arts channel for pay TV that will take the slot currently occupied by Ovation has been unveiled as STVDIO, although it is pronounced “Studio”.

The broadcaster said it has been spelt with a “v” to bring out the word “TV”. The logo was created by Frost Design.

The new arts channel will launch on April 1 with details of the programming yet to be revealed.

Jacquie Ridell, SBS director of marketing, said: “The name STVDIO represents the new channel perfectly.

“Every art form – be it dance, fine art, music, theatre, film or writing – is created in a studio. In addition to performance, our new channel will take audiences into how art is made and what makes artists tick.”

STVDIO replaces the Ovation channel which was dumped by Foxtel and Austar after the pay TV operators opted instead to sign a deal with SBS to launch a new arts and entertainment channel this year.

STVDIO is operated by SBS subsidiary, PAN TV.


Locals ferret out Waihopai's secrets


From http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/3257505/Locals-ferret-out-Waihopais-secrets

Inquisitive Marlborough locals have outsmarted government attempts to keep the targets of the Waihopai spy station secret – and have discovered that it is eavesdropping on Asian satellites carrying the communications of New Zealand's friends and trading partners in that region.

The Government Communications Security Bureau (GCSB), refuses to disclose its targets. However, one of the station's large spherical covers (or radomes) was damaged in a 2008 anti-war protest. This left the listening antenna uncovered for 15 months, during which time people living near the base collected photographs and measurements of the uncovered satellite dish.

Their findings, along with measurements by a registered surveyor, were analysed by a former navy and police telecommunications engineer for the Sunday Star-Times, revealing the satellite dish's targets (see below).

The Kiwi spy base was pointed at various times at regions occupied by Japanese, Chinese and Russian satellites. On one day in 2009 the target was one of two Asian telecommunications satellites, one Japanese and one Vietnamese, according to the surveyor's measurements.

Both satellites provide regional phone, data, internet and television links to private companies, individuals and government agencies in Japan, South-East Asia and down to Australia and New Zealand.

Former diplomat Terence O'Brien was not surprised by the spying on Asian targets but said New Zealand needed to sort out whether our future was in Asia or still "being shaped by influences from the North Atlantic".

"We're supposed to be getting closer to Asia... which has a considerable influence on our future prosperity and wellbeing," whereas spying on Asia as part of an Anglo alliance was "back in an old, comfortable North Atlantic view of the world".

Spying on East Asian countries, and especially Japan, would be consistent with the GCSB's long-term operations. In 2006, the Star-Times reported on a misplaced 1986 GCSB annual report found among former Prime Minister David Lange's papers deposited in the National Archives.

The report, stamped "Top Secret Umbra", described the GCSB's operations, including interception of Japanese government communications, with "most of the raw data" supplied by the allied US National Security Agency (NSA) and British government communications headquarters.

The GCSB has also monitored communications by the governments of the Phillipines, Laos, and South Pacific.

The GCSB's Waihopai station has two main listening dishes. The first, established in 1989, targets South Pacific nation communications carried by the Intelsat 701 satellite. The targets of the second dish, built in 1998, have been unknown until now. The station is part of a secret network of listening stations around the world run by the GCSB's US, British, Canadian and Australian intelligence allies.

GCSB spokesman Hugh Wolfensohn said he could not comment on the calculations about the direction of the satellite dish, but "people are free to draw whatever conclusions they wish".

WHAT OUR SPIES WERE LISTENING TO

The satellite dish was not fixed on one satellite, but shifted between satellites for periods of weeks or months. Measurements by local people, which were only approximate, pointed to areas of sky occupied only by Japanese, Chinese and Russian satellites.

The more accurate surveyor's measurements revealed that on July 10, 2009, the dish was aimed at a satellite positioned above the equator, far above Indonesia. Two Asian telecommunications satellites are "parked" there: one owned by Japan's JSAT corporation and another by Vietnam's state-owned Post and Telecommunications Group.

A former navy and police telecommunications engineer, Lionel Hussey, of Christchurch, said that based on the surveyor's measurements, "I would give these two satellites very high but equal probability of being under surveillance."


(Craig's comment, 132E???)


Cultivating an eye for a ripping good yarn


From http://www.nzherald.co.nz/entertainment/news/article.cfm?c_id=1501119&objectid=10621749&pnum=0

Richard Driver says he steers clear of other documentary channels by focusing on people. Photo / Greg Bowker

Documnetary Channel founder Richard Driver says he was rescued from a life in rock'n'roll.

Brent Hansen - the former Radio With Pictures producer who went on to head MTV Europe - gave Richard Driver a job presenting the influential music show in the 1980s.

He says he has never looked back and two decades later the former rocker is delivering the most consistently intelligent channel on television. At the time, Driver had been on the road with his band the Hip Singles for about seven years.

"Brent picked me up out of the gutter and put me into the wonderful world of the TV business," Driver said, with a chuckle. "Television has the same fizz and buzz as the music industry - but it's a lot more professional and it deals in a much bigger range of life experience - it's great."

Having headed cornerstone television production companies Screentime and Visionary Film & Television, he decided in about 2004 that it was time to move out of production.

With some risks to his family finances, he found a new forte as creator and independent owner of the Documentary Channel - one of a handful of independently owned New Zealand channels that are a part of the basic Sky Television package.

The Documentary Channel started on Sky in November 2006 and recently renewed its carriage agreement with Sky for another three years.

At its third birthday in November the cumulative audience of people who had watched a Sky programme over the month passed one million.

Sky chief executive John Fellet has said that the Documentary Channel has been a clear-cut success for the pay television platform.

Now, two decades after being given his entree into television, Driver is looking at ways to export his unique format for the Documentary Channel into other territories.

The channel shares offices in Epsom with a broadcast partner which sends programmes by a fibre optic line to Albany where they are up-loaded on to the Sky satellite. Driver said that it was important the channel did not become caught up in a technological investment.

"Our cornerstone is content and acquisition. Sky pays us a fee based on subscriber base and viewership for the channel so we grow with Sky - it has worked well so far," he said.

Sky growth slowed last year but it is in nearly 50 per cent of homes.

Sky pays Driver a share of revenue from the advertising that it schedules on the Documentary Channel.

Driver says there are no great secrets to the success of the arrangement and it comes down to the fact that there was an unquenched demand for the content he was supplying.

He negotiated with Sky - not after years of higher education and a communications degree - but having followed a basic "how to" book on pay TV that he bought from Amazon.com.

"At the time I had (veteran television executive and former Prime TV programmer) Andrew Shaw on my payroll and he had a relationship with Sky from the days when Sky bought Prime."

He played a role in pitching and brokering the original deal.

"It was incredibly quick - Sky tell me one of the quickest negotiations they have ever had."

Why did he choose a channel of documentaries? He had made docos at Visionary Film and Television - a company that had been backed by significant investors in the Huljich family - including the critically acclaimed New Zealand music retrospective series Give It a Whirl.

At an international level New Zealand television had drawn attention for attracting good-sized commercial audiences to one-off, commercially focused documentaries in branded series like Inside New Zealand.

Driver says: "Documentaries were always in the top 20 popular shows.

"Market research had showed there was an appetite for them and when I was considering the idea there was a perception that documentaries were not receiving as much interest from the networks commissioning shows.

"It became clear that there was a market there," he said.

A quick glance at a list of Sky Channels and it's obvious that the channel does not hold a monopoly over documentaries.

Sky runs US or Australian-based entities such as National Geographic, Animal Planet, History, and Crime and Investigation channels. Driver says one of his key disciplines is ensuring the Documentary Channel does not stray into territory dominated by the seven other Sky information channels. He keeps the focus for programming on people.

"I always said that if this was a magazine, it would be with Vanity Fair - for connoisseurs of the human experience," he said. He includes mainstream - even slightly tabloid - fare about subjects like royalty and happily shows some programming that has already been run on free-to-air TV.

But the secret of the channel - which has about three hours each night of first-play pay-TV content - is Driver's eclectic programming mix, incorporating unique independent fare.

He often visits international markets and has relationships with distributors, many of whom know Documentary Channel is the only avenue via which they will be seen in this country. An example was a lengthy documentary The Monastery: Mr Vig and the Nun, the uplifting story of a dishevelled Danish man who donates and renovates a dilapidated castle for the Russian Orthodox church.

"It is one of the best documentaries I have ever seen. This is a programme that would never make it on to TVNZ or TV3, yet it was brilliant television."

The channel often runs repeats so he has to find three to four hours of first-run material each day.

Having made documentaries, there are limited commercial returns.

And the sort of prices Documentary Channel can offer are not going to make a boost to doco makers - whether in New Zealand or overseas.

Yet he says he has been amazed when buying shows that some documentary makers are much less worried about the money as ensuring that their beloved projects get shown in a New Zealand market where the free-to-air television has ignored all but commercial fare.

Freeview is focused on local content and has shown little interest in overseas material that would fit a public service remit.

Driver says that Sky TV had the only valid format for Documentary Channel to survive as a business.

"I wanted to find something that is not on ordinary TV - a place where customers felt they were being treated with respect - no business ever failed by treating its customers with respect," he said.


High costs and tech issues to delay 3D broadcasts in NZ


From http://pcworld.co.nz/pcworld/pcw.nsf/feature/D1703F675372280ECC2576B6000DC37B

3D broadcasts in time for the Rugby World Cup are unlikely, according to a Mediaworks expert.

Kiwi sports fans dreaming of 3D TV broadcasts in time for the 2011 Rugby World Cup are likely to be disappointed, says Mediaworks director of technology John Allen.

Mediaworks owns C4 and TV3 and became the first broadcaster in New Zealand to carry HD broadcasts when it began broadcasting selected TV3 primetime shows over the Freeview HD service in 2008.

In an interview with PC World today, Allen said it could be “several years” before New Zealand networks began broadcasting in 3D and the technology was more likely to succeed in areas such as PC and console gaming to begin with.

“There’s quite a lot of hype around 3D TV, particularly with the 3D movie Avatar coming to New Zealand, but to my mind there are a lot of technical issues that need to be worked through before it can be incorporated into a broadcast stream.”

Broadcasting in 3D could cost networks between 20% and 200% more than broadcasting in HD because of the higher bandwidth requirements, he said. That meant networks would be cautious and would need to be sure there was enough demand in any given market before they took up the technology.

He said the recent decision by broadcasting giants ESPN and Sky UK to broadcast some of this year’s Football World Cup in 3D was “highly experimental” and was unlikely to make them money.

Another obstacle to 3D broadcasts would be the high costs to consumers of purchasing 3D TVs and possibly new set-top boxes to harness the technolgy.

“Because the technology has not been finalised it’s difficult to comment, but I suspect we would have to replace our [Freeview] PVRs.

“I think Sky is likely to have the same reservations as we have… they have legacy set-top boxes too.”

Earlier this month Sky spokesperson Tony O’Brien said Sky was keeping a watch on the overseas uptake of 3D technology and was unlikely to introduce 3D broadcasts in the “near future”.

3D content and dedicated 3D channels would only appear in New Zealand after the technology had been introduced in the US, UK and Australia, as occurred with HD broadcasts, O’Brien said.


SES To Rebrand Satellite Fleet


From http://www.spacemart.com/reports/SES_WORLD_SKIES_Announces_Fleet_Rebrand_999.html

Consistent with its role within SES as the provider of global and American satellite capacity, SES WORLD SKIES has unveiled its updated strategic satellite fleet development plan, as well as a new naming convention for future additions to the fleet that will leverage SES' global reach and powerful brand.

Three new advanced satellites in various stages of development and construction by Orbital Sciences Corporation are intended to replenish and expand SES WORLD SKIES' North American fleet and will be named SES-1, SES-2 and SES-3.

SES-1 is set for launch in the spring of 2010 and will replace AMC-2 and AMC-4 at the 101 degrees West orbital slot. Further information on launch dates and slots for SES-2 and SES-3 will be published shortly.

NSS-14, currently under construction with Space Systems/Loral and scheduled for launch in Q1 2011, has been renamed SES-4. It will replace NSS-7 and provide incremental capacity over the Atlantic Ocean with comprehensive coverage of the Americas, Europe, Africa and the Middle East. NSS-7 will then move to replace NSS-5 at 340 degrees East.

The C-band payload of the SIRIUS 5 spacecraft, also under construction with Space Systems/Loral and scheduled for launch in Q4 2011, will be named SES-5 and reside together with the Ku-band payload of SIRIUS 5 at 5 degrees East.

The NSS-806 replacement satellite, under negotiation with vendors, will be named SES-6.

Finally, upon closing of the Protostar-2 acquisition announced late last year, the satellite will be fully integrated into SES WORLD SKIES global fleet and renamed following the same "SES" satellite naming nomenclature.

"Our fleet strategy is focused purely on meeting our customers' growing demand for telecom, television and government services delivery with the most reliable and advanced satellites that carry the most trusted and financially secure name in the industry," said Rob Bednarek, President and CEO of SES WORLD SKIES. "SES WORLD SKIES is embarking on one of the most ambitious satellite deployment initiatives in the industry to meet the strong need for ubiquitous connectivity in virtually every corner of the world."


Arab ministers want satellite ‘police force’


From http://www.rapidtvnews.com/index.php/201001255668/arab-ministers-want-satellite-police-force.html

For the past few years the backers of Arabsat and Nilesat have advocated an independent broadcasting regulator in the style of Ofcom or the FCC. A extraordinary meeting opened in Cairo on Jan 24 of the Arab League’s 22-member Information Ministers, and is addressing the problem.

Last month a US Congressional report stated bluntly that Arabsat and Nilesat should be considered “terror organisations” (http://www.rapidtvnews.com/index.php/201001035492/arabsat-and-nilesat-terror-organisations.html) and that the satellite operators “incite violence” because of the contentious channels they carry.

We reported on Jan 3: “House law no. 2278, backed by Rep. Jesse Pelerakis and Democrat Joseph Crowley in May and passed by the House on December 8, urges the US administration to revise the nature of their relationship and assistance to states that provide satellite service for channels which are considered to incite violence against America.”

Now the Cairo meeting is urgently examining its options. Some two years ago Arabsat and Nilesat recommended the creation of a pan-regional Arab Media Commission, but not all of its member states backed the proposal. Qatar, home to Al Jazeera, was distinctly lukewarm on the suggestion.

On the pro side are political and economic heavyweights Egypt and Saudi Arabia while on the opposing camp is Lebanon's Hezbollah-affiliated Al-Manar, which would likely be scrutinized by the new organization, as would Qatar-based Al-Jazeera. Al-Aqsa, a Hamas station broadcast from the Gaza Strip and viewed as a terrorist organization by the US, also might be targeted.

However, not all are in favour: The influential Paris-based Reporters Without Borders says that a proposal to create a pan-Arab television regulator is a "disturbing" move that could lead to the censorship of broadcasts critical of Arab governments. The proposal includes setting up the Office for Arab Satellite Television, a regional office to supervise satellite broadcasters in the region.

The International Press Institute is also wary, saying that efforts to engage in the kind of monitoring suggested is dangerous, particularly given the record of most, if not all, Arab Middle Eastern countries on press freedom. Anthony Mills, Press Freedom Manager with the International Press Institute, speaking to The Media Line, said: “It's an example of states in the Arab world using the notion of security to in fact monitor and stifle independent reporting. In particular not so long ago, there were efforts to get Arab countries to sign on to a convention that would in effect be a pledge to make sure that broadcasters could not insult Heads of States or attack other states' security."


Lebanese media warns of ban if US hits out at Hezbollah TV


From http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/305368,lebanese-media-warns-of-ban-if-us-hits-out-at.html

Beirut - The National Lebanese Council for Audio-Visual Media and the Lebanese Press Association on Saturday urged the United States to reverse a decision to take "punitive measures" against a satellite broadcaster run by the Shiite militant group Hezbollah. The Council hinted that it will resort to banning from Lebanese airwaves US-networks such as Cable News Network (CNN) and others financed by the US.

Council head Abdel Hadi Mahfouz said that if the US bill against Hezbollah's al-Manar television was adopted, "we as an independent council can cut off transmissions of US-based stations such as CNN and (US-backed Arabic satellite channel) al-Houra by asking cable distributors in Lebanon not to air such channels."

"We have expressed our refusal for such a legal measure against al-Manar and other channels which the US has listed as Arab terrorist entities," said Mahfouz.

The US House of Representatives passed a bill in December 2009 calling for "punitive measures" against Middle East television networks, including al-Manar, seen to be fueling anti-US sentiment.

The bill was adopted in a decisive 395 to 3 vote against media outlets that broadcast "anti-American incitement to violence in the Middle East."

The networks listed in the bill include Al-Aqsa, the television station of the Islamist Palestinian movement Hamas, which broadcasts from the Gaza Strip, and Hezbollah's al-Manar.

Hezbollah mouthpiece al-Manar broadcasts from Beirut. It was launched in 1991. In 2004 it was banned from broadcasting in the US, France, Spain and Germany.


ISRO tests third largest rocket booster in the world news


From http://www.domain-b.com/aero/space/launch_veh/20100125_rocket_booster_oneView.html

The Indian Space Research Organisation has successfully conducted a static test of the S-200, the largest solid booster developed by it, which will used in a strap-on mode on the Geo-synchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle-Mk III (GSLV-Mk III), the space agency said Sunday.

The GSLV-Mk III
The S-200 is the third largest solid booster in the world, next only to the reusable solid rocket motor (RSRM) solid booster of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration's (NASA) Space Shuttle and the P-230 solid booster of Ariane-5 of the European Arianespace.

This is India's largest satellite launch vehicle and will be used for launching heavy satellites in the four-tonne class in a geo-synchronous transfer orbit with a perigee of about 200 km and an apogee of 36,000 km. Alternately, the Gslv-III can put a 10-tonne satellite in a near-earth orbit at an altitude of about 300 km.

The GSLV-Mk III has three stages with the twin boosters, S-200, forming the first stage. The boosters are wrapped around the second stage which uses liquid fuel. The third stage uses a cryogenic motor.

The S-200 is so-called because it uses 200 tonnes of solid propellants.

''The solid booster (S200) will form the strap-on stage for the GSLV-Mk III, which is in advanced stage of development for launching four-tonne class of communication satellites,'' state-run ISRO said in a statement here.

The test was conducted at ISRO's spaceport (Satish Dhawan Space Centre) at Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh, about 80 km north-east of Chennai.

Now the stage is set for the testing of the second, or core stage, in the first week of February. This second stage, the L-110, is so named as it is powered by 110 tonnes of liquid propellants.

This test will take place at the Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC) at Mahendragiri, near Nagercoil in Tamil Nadu.

The Mahendragiri test facility will also host testing of the third, or the cryogenic, stage, which will be fuelled by 25 tonnes of liquid oxygen and liquid hydrogen.

If all tests prove successful then the first flight of the GSLV-Mk III will take place by the end of 2011. ISRO's largest rocket it will weigh 630 tonnes and will stand 43.5 metres tall.


I&B Ministry creates Satellite TV Channels Application Tracking System


From http://www.mediamughals.com/News/1/1/Article/4576/I&B_Ministry_creates_Satellite_TV_Channels_Application_Tracking_System.htm

Working upon to have more transparent system for approval of new channels in the sub-continent the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting (I&B) has created a "Satellite TV Channels Application Tracking System" (STATS).

According to I&B this new system would allow the applicants for approval channels in India to attain the status of their application online for the first time. The software has been developed by the National Informatics Centre (NIC).

The Ministry has provided the link for this new application tracking system on its website. The applicant has the authority to login in the system with the help of the Unique Company Identification Number (CIN) and a password.

In addition to the status of the Channels, Companies can also get information regarding the status even for applications, regarding SNG/DSNG vans, change of name, change of logo, Change of Directors of the company, Change in the Share Holding Pattern, extension of period of operationalisation, license renewal etc., informs I&B in its press statement.

The Ministry recently also announced ‘Open House’, a meeting at its office to provide the applicants with the status of their pending application with the Ministry. Moreover, I&B is not receiving any further applications for uplinking/downlinking of a television channel in India as the Ministry awaits recommendations from TRAI over the available spectrum.

Under the Policy Guidelines for Uplinking and Downlinking of private TV notified in 2005, the Ministry has till date permitted 516 private Channels. Permissions have also been given to set up 78 teleports.




24/01/10

Sunday, no update




23/01/10

Saturday, no update




22/01/10

Do click the Free... link above and register a Free account if you have a few minutes.

Freeview NZ is adding a new channel on April 1st (no joke) Shine TV. (See email section for more details)

A lack of news today..

Thursday night feeds

Asiasat 5 100.5E 3706H 4167 DVBS APTN Direct/UP8Charlie

Expedition 22
Soyuz TMA-16
Relocaton Coverage

Next from the Johnson Space Center

Also there is the Abu Dhabi Golf championship

4067H Sr 5632 DVBS


From my Email & ICQ


From Skip Parker (NZ)

Shine TV heads to Freeview

Hi All,
Shine TV are very pleased to announce that we will be joining the Freeview Platform on April 1st.
We will continue to be on Channel 111 on Sky TV and broadcasting on our Various FTA UHF channels across the country, but will be upgrading services over the next few months for our launch April 1st.

http://www.shinetv.co.nz/freeview.php

Have a great day.
Skip Parker
Rhema Broadcasting Group


From the Dish


Chinasat 6B 115.5E 3920 H "Acrobatics Channel" has started on , enc.

Thaicom 5 78.5E 3640 H "Hidayat TV" has left , moved to Intelsat 10.

Thaicom 5 78.5E The Cambodian DTV Network mux has left 12313 V, mainly moved to 12272 V.

JCSAT 3A 128E All channels in the TAS mux on 4000 V are Fta.

Measat 3a 91.5E 3732 H "NDTV 24x7" has started on , BISS, SR 1805, FEC 3/4.

From asiatvro site

东经146度轨道位置的马布海2号卫星Ku频段,民视新闻替换JET TV(华人卫视)频道,设置12621 V 30000参数有条件接收。[01-22]
东经146度轨道位置的马布海2号卫星Ku频段,松视四台替换民视新闻(华人卫视)频道,设置12501 H 30000参数有条件接收。[01-22]
东经146度轨道位置的马布海2号卫星Ku频段,东森综合、三立国际(华人卫视)等频道加密,设置12621 V 30000参数有条件接收。[01-22]
东经78.5度轨道位置的泰星5号卫星Ku频段,TV 3、TV 5(柬埔寨)等全组频道消失,设置12313 V 30000参数无效接收。[01-22]
东经140度轨道位置的快车AM3号卫星Ku频段,探索旅游(俄罗斯)频道解密,设置11665 V 39500参数免费接收。[01-22]
东经83度轨道位置的印星2E号卫星C频段,TV Southasia、Tara Muzik(印度)频道新增,设置3621 V 3703参数免费接收。[01-22]

东经75度轨道位置的ABS-1号卫星Ku频段,Detskiy、Zoo Park(俄罗斯)等频道加密,设置12548 V 22000参数有条件接收。[01-21]
东经91.4度轨道位置的马星3a号卫星C频段,We TV、Sundance(高清)频道加密,设置4000 H 30000参数有条件接收。[01-21]
东经91.4度轨道位置的马星3a号卫星C频段,Golf、天映经典(MPEG-4)频道新增,设置4120 H 30000参数免费接收。[01-21]
东经90度轨道位置的雅玛尔201号卫星C频段,TTS替换TOP Shop TV(俄罗斯)频道,设置3954 L 29500参数免费接收。[01-21]
东经134度轨道位置的亚太6号卫星Ku频段,安徽教育(数据)频道新增,设置12320 V 2170参数免费接收。[01-21]
东经78.5度轨道位置的泰星5号卫星C频段,Hidayat TV(RRSat)频道消失,设置3640 H 28066参数无效接收。[01-21]


NEWS


Dish TV planning to launch CAM


From http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/news-by-industry/media/entertainment-/media/Dish-TV-planning-to-launch-CAM/articleshow/5486079.cms
NEW DELHI: Direct to home service (DTH) provider Dish TV is planning to launch conditional access modules (CAM) which will allow consumers owning
set-top-box of other operators to switch to Dish TV’s feed of television channels, a person from a broadcast company with knowledge of the development said.

CAM is a small gadget than can be inserted in the set-top-box and enables the consumers to shift from one DTH service provider to another without buying a new set top box. DTH players currently subsidise the set-top-box to get on board a new subscriber hoping to make money over a longer period through monthly fees. “Dish TV hopes to grab new subscribers at lower cost from rival companies through this strategy,” said the same person.

The key to its success will be how the CAMs are priced. Details of the price point at which Dish TV is going to sell the CAMs is still under wraps. A Dish TV spokeswoman did not respond to ET’s queries. The government has been pushing for interoperability of set-top-boxes for receiving DTH signals to give choice to consumers. Under the licensing norms for DTH service providers, its mandatory for them to provide ‘technical interoperability’ whereby a consumer need not buy another set-top-box and equipment to switch to other operators.

As per Trai’s regulations, every set-top-box sold by a DTH service provider should be CAM compliant or have an empty space where the gadget can be inserted.

But as a senior marketing executive from another DTH firm who did not wish to be quoted said, ‘technical interoperability’ has several challenges, “We believe there is no market for CAMs in India as its cost is almost equal to the cost of new set top box so consumers prefer to just buy a new connection.” Others like Umesh Rao senior vice president & chief marketing officer at Big TV, say there are technology glitches as well, “Different DTH service providers use different compression technologies like MPEG 2 and MPEG 4. So even if a consumer is able to switch service providers and watch television channels, she/he cannot access interactive services or value added services of a different DTH company.”




21/01/10

D2 Wednesday night feed, Asiasat4 12272 V 6670 NBL Melbourne Tigers v Perth Wildcats

New Channels
Asiasat 4 12360 v 9404 mpg4 "Channel Lanka & ITN" both are encrypted



From my Email & ICQ


..


From the Dish


Chinasat 6B 115.5E 3640 V "Wisdom Channel" has left .
Chinasat 6B 115.5E 3640 V "GTV Electron Sports" is Fta.
Chinasat 6B 115.5E 3680 V "Chongqing TV Shopping" is now encrypted.

AsiaSat 3S 105.5E 3820 V "Zee Salam" has left again.

AsiaSat 3S 105.5E 4084 H "Kashish TV and KTN (Pakistan)" have started on , Fta.

From asiatvro site

东经78.5度轨道位置的泰星5号卫星C频段,Hidayat TV(RRSat)频道消失,设置3640 H 28066参数无效接收。[01-21]
东经91.5度轨道位置的马星3号卫星C频段,高尔夫、天映电影(东南亚)频道解密,设置3840 V 30000参数免费接收。[01-21]
东经105.5度轨道位置的亚洲3S号卫星C频段,Zee Salam(MPEG-4)频道消失,设置3820 V 27500参数无效接收。[01-21]

东经68.5度轨道位置的国际10号卫星C频段,NHK World Premium(日语)频道解密,设置3739 H 26590参数免费接收。[01-20]


NEWS


ABC confirms news channel plans


From http://www.rapidtvnews.com/index.php/201001215640/abc-confirms-news-channel-plans.html

Australia’s public broadcaster the ABC will launch a free-to-air 24-hour news channel this year, representing a challenge to the dominance of Sky News in the rolling news channel market.

New programmes are in development for the channel, focusing on world news, national politics and business. Existing TV news and current affairs programmes will also be featured. The channel will provide “live continuous coverage of major breaking stories from Australia and around the world,” the ABC said in a statement.

No new cash will be available from the government for the channel, which the ABC said would be funded through “significant changes” the ABC has made to news and TV production processes, including taking advantage of new technology, which are allowing the broadcaster to invest in new programming. By putting cameras in radio studios, the broadcaster has already extended radio interviews to television and online.

The ABC’s Managing Director, Mark Scott, said the ABC’s commitment to quality news and current affairs would enter a new era with the creation of the new digital channel.

“No media organisation in the country is better equipped to deliver this channel than the national broadcaster,” Mr Scott said. “We can draw on the investment already made in the ABC, through its major newsrooms in every state and territory, 12 international bureaux and 60 regional newsrooms, to deliver to Australians a top-quality 24-hour news service that is comprehensive, independent and up to the minute.”

The channel will be part of a multi-platform ABC News service, ensuring that audiences are able to keep up to date with news developments in different formats and across an array of devices, such as PC and mobile.

And the channel will also feed into Australia Network, the Department of Foreign Affairs’ diplomatic broadcast service that the ABC wants to follow the BBC World News model. The ABC has run that network until now, but Sky News Australia also seems likely to bid for the next contract.

Sky News, which in Australia is a joint venture between BSkyB, Seven Media Group and PBL Media, is available in 2.5 million homes in Australia and New Zealand. The channel is the only home-grown news channel currently operating in Australia, so has had the luxury of having news-driven viewers largely to itself (although BBC World News is available on pay-TV platforms, as is CNN).

Australia’s digital-terrestrial Freeview platform has as yet no news channel, and the launch of ABC News is likely to make the platform more attractive for those wanting to switch to digital. The news channel will launch on the ABC’s allocated high-definition channel. The ABC already operates digital services ABC2 (general entertainment) and ABC3 (kids) as well as main channel ABC1.


ABC to launch 24-hour news channel


From http://www.abc.net.au/pm/content/2010/s2798235.htm

SHANE MCLEOD: The ABC has announced plans to launch the country's first 24-hour news channel on free-to-air television.

The announcement comes as the ABC bids to retain the Australia Network contract with the Federal Government, to broadcast news and programs via satellite across the Asia-Pacific Region - a contract that's being contested by its pay-TV competitor Sky News.

ABC managing director Mark Scott says the domestic news channel will be paid for through cost savings that the national broadcaster has already achieved. He says there'll be new programs and journalists to provide the content for the all-day broadcasts.

MARK SCOTT: When I grew up there were you know four television channels, five, now there will be somewhere between 15 to 20 free-to-air channels.

One of them should be a news channel and if there's going to be a free-to-air news channel providing coverage of major stories, breaking news, news updates, then the ABC is in the best position to deliver that.

And we're in the best position to deliver it because we have more reporters already locally, nationally and internationally than any other Australian broadcaster. And for 75 years we've had a reputation for quality, independence and integrity.

SHANE MCLEOD: Those 700 reporters and those resources that you talk about; they'll have to be pushed further. How do you maintain the quality, the depth of coverage if you're expanding the news footprint so large?

MARK SCOTT: I think there are a few things on that. One is we're already creating a lot of content that would be great on a 24-hour channel, we just don't have the place to put it.

We have eight major newsrooms around Australia now in the capital cities producing a 7 o'clock bulletin each night. We have newsrooms linked with our 60 local radio stations around the country, we have 12 international bureaus.

We're already creating a lot of content that will be excellent for a 24-hour news channel and then the other thing we're doing is we're going to recruit; we're shortly going to be advertising for more journalists and producers to put together this programming and to report for the news channel.

SHANE MCLEOD: How many?

MARK SCOTT: We're not going into the detail of that at the moment, nor the detail of the budget, but we've made some savings in recent years with changes to our news production model - taking advantage of new technology. In a sense we're taking away some funding that was used for the back-office production of news and investing it in new content creation.

SHANE MCLEOD: Who do you see as the market? Who's going to watch a 24-hour news channel on the ABC?

MARK SCOTT: Well I think many Australians are going to dip in and dip out. The fact is though that when Australians want to know what's going on, they don't want to wait till 7 o'clock anymore. That model has changed and gone and the old perception that the news was on at 7 o'clock, that is of a generation ago.

And so any Australian who wants the latest up-to-minute news provided by the quality, independent news force of the ABC, they will come in and look at this channel. The ABC should be meeting their needs rather than basically saying we can't do that and encouraging them to go elsewhere.

SHANE MCLEOD: They can go elsewhere though; I mean this service is available on pay TV for example. There's Sky News.

MARK SCOTT: It is available on pay TV, a version of this. I think the ABC is very different to Sky, I mean because we have reporters everywhere and Sky is fundamentally a rebroadcaster and a hoster of news rather than reporting news.

I think they've done an outstanding job and I've said that. I think they've done an outstanding job given the resources that they've had to do it. But we're very different in that we have people on the ground everywhere actually reporting for us.

Australian taxpayers who fund the ABC who provide the best part of $900 million a year for the ABC, we shouldn't be saying to them, if you're really serious about news you've got to sign up with pay TV.

SHANE MCLEOD: How much of this is about the other news output of the ABC that goes to Australia Network? That is a contract that's up for negotiation this year. How much of this is about you being able to go to the Federal Government to say we can match what your competitor Sky News is prepared to offer?

MARK SCOTT: Well the reality is that Australia Network is not a news channel, quite deliberately not a news channel. It has a core news service that we already provide and we're actually doing more news on it than we're contractually obligated to deliver.

But it also has general entertainment programming, sports programming, lifestyle programming, documentaries and that's what it's meant to do.

Is it an advantage that if there's a major breaking story, we can go to a 24-hour news channel? Of course and if there's a big international story that's breaking or Australian story that's breaking, at the flick of a switch we'll be able to take the ABC news channel and deliver it into 44 countries in the region.

But it's not the reason why we're doing it: We're doing it because we have in our charter an obligation to inform the Australian people and to use innovative broadcasting techniques to do so. And this is clearly an example of us fulfilling our charter. We've been news leaders for 75 years, there's an opportunity for us to deliver this service and we're going to deliver it.

SHANE MCLEOD: The managing director of the ABC Mark Scott. And more of that interview is available at our website at abc.net.au/pm.


Media Companies Miffed Over New 24 Hour ABC News Channel


From http://www.channelnews.com.au/Content_And_Management/Broadband_Services/R2L7C9A8

The Foxtel 24-hour news channel SkyNews and its associated programs including Agenda and SkyBusiness are set to come under threat from a new free, 24-hour news channel set to be launched by the ABC.

The ABC claim that it has a big advantage over SkyNews and other commercial TV stations in that it has major newsrooms in every state and territory, 12 international bureaux and 60 regional newsrooms, which will enable them to deliver a 24-hour news service that is comprehensive, independent and up-to-the-minute.

The ABC is also looking at delivering the service over the Internet, which will allow consumers to watch it on a PC from anywhere in the world.

The Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy, Senator Stephen Conroy, today welcomed the announcement that the ABC intends to launch a dedicated digital television news and current affairs channel.

"The ABC is an integral part of our national media landscape and this new channel will be a welcome addition to the high quality services it offers Australian digital television viewers," Senator Conroy said.

"The provision of news and current affairs is central to the ABC charter and the new news and current affairs channel will continue a great tradition of innovation at our national broadcaster.

"More Australians are enjoying the additional content and channels available on free-to-air digital television and this channel will provide another great reason to make the switch.

"The Rudd Government is committed to the continued strength and independence of the ABC. In the 2009/10 Budget, the ABC received its the biggest funding boost since its incorporation in 1983."

Commercial media organisations including Foxtel, which is owned by News Ltd, Consolidated Press and Telstra along with Fairfax have all complained about the ABC decision to launch a free news service claiming that it is a "waste of government money".

Media analysts are claiming that the service could prove popular with both business organisations that track global events and consumers, and that over time it could draw consumers away from commercial news services.


Jupiter bows Japan's first 3D TV service


From http://www.variety.com/article/VR1118014034.html?categoryId=19&cs=1

Sky Perfectv may start 3D operation in summer
Japan's largest cabler Jupiter Telecommunications will launch 3D broadcasts in April, company sources have revealed. The move is a first for the Japanese broadcast biz.

The 3D services will be on-demand, featuring pics, sports, music and other programming, both foreign and domestic. Various sources will supply the content, including pic distribs and specialized channels.

The Sky Perfectv communication satellite platform is also reportedly planning to start 3D services this summer. The moves to 3D by both Jupiter and Sky Perfectv, with their large subscriber bases and nationwide reach, are expected to spur sales of 3D sets. As of the end of December 2009, Jupiter had 3,274,800 subscribers for a 3.4% gain from the previous year. In addition to cable, it provides broadband and telephony services.


Iran to unveil three new satellites in February


From http://televisionwashington.com/floater_article1.aspx?lang=en&t=1&id=17305

Washington, 20 January (WashingtonTV)—Iran’s Minister of Communications and Information Technology Reza Taqipour said on Wednesday that Tehran will unveil three new home-built satellites next month.

Taqipour said that the satellites, named Tolou’ [Dawn], Ya Mahdi and Mesbah-2, would be launched on National Space Technology Day on 3 February, reports the semi-official ISNA news agency.
Mesbah-2, which is still under construction, is a low-orbit telecommunications satellite which will be used for storing and sending messages, Taqipour said.

He added that the Ya Mahdi satellite was “an experimental” satellite that will be used for testing telecommunications and camera equipment.

Last month, Iran’s Defense Minister Ahmad Vahidi said that the Tolou’ satellite would demonstrate the country’s capabilities in technological fields.

Iran launched its first satellite, Omid, into orbit last February. That satellite completed its mission after orbiting the Earth for three months.

Western powers suspect Iran is using its nuclear and space industries to develop atomic and ballistic weapons. Tehran denies the charge.


Discovery Weighs Name for New 3D Network


From http://www.broadcastingcable.com/article/445185-Discovery_Weighs_Name_for_New_3D_Network.php

Files trademark for "3DNet" brand, logo ahead of 2011 launch of joint venture with Sony, Imax

In the name game for the upcoming 3D network being launched by Discovery Communications, Sony, and Imax, 3DNet has emerged as the frontrunner, according to a source familiar with the channel and trademark applications for the name and a logo filed by Discovery.

Although the network is still around a year away from launching and additional market research could force a change, the no-nonsense name is said to be the favorite. Discovery filed a trademark application for "3DNet" on January 5, 2010, and a trademark for a logo two days later.

The company declined to comment on the decision.

The channel, which will be the first 24-hour 3D network when it launches in 2011, is being pitched to cable, satellite and telco companies, with Discovery not surprisingly eyeing placement on the basic cable programming tiers. Whether the MSOs will hop on the 3D bandwagon, and what they will pay in carriage fees if they do, remains to be seen.

The general entertainment channel will feature a mix of non-fiction programming, sports and films, with content from the libraries of all three companies.

Discovery, Sony and Imax announced the channel at the 2010 CES show in Las Vegas, but declined to give the network's name at the time.

The name will likely draw comparisons to HDNet, which was the first all-high definition channel when it launched in September 2001. Discovery also got into the HD game early, launching Discovery HD Theater (now just HD Theater) in June, 2002.


TV Turbulence In Bangladesh


From http://www.asiamediajournal.com/article.php?id=423

The decision by Bangladeshi conglomerate Beximco Group to enlist the help of Indian media major NDTV to run Independent TV, a news channel Beximco wants to launch by September, looks like a smart move in a market bracing itself for fierce competition.

Beximco is one of 10 winners of new satellite TV licenses recently handed out by the Bangladeshi government, adding to 12 private channels already on air and ratcheting up competition in a market where few local channels have been able to stake out a distinct positioning.

Most of the new channels won’t be launching until next year, though the new arrivals should drive down ad rates among the most popular local channels, ATN Bangla, Channel i and NTV, and may even squeeze out some smaller ones, which are struggling in the market. 

“Second and third tier channels which launched in recent years will find it hard to survive, as their existing rates are already rock bottom,” notes Ferdousia Bakhtiar, an assistant director at media agency network Mindshare.

Three more this year
In addition to Independent TV, two other channels are aiming to launch this year: My TV which plans to go on air by February and ATN News, a sister channel to ATN Bangla TV, which is aiming for July.

Bangladesh’s newspaper industry is also facing similar challenges of its own, with three new dailies set to hit newsstands well.

In TV, only Beximco and ATN are planning launching news channels, popular among advertisers. The rest are opting for a more diverse infotainment positioning, with little indication of how they plan to compete against each other. One obvious gap seems to be a specialized entertainment offering.

“There is a gap for a fully-fledged entertainment offering,” Bakhtiar suggests. “Hindi entertainment channels have got a very good viewership across audiences.”

The launch of Independent TV will mark a renewed attempt to crack the vernacular Bengali media market by Beximco, which currently publishes English-language daily newspaper The Independent via its Beximco Media subsidiary, which also manages its IT and internet service provider businesses.

The conglomerate is a major player in Bangladesh, with close ties to the ruling party and a market cap exceeding US$1 billion, constituting more than 5% of the market capitalization of the Dhaka Stock Exchange. It plans to invest more than US$10 million in Independent TV.


Microsoft Files Patent Infringement Lawsuit against TiVo


From http://www.itvt.com/story/6402/microsoft-files-patent-infringement-lawsuit-against-tivo

--Is Also Seeking to Intervene in Patent Infringement Litigation Between TiVo and AT&T

Microsoft has filed a lawsuit against TiVo in a San Francisco federal court, claiming that the DVR company has infringed upon two of its US patents--which cover technologies for securely purchasing and delivering video and for displaying programmable information respectively, Bloomberg reported yesterday. Microsoft, which claims that TiVo is illegally using the technologies described by the patents in its set-top boxes, its software and its subscription service, is seeking unspecified monetary damages and a court order to prevent TiVo from using the technologies.

Microsoft's patent infringement lawsuit is being viewed by many observers as an attempt on the company's part to come to the aid of AT&T, which is the largest customer of its Mediaroom IPTV platform, and which--along with Verizon--is being sued by TiVo for infringement of three of its patents (note: for more on TiVo's patent infringement lawsuits against AT&T and Verizon, see the article published on itvt.com, August 31st; TiVo has, of course, also enjoyed a fair amount of success in its so-called "Time Warp" patent case against DISH Network and EchoStar--for extensive coverage of that case, which has seen TiVo gain around $400 million from the satellite TV provider and its sister company, see here). Last week, Microsoft requested that it be made a party to the TiVo-AT&T litigation on the grounds that the functionality that TiVo claims infringes upon its patents in that case is provided by the Mediaroom platform: Microsoft says that AT&T has demanded that it cover any financial losses it incurs, should it lose the case.

TiVo on Wednesday issued the following statement in response to Microsoft's lawsuit: "Microsoft's recent legal actions, including its decision to seek to intervene on behalf of its customer, AT&T, and its recent complaint against TiVo in US District Court, Northern District of California, do not bear on whether the AT&T products and services that are the subject of TiVo's complaint infringe the patents asserted by TiVo. Rather these actions are part of a legal strategy to defend AT&T. We remain confident in our position that AT&T will be found to infringe on the TiVo patents asserted." Meanwhile, Microsoft's director of public affairs, Kevin Kutz, told the Wall Street Journal Wednesday that it is willing to resolve the situation through a licensing agreement and that it has attempted to hold talks with TiVo.


14 Billion To digitize DD & AIR, proposed by I&B


From http://www.mediamughals.com/News/1/1/Article/4558/14_Billion_To_digitize_DD_&_AIR__proposed_by_I&B.htm

A Proposal constituting Rs6 Billion to Doordarshan and Rs8 Billion to All India Radio regarding their absolute digitization has been prepared by Information & Broadcasting Ministry. According to a statement from a senior government official, the proposal will be submitted before cabinet very soon for the discussion. The official adds that the government stands firm on completing the digitization process of Electronic Media by the year 2017.

Apart from India, China has set the same deadline of the year 2017, whereas, the US had already failed to meet its 2009 deadline of completing digitization for its Media.

The process for Digitisation has been accelerated by Doordarshan and AIR as both the bodies were beaming terrestrially in order to attain access all over the country. Out of its total budget of Rs.13.69 billion granted in the Fifth Year Plan (2007-2012), Doordarshan solely devoted the large share of Rs. 12.09 Billion only for the digitization of the Channel.

During the whole process, digitization of existing studios, replacement and augmentation of old studios, transmitter & satellite and establishment of digital transmitters will take place. Broadcasting equipment and setting up of HDTV facilities will also be on the priority. The process would benefit the new channels waiting to come in the arena, as the digitization process will create a free space in the spectrum which is used for the transmission of analogue signals. Doordarshan is also likely to use an extra spectrum in a partnership model in order to generate more revenues.

Field Production and Post Production facilities are to be setup in the four Metro Cities, whereas, Delhi and Mumbai are going to have the privilege of acquiring two HDTV Studios. . The HDTV uplink will be set up at Delhi, and HDTV terrestrial transmitters will be installed in four metros. And it’s good news for viewers that they may get the transmission of much awaited Commonwealth Games in HDTV Format.

Out of total 66 Studio centers of Doordarshan, 23 already hold the status of being digitized whereas, 39 of them are partially digitized or analogue. These partially digitized studios will get fully digitized by the year 2012 under the 11th five year plan. Also there are plans to use Digital Satellite News Gathering(DSNG) for the modernization of Satellite Earth Stations.




20/01/10

Foxtel Olympic channels have started on Optus D3,

SD Channels on 12094 H 27800 3/4
HD Channels on 12135 H 27800 3/4

Go! started on Foxtel Satellite


From my Email & ICQ


..


From the Dish


Telstar 18 138E 3462 V "SMS Channel and The Family Channel" have started on , Fta.(Last week!)

AsiaSat 3S 105.5E 4084 H "KTN News" has started on , Fta, SR 5778, FEC 3/4.

AsiaSat 5 100.5E 3750 H "Al Quran Al Kareem TV and Al Sunnah Al Nabawiyah TV" have started on, Fta, SR 13330, FEC 3/4.

Thaicom 5 78.5E 3640 H "TCT World" has left .

Intelsat 10 68.5E 3808 V "Hidayat TV" has started on , Fta.

From asiatvro site

东经76.5度轨道位置的亚太2R号卫星C频段,MKTV Sat、EuroStar(UBI)等全组频道消失,设置3780 V 28066参数无效接收。[01-20]
东经75度轨道位置的ABS-1号卫星Ku频段,24 Techno(俄罗斯)等频道加密,设置12548 V 22000参数有条件接收。[01-20]
东经115.5度轨道位置的中星6B号卫星C频段,杂技(中数传媒)频道新增,设置3920 H 27500参数有条件接收。[01-20]
东经68.5度轨道位置的国际10号卫星C频段,Hidayat TV(乌尔都语)频道新增,设置3808 V 10340参数免费接收。[01-20]

东经75度轨道位置的ABS-1号卫星Ku频段,Mat i Ditya(俄罗斯)频道加密,设置12670 V 22000参数有条件接收。[01-19]
东经140度轨道位置的快车AM3号卫星Ku频段,Zee TV(俄罗斯)频道加密,设置11665 V 39500参数有条件接收。[01-19]
东经100.5度轨道位置的亚洲5号卫星C频段,高清时装(奥地利)频道加密,设置3794 H 4640参数有条件接收。[01-19]
东经78.5度轨道位置的泰星5号卫星Ku频段,TV 3、SEA TV(柬埔寨)等6个频道新增,设置12305 V 15000参数免费接收。[01-19]


NEWS


Live mobile Winter Olympics streams for Telstra customers


From http://www.digital-media.net.au/article/live-mobile-winter-olympics-streams-for-telstra-customers/509623.aspx

Foxtel is to stream the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olypics live online and via mobile, giving summer bound sports fans no excuse to miss any of the frozen action.

The mobile, television and online coverage from Foxtel will include 1600 hours of coverage including every Gold Medal event and every competing Aussie live and in full, including more than 340 hours of live events.

Foxtel subscribers can sign up for the full winter Olympics package for $65, however they are currently offering an early bird special of $50 currently running on the Foxtel website.

The Winter Olympics package gives access to four dedicated HD Winter Olympics channels via the set top box and online via the Foxtel website. However as with any kind of streaming video you might want to check your download quota's beforehand as Foxtel has no unmetered agreements with ISP's at this stage, although there is a good chance that many workplaces might see their bandwidth usage increase significantly over the Olympic period as people tap into the coverage at their desks (at lunchtime of course).

In addition to four dedicated HD channels Foxtel will also stream the events online and via Telstra's NextG network.

The mobile streams will be broadcast using the subscription based Mobile Foxtel service which is only available to Telstra Next G customers.  Current to the Ultimate Combo or Sports Pack able to tap into coverage for free, with day passes for $3.95 or a event pass, covering the full length of the games, including the lead up, available now for $9.95. All data downloaded over the Next G network will be unmetered.


Satellite technology helping save lives


From Press Release: Farmside

Media Release
20 January 2010
Attention: Rural, Health, ICT reporters

Satellite technology helping save lives

State-of-the-art satellite technology in New Zealand’s first digital mobile breast screening unit is helping to save the lives of women living in rural parts of Waitemata and Northland.

The BreastScreen Waitemata Northland unit, which began operating this month, sets the standard for mobile breast screening using digital and satellite technology.

The satellite technology is a key aspect of the unit and has been made possible through Farmside, who provides high speed broadband to rural communities across New Zealand.

Tony Baird, CEO of Farmside, said the mobile breast screening unit was another example of how satellite can deliver for rural areas in an immediate and very cost effective way.

“To deliver the best in health and education services across New Zealand we need to be able to utilise technologies that are equivalent to those available in the cities,” he said.

“In this case satellite has met an immediate need and is literally helping to save lives.”

The unit’s new digital technology processes the picture within seconds, and beams it, via the satellite dish on top of the truck, to radiologists in Auckland.

The satellite technology eliminates the need to transport hardcopy x-ray film – saving time and effort, and enabling the mammograms to reach the radiologists for interpretation more quickly.

It is estimated that the digital and satellite technology used in the new mobile unit will enable an additional 1800 more women to be tested annually – an increase of around 30%.

The new mobile unit delivers the BreastScreen Aotearoa programme for women aged 45-69, and based on its success, other health providers may adopt similar technology in future


RS launches two free channels in Thailand


From http://www.media.asia/newsarticle/2010_01/RS-launches-two-free-channels-in-Thailand/38492?src=mostpop

BANGKOK - RS, Thailand's second biggest media conglomerate, has launched two satellite-based television channels. The channels will be aired 24 hours a day and primarily focus on musical and family entertainment.

The company started the trial broadcasts last year and is reported to have received a good response for the two channels named You Channel and Sabaidee TV.

According to reports, RS invested 100 million baht (US$3 million) and expects a return on investment by year-end.

The entertainment company is looking to attract a potential audience of 20 million. 

The channels are broadcast from the Thaicom 5 satellite and can be viewed through C-band and KU-band satellite dishes, as well as cable TV systems provided by local operators.

You Channel will focus on music for teenagers while Sabaidee TV will feature popular music and offer aspiring entertainers a chance to show their talent.

An RS spokesperson said the group has plans to launch more channels in Thailand. 


Thailand: Satellite TV to train 100,000 Buddhist monks


From http://www.speroforum.com/site/article.asp?id=25807&t=Thailand%3A+++Satellite+TV+to+train+100%2C000+Buddhist+monks

Bangkok – In a campaign sponsored by the Government of Thailand and Buddhist religious leaders, more than 100,000 monks have been ordained in order to promote a better role model of ethical conduct and solidarity. The initiative involves some 80,000 villages spread across the country. Starting today until 8 March, the new monks will follow a special 49-day training programme under the guidance of elderly monks. The programme includes meditations and lessons and will be broadcast by satellite TV.GlobeCast upgrades media contribution network with Net Insights Nimbra platform

From http://www.pr-inside.com/globecast-upgrades-media-contribution-network-with-r1676003.htm

“The idea comes from the fact that at present people are busier and material temptation is increasing. They do not have enough time for dharma (religion),” said PhraMaha Dr Somchai Tanawutdho, chairman of the Committee organising the 100,000 ordinations. “They forgot the significance of their spirituality.”

“Buddhism is a refuge, especially for those in remote communities,” he added. Monks in villages and cities can help the population improve and return to the path of righteousness, especially during the current economic crisis, he believes.

Thailand’s Buddhists represents 85 per cent of population and monks have a lot of political and social influence. Until the 1980s, each family destined one son to the monastic life. Since then, Buddhism has gone into decline and few boys choose to enter monasteries. As of June 2009, 5,937 monasteries have been left deserted.

“At the temple of Chaleakmogkol, there have been no monks for some years and the residents of my village have not had a spiritual leader,” said Sompong Luamsai, a villager from Surin province.

As a result of the government’s initiative, monks have come back and are taking care of the community. “Each day, we hear the monks praying and the faithful join in again to pray,” he said.

In his opinion, since the monks came there have been fewer problems in the village and a greater interest in religion.


World Cup fans may miss out on all matches


From http://www.temasekreview.com/2010/01/20/world-cup-fans-may-miss-out-on-all-matches/

IF SINGTEL and StarHub’s joint bid to broadcast World Cup soccer matches fails, Singapore will face a total television blackout on the action from South Africa.

Not even the free-to-air telecasts of four critical games will be shown here if the telcos fail to secure the rights from football’s world governing body Fifa – at a reported $100million.

The matches are the opening game between host South Africa and Mexico on June 11, the semi-finals on July 6 and 7, and the final on July 11.

SingTel had said earlier that if the joint bid failed, Singapore fans would still get to see those four key matches.

But a SingTel spokesman clarified with The Straits Times yesterday that that would not be the case.

‘The free-to-air match telecast is dependent on whether the broadcast rights for World Cup 2010 are awarded to Singapore,’ the spokesman said.

‘SingTel remains hopeful to close the deal with Fifa as we genuinely want to work with Fifa to bring the World Cup to Singaporeans.’

With less than five months to go to the biggest sports event of the year, 209 territories have secured broadcast rights from Fifa. Singapore is among a few yet to do so.

But the Media Development Authority of Singapore (MDA) will not step in on the matter yet.

MDA head of competition and market access Eileen Ang said: ‘The purchase of content rights such as the World Cup is a commercial decision, and we will let market forces unfold.’

Singapore Pools has also ruled out chipping in to help the telcos out with the bid.

A spokesman said: ‘Singapore Pools will not be stepping in as we are not in the business of broadcasting. It is up to the relevant parties to work out an acceptable commercial arrangement with Fifa.’

Last week, SingTel Singapore chief executive Allen Lew blamed the impasse on the amount that Fifa is asking for the rights to the 64 matches.

According to previous reports, Fifa charged StarHub $10 million for the 2002 competition in South Korea and Japan, and $15 million for the 2006 tournament in Germany. This time, it has raised its asking price to almost $100million.

An industry source said that initially, Fifa wanted an undisclosed amount for the rights. But it made a second demand of nearly $100 million after SingTel won the English Premier League (EPL) broadcast rights from this year to 2013 for a reported $400 million.

SingTel declined to comment if Fifa’s increased asking price is linked to the EPL deal. Fifa has not replied to repeated queries from The Straits Times.

But past experience suggests that a compromise might yet be reached. In 2006, Israeli television stations Arutz 2 and Israel 10 were also deadlocked over broadcast rights.

It is unclear how much the Israelis offered, but in the end they were allowed to show the four free-to-air games as well as matches from the quarter-finals onwards.

If Singapore fans were hoping to lock on to signals from Malaysia to watch the World Cup, they will have no such luck.

Firstly, the broadcast rights have been secured by Malaysian pay-TV operator Astro. Secondly, although the four key matches will be shown over national broadcaster RTM 1, which is available on StarHub, the signal quality has been scrambled.

‘The deterioration in the signal quality of RTM 1 since June 7, 2006, was caused when RTM began scrambling the satellite signal source that StarHub has been relying on,’ explained StarHub’s head of corporate communications and investor relations, Ms Jeannie Ong.

‘We confirmed that RTM has received instructions from Infront Sports & Media AG, the sports and media rights distributor for the 2006 Fifa World Cup, to encrypt its satellite source so that only viewers in Malaysia will be able to receive access to the World Cup matches on RTM 1.’

StarHub has reverted to using an antenna signal, the next best signal feed available.

‘Although we have been carrying the channel free-of-charge via our cable network to households in Singapore, we do not control the quality of the RTM 1 signals received,’ said Ms Ong. – Straits Times


How to break World Cup telecast impasse


From http://www.asiaone.com/News/Latest+News/Sports/Story/A1Story20100120-193006.html

THE running joke in the football fraternity goes: It's just as well that Singapore football failed to meet its 'Goal 2010' target of reaching the South Africa World Cup Finals this year.

For even had they been successful, Singaporeans would be unable to see their footballers' exploits live on local television.

Indeed, the current impasse between football's world governing body Fifa and Singapore's two telco giants, SingTel and StarHub, on broadcasting rights for June's football extravaganza is showing little sign of progress.

As it stands, SingTel and StarHub are unwilling to meet the high price set by Fifa to grant them broadcasting rights to telecast the 64 World Cup matches.

They reasoned that potential subscribers would have to pay nearly three times as much as what they did for the 2006 World Cup package.

This amounts to about $150 to see every match to be played in South Africa.

And, contrary to rumours, free-to-air telecasts of key World Cup matches (usually the opening match, the two semi-finals and the final) are dependent on whether the telcos secure the broadcasting rights - and not as a back-up plan should their negotiations fail.

Together with news that Radio Television Malaysia (RTM) will be encrypting its satellite signal source so as to ensure only Malaysian viewers get to watch their free-to-air World Cup matches, it means Singaporeans are virtually blocked out of this year's biggest sports event, unless the two telcos strike a deal with Fifa.

Some are suggesting that the telcos - and local football fanatics - should take a stand against Fifa's greed, and not bow to unreasonable demands.

Fine and dandy. But, until the day Singapore's football team actually make the World Cup Finals, such assertion from a football minnow is unlikely to cause a rethink in Fifa's pricing of its greatest asset.

Indeed, however noble and forceful our actions may be, we are not in a position to demand a lower price from Fifa.

To deprive local viewers of the telecast of arguably the most-watched sporting event in the world could also leave a black mark on the two telcos, who have already caused much disapproval over their bidding wars for broadcast rights for the popular Barclays Premier League football matches.

It is a lose-lose-lose situation - for the two telcos, Fifa and local fans.

Yet, there could be a way to break the deadlock - and that is to look for a third party willing to lend financial assistance.

Why not reach out to potential sponsors such as Tiger Beer?

Surely, the brand's company, Asia Pacific Breweries, would be glad to fork out some cash - not least because it is depending on live matches to boost its sales.

Another major organisation could be Singapore Pools, which has been a frequent supporter and sponsor of local sports.

While the lottery and betting operator has come out and stated that it will not chip in with the bid, perhaps it can help by subsidising the eventual subscription packages.

SingTel and StarHub can, in turn, provide extra advertisement opportunities or other benefits with these sponsors and partners.

Perhaps such partnerships are being worked out now, as fans look on with keen interest on how this impasse is played out.

SingTel and StarHub should not be blamed for disagreeing with Fifa over the exorbitant broadcast fee. They need to justify such a major undertaking to their shareholders.

But they also need to explore and exploit every possible way of sealing the deal - and with greater urgency, as a significant number in the population are eager to enjoy a football fiesta that comes around only once in four years.

Saying 'no' is pointless. The World Cup will shrug and move on, while Singapore is left behind, just like its football dreams.


Malaysians will watch HD but not 3D World Cup 2010 games


From http://news.asiaone.com/News/Latest+News/Sports/Story/A1Story20100120-193079.html

OK. Sad news first -- the historic 3D telecast of the 2010 FIFA World Cup opening match between South Africa and Mexico, scheduled to kick off on June 11, will only be available in the United States.

But the good news is - we in Malaysia will be the first in Asia to watch all the matches on High Definition (HD) broadcast, with the newly launched Astro B.yond.

"Astro doesn't have the facilities to screen anything 3D yet," a spokesperson from the satellite TV broadcaster said. "But we're slowly changing our production, starting with Astro B.yond. And yes, Malaysia is the first country in Asia to have the World Cup telecast on HD."

Astro B.yond's HD broadcast boasts 10 times better quality images in true high-definition details, five times better audio quality with Dolby 5.1 cinematic surround sound, richer colours and wider screen compared to standard definition (SD) TV. So you can feel as if you've been transported to South Africa to watch the World Cup.

To sign up for Astro B.yond, click www.astro.com.my/byond or call the ASTRO customer Hotline 1300 82 3838. As the installation of Astro B.yond involves homes throughout Malaysia, it will be on a first come, first served basis.


GlobeCast upgrades media contribution network with Net Insights Nimbra platform


From http://www.pr-inside.com/globecast-upgrades-media-contribution-network-with-r1676003.htm

Stockholm, Sweden - Net Insight has received an order from GlobeCast for an upgrade of its media contribution network in Paris. GlobeCast, a subsidiary of France Telecom, is a leading global provider of content management and worldwide transmission services for professional broadcast delivery. The company operates a secure global satellite and fibre network to manage and transport 10 million hours of video and other rich media each year. With the new order GlobeCast modernizes and upgrades its media contribution network in Paris with Nimbra 680 switches to meet new requirements of its customers, like rapidly increasing use of HD. This first phase of the upgrade interconnects multiple sites in Paris with use of 10 Gbps STM-64 links. The media contribution network will handle simultaneous transport of uncompressed and compressed video (HD-SDI, SD-SDI and ASI) based on Net Insight&apos;s Nimbra 680 and the eight-port Video Access Module, which allows for a wide variety of configurations and a mix of service content. The Nimbra platform provides superior flexibility, efficiency and reliability for contribution of media-rich content. The Nimbra 680 is a next generation multi-service switch designed to meet the rigorous rich media and data service requirements of the carrier and service provider markets including high switching capacity, end-to-end provisioning and restoration, full topology support, unique multicast support and 100 percent quality of service guaranteed. Equipped with the 8 x Video Access Module, it offers extensive flexibility for studio, contribution and distribution networks. Each of the module&apos;s eight ports can be individually configured as In or Out and used for ASI as well as standard definition (SD) or high definition (HD) SDI. The module delivers a cost-effective multi-purpose solution for video streams that require a mix of compressed and uncompressed HD and SD content. The Nimbra equipment will be delivered during the first quarter 2010. For more information, please contact: Fredrik Trägårdh, CEO of Net Insight AB, +46 8 685 04 00, [email protected] <mailto:[email protected]> About Net Insight Net Insight delivers the world´s most efficient and scalable optical transport solution for Broadcast and Media, Digital Terrestrial TV, Mobile TV and IPTV/CATV networks. Net Insight products truly deliver 100 percent Quality of Service with three times improvement in utilization of bandwidth for a converged transport infrastructure. Net Insight&apos;s Nimbra(TM) platform is the industry solution for video, voice and data, reducing operational costs by 50 percent and enhancing competitiveness in delivery of existing and new media services.


RT Launches a TV Newsroom Hub in Washington, D.C.


From http://www.prweb.com/releases/2010/01/prweb3472204.htm

RT news TV channel has finished construction of a state-of-the-art TV newsroom and studio facility in Washington, D.C. for its English-language TV news channel. The network’s second largest TV studio and production facility will contribute 6 hours of its original news content a day into RT’s TV newsfeed that is being distributed worldwide via satellites from its headquarters in Moscow, Russia.

Washington, D.C. (Vocus/PRWEB ) January 19, 2010 -- RT news TV channel has finished construction of a state-of-the-art TV newsroom and studio facility in Washington, D.C. for its English-language TV news channel. The network’s second largest TV studio and production facility will contribute 6 hours of its original news content a day into RT’s TV newsfeed that is being distributed worldwide via satellites from its headquarters in Moscow, Russia.

Said RT’s editor-in-chief Margarita Simonyan: “As our presence in the U.S. is expanding, we have no doubt that both local and worldwide audiences of our news content will keep growing as well. Viewers do want to watch different kind of news, which no other media sources cover, and RT’s news reports are very different from the international mainstream media. Therefore, for example, in Washington, D.C., we surpassed Al-Jazeera English by six and a half fold in viewers, and Deutche Welle by five fold - despite their high budgets.”

Centrally-located in downtown Washington, D.C., this 12,000 square foot, all-digital TV newsroom will produce newscasts, from 0400 to 1000 PM EST, including the new prime-time news talk show, the Alyona Show, which is anchored by an American host and airs every weekday from 0600 to 0700 PM EST. The production suite includes two multi-camera studios and multiple post-production posts. Currently, the network operates the facility in a testing mode, and the recruitment effort to staff the newsroom with additional personnel is underway.

In addition to its newsroom hub in Washington, D.C., in the U.S. the network is operating correspondent bureaus in New York, Miami and is opening one in Los Angeles. The array of personalities already featured on the programming from its studios in Washington D.C. included Dr. Henry Kissinger, congressman Ron Paul, and political rapper Immortal Technique.    

In the US, RT English is available in select markets: MhZ 5 in Washington, D.C. Metro area; in New York, NY it is carried by Time Warner; FIOS, and Dish Network elsewhere. Its webcast is available at www.rt.com/live.

In addition to the 24/7 TV newsfeed in English, RT has feeds in Arabic and a newly-launched feed in Spanish, all distributed via satellite from Moscow, Russia, as well as online, at http://www.rt.com/.


No more TV channels, says information and broadcasting ministry


From http://www.dnaindia.com/money/report_no-more-tv-channels-says-information-and-broadcasting-ministry_1336771

In a notice put up on its website on Tuesday, the information and broadcasting ministry has said, “it has been decided to suspend receiving applications for permissions to uplink TV channels from India and downlink them in the country with immediate effect”.

DNA had on October 10, 2009 (Will the number of TV channels be curbed?) first reported the likelihood of such a move.

Spectrum crunch is believed to be the main reason behind this curb. So far, the dearth of airwaves has had an adverse impact on the telecom sector, forcing the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) to stop entertaining any fresh application. But now, even the broadcasting industry is set to feel the heat of spectrum deficiency.

Currently, the total number of TV channels being beamed into Indian homes is over 500, and at least 100 more are in the queue.

A few months ago, I&B minister Ambika Soni had written to Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) chairman J S Sarma asking whether there was a need to cap the number of channels in the context of scarce spectrum availability. However, Trai has not come out with any recommendation on the issue yet.

“It has been observed that although improved technologies have resulted in better utilisation of the available spectrum and transponder capacities, the spectrum and transponder capacities for satellite TV channels are not unlimited,” the I&B ministry notice has said.

A need is felt to revisit the present policy for uplinking and downlinking with respect to the approach towards grant of permission including the eligibility criteria and the terms and conditions of the permission, the ministry clarified.

The ministry pointed out that a number of issues have arisen for consideration, on which Trai’s recommendations have been sought. “Pending receipt of Trai’s recommendations, it has been decided to suspend receiving applications for permissions to uplink TV channels from India and downlink TV channels in India under uplinking/downlinking guidelines with immediate effect, till further notice,” it has added.

The guidelines for downlinking of television channels and for uplinking from India were notified in 2005.




19/01/10

Live chat in the chatroom 9.pm NZ and 8,30pm Syd time onwards.

Feeds Tuesday

D1 12680 V Sr 7200 'Sunrise"

Asiasat 5 3754V 6111 DVBS "AOT Circuit A - Aust. Open"

Vietnam DTH service 132E transponder freqs

11050 H sr 28800
11550 H sr 28500
11588 H sr 28800
11630 H sr 28800


From my Email & ICQ


..


From the Dish


No Lyngsat

From asiatvro site

东经128度轨道位置的日本通信3号卫星C频段,龙祥电影、中天综合(台亚卫星)等全组频道解密,设置4000 V 30000参数免费接收。[01-19]
东经134度轨道位置的亚太6号卫星Ku频段,有线新知(统一平台)频道消失,设置12435 V 27500参数无效接收。[01-19]
东经105.5度轨道位置的亚洲3S号卫星C频段,有线新知(香港)频道消失,设置4111 H 13650参数无效接收。[01-19]
东经95度轨道位置的新天6号卫星Ku频段,Maiim(韩国)频道新增,设置12729 H 26400参数免费接收。[01-18]
东经138度轨道位置的亚太5号卫星Ku频段,MRTV(缅甸)频道新增,设置12380 H 2220参数免费接收。[01-18]
东经92.2度轨道位置的中星9号卫星Ku频段,新华财经(新华社)频道消失,设置12092 L 6870参数无效接收。[01-18]
东经95度轨道位置的新天6号卫星Ku频段,Maiim(韩国)频道新增,设置12729 H 26400参数免费接收。[01-18]
东经138度轨道位置的亚太5号卫星Ku频段,MRTV(缅甸)频道新增,设置12380 H 2220参数免费接收。[01-18]
东经92.2度轨道位置的中星9号卫星Ku频段,新华财经(新华社)频道消失,设置12092 L 6870参数无效接收。[01-18]


NEWS


NBN Co on hunt for satellites


From http://www.zdnet.com.au/news/communications/soa/NBN-Co-on-hunt-for-satellites/0,130061791,339300485,00.htm?omnRef=http://news.google.com/news?hl=en&safe=off&rls=com.microsoft:en-nz&q=satellite&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=N&tab=wn

The NBN Co today kicked off its hunt for satellite operators which will in the future service a part or all of the 10 per cent of the rural Australian households not delivered a fibre connection to the home.

Following recent comments by NBN Co chief Mike Quigley that the company would launch "a couple" of KA-band satellites by the end of 2010, it has called for capability statements from operators. KA band is a short frequency between 26.5GHz to 40GHz that is seen as suitable for broadband.

While urban households will receive 100Mbps fibre connections, rural Australians have been promised some form of wireless connection with speeds of no less than 12Mbps.

Quigley said in a statement today that the NBN Co "is looking for companies with proven capabilities to act as key suppliers" which can undertake different components of such an operation.

"This is an important milestone in the progress of the project, particularly for the provision of high-speed broadband services to rural and regional Australia," he said.

At the Federal Government's Our Broadband Future conference in December, Quigley said that by 2010 the NBN Co hoped to have launched "a couple" of KA-band satellites, highlighting it as the most economical way of doing the task.

Following an evaluation of capability statements, which are due by 15 February, it will invite a shortlist of between five to 10 suppliers to partake in a request for proposal process.

Optus has already indicated that it was keen to participate if satellites were selected as the technology for rural Australia. It along with Intelsat/PanAmSat are the dominant players locally and both provide broadcasting services to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation. However, neither have in operation a KA-band satellite, the likes of which are made by US manufacturer, ViaSat.

Australian company KaComm, which has yet to launch a satellite, however, claims that it has acquired the rights to KA-spectrum from the Australian Communications and Media Authority and plans to become a wholesale regional broadband provider, according to its company profile.

The satellite request for capability from satellite operators will follow a similar process to that already commenced for fibre suppliers, which the NBN Co expects to announce a shortlist for by the end of March.


NBN Co seeks satellite providers


From http://www.theaustralian.com.au/australian-it/nbn-co-seeks-satellite-providers/story-e6frgakx-1225821250562

THE National Broadband Network Company has called on satellite network operators and equipment vendors to submit proposals for the delivery and operation of satellite internet services in the bush.

The provision of satellite services in the $43 billion NBN build -- along with wireless technologies -- is needed to supply the remaining 10 per cent of the nation with 12 megabits per second (Mbps) broadband connections. The other 90 per cent of the population will be serviced by a fibre-to-the-home network capable of delivery internet connection speeds up to 100Mbps.

“NBN Co is looking for companies with proven capabilities to act as key suppliers in what represents an important nation-building project and engineering challenge," NBN Co executive chairman Mike Quigley said.

"This is an important milestone in the progress of the project, particularly for the provision of high-speed broadband services to rural and regional Australia.”

Following an evaluation of capability statements NBN Co will invite five to 10 suppliers to participate in a formal request for proposal process.

Communications Minister Stephen Conroy has said next-generation satellites will play an important role in the NBN to link premises in regional Australia where it is economically unfeasible to lay fibre.

However, satellites that are capable of transmitting broadband speeds at 12 megabits per second -- the minimum broadband speed mandated by the government -- operate on a different transmission frequency to satellites that currently service rural and regional areas.

Optus owns and operates Australia’s largest fleet of broadcast satellites but its current generation of satellites are not capable of delivering the network speeds mandated by the NBN. To achieve speeds mandated by the NBN Co, Optus would need to launch the next-generation of KA-band satellites.


18/01/10

Notification on Adjustments of Satellite IS-10 Transmission and Coverage on CCTV International

From http://english.cctv.com/20100116/102139.shtml

China Central Television will soon adjust the transmission and coverage of Intelsat-10 or Satellite IS-10 (EL68.5) of CCTV International to meet the need of its global development strategy of multi-lingual programming.

Satellite IS-10 will stop transmitting signals of CCTV-4 and CCTV/F on February 1, 2010.

For the two channel’s subscribers, please adjust the satellite specification accordingly.

(see Table 1)

Satellite
Beam & Band
Orbit of
Satellite
Downlink Frequency
(MHz)
Polari-
zation
Symbol
Rate
(Ms/S)
FEC
Channel
Asia
Chinasat-6B
Asia Pacific
(C band)
EL115.5°
4115.5
H
23.437
3/4
CCTV-4/9/E/F
/Arabic
/Russian
Europe
Hotbird
Europe Beam
(Ku-band)
EL 13°
12149
V
27.5
3/4
CCTV-4
11034
V
27.5
3/4
CCTV-9
Astra-1M
EL19.2°
11538
V
22.0
5/6
CCTV-9/F
Eurobird-9A
EL9°
11996
V
27.5
3/4
CCTV-4/E
/Arabic
/Russian
Africa
See the adjustment of satellite specification in Africa

 

CCTV-9 will continue using satellite IS-10, but there will be some changes to the satellite specifications.

(see Table2)

Satellite IS-10

Downlink

Frequency

(MHz)

Symbol

Rate

(Ms/S)

FEC

Before Adjustment

4087.25

9.375

3/4

After Adjustment

4064

19.85

7/8

For CCTV subscribers, please make the relevant adjustments to receive CCTV programs.

New stuff

Asiasat 5 100.5E

3751H "Sunnah TV, Quran TV" , FTA Sr 13320 (See news item)
3880H "Rai Italia Asia" has started , Fta, SR 27500, FEC 3/4
3880H "YES Italia" has started, Fta, SR 27500, FEC 3/4

Asiasat3S 105.5E
4084 H Sr 5780 "DATA", "KTN", "KTN News" (Pakistan) started FTA

Feeds

Saturday

Asiasat 5 TP 4021V 30000 "Golf Fedex Cup" DVBS2 HD feed Service-123HD

D2 12272 v 6670 "NBL Perth Wildcats v Cairns Taipans"

Sunday

Intelsat 8 12561 V 6670 NZV8's (NZ/Islands beam)

Monday

D1 12679 V 7200 BCS Slot 6 "Golden Globes Feed"
IS 5 3760 Encoder #2 "Golden Globes Feed"

Asiasat 5 3745 V 6111 DVBS AOT Circuit B - Aust. Open - Womens - Sharaprova Vs ??? highlights
Asiasat 5 3754 V 6111 DVBS AOT Circuit A - Aust. Open - Mens - Nadal Vs ???



From my Email & ICQ


From Horst

Signal report

asiasat3s 4084-h-5780
3 channel ktn-ktn-data
all 3 channels show pictures

as-5 3751-h-13329
saudi quran/ holi channel
+ONE AND 7 TEST PIX
85-35 quality

just holding on 2,2m dish

horst


From puzhakkara2008

INDIASATWORLD

hi everyone

news of a new website for satellite channel updates covering india area has started

pls visit

www.indiasatworld.com

greetings


From the Dish


Optus D2 156E 12734 V "Deepam TV" is Fta

Telstar 18 138E 3462 V "TVRI Nasional" has started on, Fta, SR 20000, FEC 1/2.

AsiaSat 4 122.2E Minor updates in SITI Digital Network.

AsiaSat 3S 105.5E 3729 H "China Entertainment TV" has left.
AsiaSat 3S 105.5E 3820 V "Zee Salam" has started on , MPEG-4, Fta.

AsiaSat 5 100.5E 3880 H "Rai Italia 3 Asia and Yes Italia" have started on , Fta.
AsiaSat 5 100.5E 3960 H "NourSat" has left .

Measat 3 91.5E Minor updates in Big TV.

Insat 4A 83E 3725 H "VOI National" has left .

Thaicom 5 78.5E 12272 V "TV 3 (clear), TV 5 Cambodia, TVK, CTV 9, Apsara TV, Bayon TV, SEA TV and D Music" have started on , Irdeto.

Intelsat 10 68.5E 12562 H "DoveVision has replaced OH TV" on , Fta.

NSS 12 57E 3658 L "ETV 2 (Ethiopia)" has started on , Fta, SR 2894, FEC 3/4.

From asiatvrosite

东经83度轨道位置的印星4A号卫星C频段,Angel TV(泰米尔语)频道消失,设置3725 H 26665参数无效接收。[01-18]

东经108度轨道位置的电信1号卫星C频段,民视、MGM、ESPN(印尼)等频道加密,设置3620 H 28000参数有条件接收。[01-17]
东经78.5度轨道位置的泰星5号卫星C频段,TCT World(英语)频道消失,设置3640 H 28066参数无效接收。[01-17]
东经90度轨道位置的雅玛尔201号卫星C频段,Rostov TV(俄罗斯)频道消失,设置3903 L 8888参数无效接收。[01-17]
东经105.5度轨道位置的亚洲3S号卫星C频段,DATA、KTN、KTN News(巴基斯坦)频道新增,设置4084 H 5780参数免费接收。[01-17]
东经146度轨道位置的马布海2号卫星Ku频段,CCF 2010替换卡拉OK(菲律宾)频道,设置12544 V 21429参数免费接收。[01-17]
东经80度轨道位置的快车MD1号卫星C频段,Rossiya 2等替换Telekanal Sport(俄罗斯)等频道,设置3625 R 33483参数有条件接收。[01-17]
东经108度轨道位置的电信1号卫星C频段,星河频道、MGM(印尼)等全组频道解密,设置3620 H 28000参数免费接收。[01-17]

东经95度轨道位置的新天6号卫星Ku频段,Misawa、Okinana(美国)等频道重现,设置12688 H 28000参数有条件接收。[01-16]
东经100.5度轨道位置的亚洲5号卫星C频段,Sunnah TV、Quran TV(沙特)等10个频道新增,设置3751 H 13320参数免费接收。[01-16]
东经105.5度轨道位置的亚洲3S号卫星C频段,Zee Salam HD(MPEG-4)频道新增,设置3820 V 27500参数免费接收。[01-16]
东经115.5度轨道位置的中星6B号卫星C频段,电子体育(鼎视传媒)频道解密,设置3640 V 27500参数免费接收。[01-16]

东经76.5度轨道位置的亚太2R号卫星Ku频段,海外宣传替换TVBS-N(华人卫视)频道,设置12491 V 22425参数免费接收。[01-15]
东经100.5度轨道位置的亚洲5号卫星C频段,Raitalia TV、Yes Italia(意大利)频道新增,设置3880 H 27500参数免费接收。[01-15]
东经122度轨道位置的亚洲4号卫星C频段,Star Pravah(印度)频道新增,设置3820 V 27500参数有条件接收。[01-15]
东经115.5度轨道位置的中星6B号卫星C频段,重庆购物(鼎视传媒)频道加密,设置3680 V 27500参数有条件接收。[01-15]


NEWS


Nomad’s satellite communications system


From http://www.miningaustralia.com.au/Article/Nomad-s-satellite-communications-system/509455.aspx

Nomad has released its latest Satellite Broadband communications system.  

Designed for heavy duty use in isolated areas, the satellite communications system includes live vision and data or document transmission as well.  

Nomad distributor Brian Ray explained that video-streaming means ease of confirming discoveries and instant transmission of the scope of accidents, developments and problems that require an urgent solution or executive decision.”  

The Nomad Satellite communication system also allows for computer to computer telephone service and provides access to the internet.  

Able to run from a variety of power sources, such as 240volt mains power, 12 volt batteries as well as solar set ups, the satellite system can be ready to go in under half an hour.   

The broadband system has coverage over both Australia and New Zealand


Australian broadcasters dabble in 3D TV


From http://www.smh.com.au/digital-life/hometech/australian-broadcasters-dabble-in-3d-tv-20100118-mfej.html

Australians will get their first taste of the latest trend in home entertainment next year when cable television provider Foxtel screens high definition 3D broadcasts.

Foxtel says it has been watching developments in the technology for more than a year and has successfully trialled 3D in its labs and offices.

The move follows a decision by the US porn industry to adopt 3D and plans by several television manufacturers to launch 3D sets in time for this year's soccer World Cup.

Foxtel said it plans test broadcasts in 2011 and may announce a full 3D rollout soon after.

Foxtel chief executive Kim Williams said: "It will be an exciting addition to our range."

While global cable sports network ESPN plans to trial 3D broadcasts from this year's World Cup in South Africa, local soccer broadcaster SBS has no short-term plans to use the technology.

Channel Ten is planning to jump aboard the 3D bandwagon later this year, with a brief 3D segment in the quiz show Talkin' 'bout Your Generation.

Ten said it would give away the special 3D glasses needed to view the broadcast as part of a national promotion.

Channel Nine said it was monitoring the technology and Seven said it was interested in 3D's impact, particularly on sport.

But Seven's general manager of group broadcast services, Andrew Anderson, said it could be years before there was a large number of 3D television sets in Australian lounge rooms.

Sci-fi blockbuster Avatar has given 3D a huge boost recently but it is more than 50 years since movie-goers first thought the technology had arrived.

3D cinema technology has existed since the 1890s but its golden age was in the 1950s, when American movie-makers made schlocky 3D films, such as Creature from the Black Lagoon.

The latest 3D technology is no passing fad, however, with dozens of Melbourne cinema screens converting to the format in the past six months.

London-based Australian trend-predictor, Benjamin Harrison, said 3D was being heralded as a "saviour" of the film and television industries, mostly because the new format is hard to pirate.

But the technology still has limits. "2010 will see 3D grow in special-event entertainment, but it will not impact on everyday programming. We won't put on glasses to watch the news while doing the ironing," said Harrison.

He believes the economic climate means people will initially stick to watching 3D at the movies, rather than shelling out thousands of dollars to install it at home.

Nic Healey, Australian managing editor of gadget magazine T3, said that it would take time for movie studios and television networks to maximise 3D's potential but the technology would undoubtedly become mainstream.

"I think it's just something people like having. On a cheesy level, it feels a bit futuristic," he said.

How it works

- Images are filmed using two cameras. Frames from each are interspersed and broadcast.

- Glasses trick the brain into seeing different images with each eye to create "depth".

- New 3D TV sets and Blu-ray players are needed for the full 3D experience.


Advertising As You Fast Forward Coming To Freeview Devices


From http://smarthouse.com.au/Content_And_Downloads/Industry/C4C6J5W6

EXCLUSIVE: Commercial TV stations in Australia are set to start selling 'fast forward' advertising in Freeview-certified devices, including set-top boxes, the Sony PS3, Freeview certified TVs and any device that has the new Freeview MHEG 5 processor built in.

Effective from April 2010, Freeview, which is owned by the major TV stations in Australia, will move to only certifying devices that include the new MHEG 5 interactive TV middleware. This allows them to restrict fast forward speeds to 30X,  as well as place advertising into recordings made on set top boxes and TVs with a built-in hard drive similar to what LG offers.

It also allows the TV stations to sell advertising that will appear on a screen as soon as a user presses the fast forward button. A TV station source said, "At this stage we will deliver static-only advertising. This will allow us to deliver brand advertising as viewers fast forward a sporting event or a recorded drama program. In the future we hope to deliver short video advertising."

Last year, Freeview Australia chose the International MHEG Promotion Alliance IMPALA standard for Australia.

This will see the deployment of an MHEG-5-based platform EPG that will provide listing information on all Freeview channels regardless of the channel being watched. The platform EPG will also allow channel and Freeview advertising on screen and when consumers fast forward according to executives at IMPALA.

Giri Valliappan, director of market development, IMPALA, said in a statement: "Freeview Australia undertook a comprehensive review process before selecting MHEG-5. They wanted an open standard middleware but also wanted maximum manufacturer support. This was forthcoming from all the major CE vendors for MHEG, strengthened by the fact that all the major CE manufacturers would be able to supply product to meet Freeview's launch date" which is April 2010."

Set-top box manufacturers who are concerned that consumers will be restricted by the introduction of new Freeview are set to launch alternative offerings, with several vendors set to offer the Ice TV electronic program guide that has no restrictions and allows consumers to fast forward up to 60X.   

Robin Parkes, CEO of Freeview Australia, said, "We looked closely at both Freeview in the UK and Freeview NZ and were impressed by the success they had achieved. With the addition of high-definition graphics and interactive channels, MHEG-5 provides the best route for enhanced services for Freeview in Australia."

However, retailers disagree. A leading Harvey Norman franchisee said, "Phase one of Freeview did not deliver any benefits for a consumer, all they got was an electronic program guide and additional costs for a Freeview certified device. With phase two, we again see no benefit for a consumer in buying a Freeview-certified device. With MHEG 5 technology built into the new Freeview devices, free-to-air TV stations are going to have greater control over what happens inside the box. They are going to be able to restrict fast forward speeds, place advertising into a recorder for use when a user fast forwards."

Among the set-top box manufacturers who will have MHEG 5-certified products are Topfield, Beyonwiz, DGTEC (Hills), TiVo, Sony with their PS3, Strong, LG and Sharp.


128X 4 Channel Record PVR Set To Hurt Freeview


From http://smarthouse.com.au/Home_Cinema/Set_Top_Boxes/P7E6E3U4

Set top box manufacturer Topfield and IceTV, who won a major court case in the High Court against free to air TV station Channel Nine last year, are set offer an alternative to Freeview.

The Topfield set top box will allow consumer to record four TV stations at once including HD content, while watching a fifth station at the same time. The device will have AD skipping and the ability to fast forward at up to 128 frames per second. Due to go on sale the first quarter of 2010, the device will have DLNA streaming wireless and Internet connectivity as well as a 1TB drive.

The inclusion of the IceTV Guide guarantees that no advertising will be included in their fast forward service, as opposed to the new MHEG 5 Freeview offering, which will restrict consumers to a 30 frames per second fast forward as static advertising is delivered to the display screen.

The IceTV guide that is used by several set top box manufacturers including Topfield and Beyonwiz as well as manufacturers of Window Media Centre devices will also be able to deliver meta data information on content downloaded over an IP network in the future.

Currently several TV vendors in Australia, as well as a major telecommunication carrier are looking at using a customised version of the IceTV Guide to deliver content in Australia.

In April the free to air TV stations are set to launch a new version of Freeview using MHEG 5 technology. This technology will be incorporated into TV's, PVR's and the Sony PS3.

 This will give the free to air TV stations greater control over Freeview certified devices including fast forward speeds. It will also allow them to deliver advertising as consumers fast forward. It will also adjust record times to add extra time to programs that start and finish outside of the advertised time.

However some industry observers are concerned that data gathered by the free to air TV networks via their ownership of Freeview and the delivery of their software to a wide variety of entertainment devices, will be used to determine program viewing habits in the future.

Colin O Brien a director of IceTV said "we are currently talking to several TV vendors, telecommunication Companies and set top manufacturers re a customised version of our new IceTV program guide. Freeview is a major concern to many of these vendors because it actually restricts what you can do through the use of MHEG 5 technology. Retailers are also finding that Freeview delivers little if any consumer benefits" he said.

"The new MHEG 5 technology which will be built into all Freeview enabled devices is what the free to air TV stations want, because without it they run the risk of losing their advertising audience. A lot of mature viewers are now moving to using video on demand technology that is IP enabled. This allows them to record a program and skip through the advertising. More importantly it allows consumers to watch content when they want to watch a show with new IP enabled TV's set to deliver new capabilities this year" he said.

He added "Freeview is all about restricting what people can do. There is also concern that by using MHEG 5 technology that viewing data can be collected unbeknown to the user and then given to research Companies. This is the spy in the box concept which has concerned a lot of people in the past". 

"Phase one of Freeview, that was launched last year, offered no benefit to a consumer over what IceTV offers. Channel Nine has already tried to restrict IceTV because they knew we could deliver a superior service to Freeview. With our model which is subscription based we are able to build out customised widget interfaces based on IceTV technology. We can deliver a lot more than just an EPG service. We are a real threat to Freeview because we have no restriction which is what Freeview is trying to implement on consumers". 

Robert Bonanno, Marketing Director at Topfield said "We are selling both Freeview compliant and non Freeview set top boxes. We are set to offer a superior service that in the future will include the ability to record up to four separate channels at once while watching another channel. This will be on a non Freeview Topfield product. Users will be able to fast forward up to 128 frames per second and have AD Skipping technology". 


China launches satellites to build its own GPS


From http://in.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idINIndia-45476720100118?sp=true

BEIJING (Reuters) - China this weekend launched the third in a series of 35 satellites, designed to create its own global positioning network by 2020 and catch up to countries with a more established presence in space.

The network, known as Beidou or COMPASS, is intended to provide navigation and communication services for users in the Asia-Pacific region by around 2012, and is to cover the globe by 2020, according to the program's newly unveiled official website, www.beidou.gov.cn.

China is trying to catch up with the United States and Russia in space, where it already operates satellites for mapping, weather forecasting and state security.

Its successful downing of a defunct communications satellite in 2007 raised alarm bells in Western capitals, which are leery of the Chinese military's growing technological abilities.

More satellites could give China the ability to track and attack foreign ships at sea, helping it should a war ever break out over self-ruled Taiwan, military experts have argued.

China has staked a good deal of national pride on its space programme, which gained prominence when it put its first "taikonauts" in orbit in 2003, and plans to land a vehicle on the moon in 2012.

Its space efforts have spurred rival India to expand its own space capabilities.


Satellite dishes made by students sell like hot cakes


From http://news.asiaone.com/News/Education/Story/A1Story20100117-192359.html

Wisit Suesat, a sixth-grade teacher at the Nong Kong Kaew public school in Nong Bua Rahew district, who "discovered" this technique, said it was difficult for teachers and technical staff to adjust existing equipment and the direction of large satellite dishes when the signal was weak or lost.

It regularly cost the school Bt2,900 (S$110) to get someone to fine-tune the reception.

The teacher formed a team of five of his students to try utilising various materials such as dishes and found that aluminium pot and pan covers could substitute nicely for metal reflectors, after one year of trial and error.

Relying mainly on aluminium kitchen utensils donated by villagers, they start by hammering the materials into a parabolic shape, then assemble a stand from steel. The dish and stand are then attached to a receiver that can catch all KU band news and entertainment channels available in Thailand, besides free educational channels.

Each set costs Bt500-Bt2,500.

"The selling point of our satellite-receiver kit is its compact size, with a diameter of no more than 35 centimetres, besides the low price. They now sell like hot cakes," Wisit said.

Anucha Kulsiri, one of the students, said he would make his living making satellite-receiver kits when he grew up.

"It's not hard for me to make one now. You just lift the dish 35 degrees up and turn its direction to the southwest," he said.

Kittisak Theschaiyaphum, another team member, explained the "simple" steps in making the antennas.

"Pick a lid of a proper size. Remove the handle. Pound it into the right shape. Spray-paint it and drill holes that will be used for screws to attach it to a stand," he said.

Prasong Phornsophin, a |senior education officer, said he was expanding this home-made satellite-receiver-kit project to more than 300 schools, to |provide them with an extra source of income.


Saudi TV gets a face-lift


From http://www.arabnews.com/?page=1&section=0&article=131287&d=16&m=1&y=2010&pix=kingdom.jpg&category=Kingdom

JEDDAH: As part of a new development strategy meant to improve their position in competition with the booming Arabic-language television market, Saudi TV is getting a face-lift.

Saudi Channel One, Saudi Sports Channel, and business channel Akhbariya will undergo changes such as a new logo and technical upgrades.

In cooperation with the upgrade of Saudi TV, the Ministry of Culture and Information has also recently hired a new technical staff and provided the necessary training involved in carrying out the new enhancements. There are also a group of new programs that have been recently aired on Saudi TV including “Sbaha Al-Saudia” (“Saudi Morning”), “Al-Mamlaka Al-Hatha” (“The Kingdom of Life”), and “Al-Massa Hadeeth Al-Yasmine” (“Jasmine Talk”). In addition, three new studios have been added equipped with technology competitive to global standards.

The studios will help in supporting the recently launched five new TV channels, which, were announced by Minister of Culture and Information Abdul Aziz Khoja last month and launched on Dec. 18. The channels include two channels dedicated to the Holy Qur’an and Sunnah.

There will also be a channel highlighting Saudi Arabia’s position in the global economy. Another channel will be devoted to cultural dialogue and the Kingdom. Also in the works is Ajyal, a new educational children’s channel.

The channels can currently be seen on satellite TV in Southeast Asia, Australia, Africa, North America, and Hawaii.

Competition in the Arabic language television market has heated up lately with as many as 500 Arabic channels being broadcast for 16 Arab countries to choose from, according to the Arab States Broadcasting Union.


NSS-12 satellite goes live


From http://www.broadbandtvnews.com/2010/01/18/nss-12-satellite-goes-live/

NSS-12, the 41st spacecraft in the global SES fleet, has entered commercial service at the orbital location of 57 degrees East.

The spacecraft was successfully launched onboard an Ariane 5 rocket on October 29, 2009. It replaces NSS-703 at a key orbital location at the crossroads of Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia and Australia. All traffic on NSS-703 has been transferred to NSS-12.

Rob Bednarek, president and CEO of SES WORLD SKIES, said in a statement: “NSS-12 ensures seamless continuity for our valued customers at the important orbital position of 57 degrees East. The satellite provides significant incremental capacity to serve the fast growing South Asian and East African markets. As such, it is an integral part of our ambitious launch manifest aimed at increasing the in-orbit capacity of our 25 satellite strong SES WORLD SKIES fleet. And much like the recent ‘in-orbit’ acquisition of the Protostar-2 satellite, NSS-12 is a testimony to SES’ dedication to providing state-of-the-art satellite capacity to support our customers in growing their businesses.”

NSS-12 delivers DTH through four regional Ku-band spot beams over the Middle East, Europe, Central and Southern Asia and, for the first time, Eastern Africa. The satellite’s high-capacity, high-power C-band hemispheric beams – one covering Europe, Africa (including Mauritius) and the Middle East, and the other stretching across Asia to Australia – have been augmented by a C-band global beam spanning from the UK to the Far East.

The satellite reaches an estimated two-thirds of the world’s population. It features 40 C-band transponders and 48 Ku-band transponders with DTH power levels, as well as elaborate beam interconnectivity and C/Ku-band cross-strapping. The NSS-12 spacecraft was manufactured by Space Systems/Loral (SSL), a subsidiary of Loral Space & Communications


DD's DTH to carry 200 channels: Soni


From http://www.indiantelevision.com/headlines/y2k10/jan/jan94.php

NEW DELHI: Information and Broadcasting Minister Ambika Soni said today that she has asked Prasar Bharati to work towards offering at least 200 television channels on the country’s only free-to-air direct-to-home (DTH) platform, DD Direct Plus.

''We are discussing the matter with the Prasar Bharati people, and I have asked them to try to increase the number of FTA channels to about 200,'' Information and Broadcasting Minister Ambika Soni told reporters here after releasing the annual India 2010 and Bharat 2010 reference manual brought out by the Publications Division and the Research and Reference Division of her Ministry.

Currently, DD Direct Plus carries 57 channels, apart from 21 channels of All India Radio. The TV channels include 21 Doordarshan channels.

Soni said the decision to increase the number of channels on DD DTH was in consonance with the objectives of the Ministry to make the public broadcaster of maximum use to the public.

Earlier this year, Soni had denied in Parliament that any television channels had withdrawn from DD Direct Plus. She said DD Direct Plus signals were available in the entire country except the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

DD sources told indiantelevision.com that it may be possible to increase the number of channels on the platform as the annual carriage fee that broadcasters have to pay has been lowered. The carriage fee for all private FTA channels has been brought down from Rs 10 million to Rs 2.5 million along with a service tax of Rs 300,000. However, foreign broadcasters have to pay a carriage fee of Rs 5 million.

Earlier releasing the INDIA 2010 and BHARAT 2010 publications, Soni said the aim should be to sell at least 100,000 copies and this could only be done by approaching all state governments and educational institutions to buy copies.

Soni was reacting to the remark earlier made by the Director General in charge of the Reference, Research and Training Division of the Ministry, SM Khan. She said that unless information about Government schemes reaches every citizen, the work of the media units of the Ministry remains unfinished. The Minister advised that proper translation in all constitutional languages should be made available in educational institutions.

Additional Director General (In-charge) of Publications Division K S Dhatwalia assured the Minister that all efforts to increase sales of books by Publications Division would be undertaken in earnest. Ministry Secretary Raghu Menon was also present on the occasion.


Tata Sky is not good for Gujarat and Gujarati viewers


From http://deshgujarat.com/2010/01/18/tata-sky-is-not-good-for-gujarat-and-gujarati-viewers/

Direct to Home TV service Tata Sky has stopped showing DD-11, Girnar service for last one week to viewers. Tata Sky is proving itself an unfriendly service for Gujarat and Gujarati people because it shows only one Gujarati TV channel now. Earlier when Zee TV Gujarati went off-air, Tata Sky canceled that channel but did not care to replace it with another suitable Gujarati satellite channel, say TV9 Gujarati or Bizz TV. Such attitude is not only unfriendly to customers but also injustice to Gujarat and Gujarati people who would definitely opt for other options that are available in the market.

Other DTH services such as Big TV, AirTel, Dish TV etc. show three Gujarati satellite channels – Etv Gujarati, TV9 Gujarati and DD-11-Girnar. This is three times more than Tata Sky. However none of the Direct to Home service telecasts Bizz TV which is relatively small 24-hour Gujarati news channel that mostly plays recorded news.

Tata Sky telecasts almost all available channels when it comes to other languages. Tata Sky shows three channels of Oriya language, four of Punjabi language and more than five channels of each of the southern language, but when it comes to Gujarat, this DTH service behaves in unprofessional manner and decreases the number of channels instead of offering more.


CAPTAIN’S TV


From http://www.behindwoods.com/tamil-movie-news-1/jan-10-02/vijayakanth-captain-tv-16-01-10.html

Vijayakanth’s Captain TV logo was released on January 14th, 2010. The trial broadcast of Captain TV will be on from March 15th and will go on till April 13th while the telecast will begin from April 14th 2010. The channel will provide complete entertainment to the family. There would be serials, English films dubbed in Tamil, latest Tamil films, news etc.

According to the press release, Captain TV will give prime importance to social issues and will have programs for women, children, students and the youth. This 24 hours channel will be broadcast through the INSAT 4B Satellite.




17/01/10

Sunday, no update




16/01/10

Saturday, no update




15/01/10

Feeds

D2 12662 V Sr 6670 3/4 "Horse Racing- Gunnedah"

Asiasat 5 3896 V Sr 6111 3/4 "cricket Aus vs Pak"

Tennis
Asiasat 5 3704 V Sr 5632 3/4 Sydney
Asiasat 5 4165 V Sr 6111 3/4 Kooyong


From my Email & ICQ


..


From the Dish


Optus D1 160E Channel Nine Perth feed has left 12519 V.

Palapa D 113E 3873 V "Telesindo Media TV" has started on , Fta, SR 2000, FEC 3/4.

AsiaSat 3S 105.5E 12352 V "Sahar 2 has replaced Sahar 1" on , Fta.

AsiaSat 3S 105.5E 3680 H "China Entertainment TV" is back on , Fta, SR 26670, FEC 3/4.
AsiaSat 3S 105.5E 4020 V "Sahara Aalami" has started on , Fta.

Intelsat 10 68.5E 12682 H "Peace TV English" has started on , Fta.

From asiatvro site

东经122度轨道位置的亚洲4号卫星C频段,Star Pravah(印度)频道新增,设置3820 V 27500参数有条件接收。[01-15]
东经115.5度轨道位置的中星6B号卫星C频段,重庆购物(鼎视传媒)频道加密,设置3680 V 27500参数有条件接收。[01-15]
东经113度轨道位置的帕拉帕D号卫星C频段,Telesindo Media TV(印尼)频道新增,设置3873 V 2000参数免费接收。[01-15]
东经108度轨道位置的电信1号卫星C频段,Trans 7(印尼)频道加密,设置3640 V 28000参数有条件接收。[01-15]
东经108度轨道位置的电信1号卫星C频段,Trans TV(印尼)频道加密,设置3600 V 28000参数有条件接收。[01-15]

东经138度轨道位置的亚太5号卫星C频段,民视(MPEG-4)频道解密,设置3660 V 30000参数免费接收。[01-14]
东经138度轨道位置的亚太5号卫星Ku频段,探索高清、亚洲高清(艺华卫视)等全组频道加密,设置12463 V 21600参数有条件接收。[01-14]
东经108.2度轨道位置的新天11号卫星Ku频段,东风亚洲替换台湾综合(台亚卫星)频道,设置12651 V 30000参数免费接收。[01-14]


NEWS


Foxtel To Launch 3D Broadcasts In 2011


From http://www.gizmodo.com.au/2010/01/foxtel-to-launch-3d-broadcasts-in-2011/

One of the concerns with 3DTV in Australia is actually getting the content onto your expensive new television. It’s not enough to just watch a handful of animated Blu-ray films and Avatar over and over again, is it? You need a 3D broadcast channel, which is something the free-to-air networks aren’t going to offer any time soon. Fortunately, it looks like Foxtel is coming to the rescue (for people who want 3D in their homes).

We contacted Foxtel to get an official statement on their position on 3DTV, and actually received a really informative response from Foxtel CEO Kim Williams:

“FOXTEL has been closely monitoring 3D developments since January of 2009 and has an active program for 3D broadcasting in its Engineering Development Labs,” said FOXTEL CEO Kim Williams.
“3D is an exciting development in broadcasting and FOXTEL HD set top units have already carried 3D signals in our premises with terrific picture clarity. FOXTEL will continue to run laboratory trials on 3D transmissions over the next year,” Mr Williams said.

Commenting on timing for 3D release Mr Williams said, “I expect that FOXTEL will bring its first test broadcasts in 3D to subscribers in 2011 when full product details will be revealed. It will be an exciting addition to our range of high quality HD products which now encompasses the most comprehensive offering in Australia with 15 twenty-four hour HD channels (including all mainstream sport and movie channels) and which will see the first all HD transmission of the Vancouver Olympic Winter Games via four HD Channels in February – an exceptionally exciting Australian and world first for any Olympic broadcast.“

So once you take out that marketing bit at the end, you get left with something that essentially says: “Yes, we’re looking closely at 3D and I reckon we’ll launch test broadcasts next year”.

I bet the Aussie arms of the TV manufacturers pushing 3D internationally wish it was a bit sooner, but at least it’s something, right?


Govt provides free set-top boxes


From http://www.news-mail.com.au/story/2010/01/15/government-provides-free-set-top-boxes-to-pensione/

Chris Trevor and Leah Hall, committee member of the Queensland State Policy Group for National Seniors Australia in front of her digital TV set-top box.

RESIDENTS are on the digital countdown with the government providing and installing free set-top boxes so pensioners in the area can make the switch to digital television.

Federal Member for Flynn Chris Trevor said he was pleased the government was assisting pensioners and carers with the change.

“Flynn residents will be making the switch to digital TV in the second half of 2011 so it is important that we start making preparations soon,” Mr Trevor said.

“Many residents are telling me that they are already enjoying digital TV, but for some in our community this switch may seem like a rather daunting task and that is why the Rudd Labor Government will offer assistance through the Household Assistance Scheme.”

Local households will be eligible for a free set-top box if at least one resident is receiving a maximum rate age pension, disability support pension, carer payment, DVA service pension or DVA income support supplement.

Eligible households will be sent a letter prior to the commencement of digital TV with further information.

“Blackspots are a major problem in Flynn and people have been denied for years the basic right to watch television,” Mr Trevor said.

“This satellite service is great news for footy fans like me, who will be guaranteed to be able to watch Friday night football every week no matter where they are in Flynn.”

Further information on switching to digital television is available by telephoning 1800 201013 or at http://www.digitalready.gov.au/.


China to send third navigation satellite into orbit


From http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2010-01/15/content_12813638.htm

    XICHANG, Jan. 15 (Xinhua) -- China plans to launch the third Beidou satellite, as part of the Chinese version of Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS), into the orbit "in a few days"from the southwestern Xichang Satellite Launch Center, according to a statement from the center Friday.

    Both the rocket, a Long March-3III carrier, and the satellite were in sound condition and ready for launch, said the statement, without giving the exact launch date.

    China aimed to make Beidou, or Compass, a navigation satellite system that would consist of 35 satellites by 2020, provide global service, Hu Gang, vice-president of Beijing BDStar Navigation Co. Ltd, was quoted by China Daily as saying in July last year.

    Beidou is expected to rival the US-developed GPS, the EU's Galileo positioning system and Russia's GLONASS, according to media reports.

    The home-grown global navigation satellite system will provide regional service around 2011 with a constellation of 12 satellites.

    The 12 satellites will be part of the program's first phase. Sofar only two Compass satellites have been launched into orbit, one in 2007 and the other in April last year.


Measat Expands Support To African Market


From http://www.bernama.com.my/bernama/v5/news_lite.php?id=468534

KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 15 (Bernama) -- Measat Satellite Systems Sdn Bhd is expanding its support to the African market, with the commisssioning of its AFRICASAT-2 satellite.

In a statement Friday, MEASAT said it had on Jan 13, brought into service the AFRICASAT-2 satellite at the 5.7E orbital location.

"Africa is emerging as a key market for satellite communications," said MEASAT's Senior Vice-President, Space Systems Development,Dr. Ali R. Ebadi.

"The commissioning of AFRICASAT-2 strengthens our network coverage in this key region," Aki said.

AFRICASAT-2 provides both C and Ku-Band capacity for telecommunications and broadcasting services across Africa,Southern Europe and the Middle East.


On Digital Media to offer 30 channels


From http://www.screenafrica.com/news/business/375520.htm

On Digital Media, the only pay-TV broadcaster still planning to go ahead out of the initial four companies granted licences for subscription television by Independent Communications Authority of SA (ICASA), will provide a basic package of 30 channels, according to a report that appeared on fin.24抯 website.?

ODM plans to launch the service, which will cost between R99 and R249 a month in May. With this competitively priced package, it aims to attract millions of consumers who can't afford DStv. Both local and international television channels, including Fox Entertainment and MGM, will be broadcast. CEO of ODM, Vino Govender, said that ODM would not compete with MultiChoice's DStv service.

This will be the first time that Fox Entertainment and MGM will be available in South Africa, said Govender. ODM also plans to launch other international channels for the first time in South Africa. ODM is negotiating with MultiChoice for additional content from DStv. On the sporting front, ODM will not provide rugby, cricket or PSL football initially but will negotiate rights for niche sporting content.

Customers will be able to use existing DStv satellite dishes with the ODM service, but the dish will have to be repositioned. The electronic programme guide (EPG) for ODM has been designed by the NDS Group, a division of Rupert Murdoch's News Corp.


Intelsat Establishes Satellite Links in Haiti


From http://www.governmentvideo.com/article/91242

Intelsat said that within hours of receiving its first request, it established two communication networks—one in C-band and one in Ku-band—to provide critical communication links to support government and NGO users. The comectivity includes its GlobalConnexSM Network Broadband service.

Intelsat is using capacity on its Intelsat 907 and Horizons 2 satellites, located at 335.5º E and 74º W respectively.

Intelsat was among the first satellite operators with a dedicated team and a fly-away system in place at Toussaint Louverture International Airport in Port-au-Prince, providing on-site coordination and transmission services, the company said.


SES WORLD SKIES donates satellite capacity in support of relief efforts for Haiti


From  http://www.satellite-evolution.com/site/newsresult.htm?file=SES%20WORLD%20SKIES%20donates%20satellite%20capacity%20in%20support%20of%20%20relief%20efforts%20%20for%20%20Haiti

As the international aid efforts for earthquake-stricken Haiti get underway SES WORLD SKIES is donating satellite capacity on five of its spacecraft and access to teleport facilities in support of relief efforts, disaster recovery and in order to cover vital communications needs. 

The SES WORLD SKIES satellites involved in relief support are AMC-1 at 103 degrees West, AMC-6 at 72 degrees West, AMC-21 at 125 degrees West, NSS-7 at 338 degrees East and NSS-806 at 319.5 degrees East. The SES WORLD SKIES satellites provide inbound and outbound connectivity for the disaster zone as well as internal communication links. The first satellite-based networks for Haiti went live today.
 
“Satellite networks play a quintessential role in disaster recovery, when speed is at essence,” states Rob Bednarek, President and CEO of SES WORLD SKIES. “We acted immediately, so our satellites could quickly provide the vital communication links for the benefit of the people of Haiti who have been struck by one of the worst natural catastrophes’ in history. SES WORLD SKIES is proud to donate its satellite capacity in support of the international relief efforts for Haiti.”


3ality To Support BSkyB 3D Launch


From http://www.broadcastingcable.com/article/444351-3ality_To_Support_BSkyB_3D_Launch.php

Burbank, Calif.-based 3D specialist 3ality Digital will be collaborating with U.K. pay-TV operator BSkyB in launching a 3D HD service in the U.K. and Ireland later this year.

BSkyB will use 3ality Digital's specialized "3flex" camera rigs and image processors to produce much of the 3D content it plans to broadcast, the companies announced Wednesday.

BSkyB, which markets itself as "Sky," will transmit the 3D service across its existing infrastructure and it can be received by the current generation of Sky+HD set-top boxes, which are currently installed in 1.6 million homes. BSkyB subscribers will need to buy a new 3D-capable HD set to watch it.

"The launch of Sky's 3D TV services this year will mark a milestone in British broadcasting, giving customers a whole new dimension to their TV viewing experience" said Brian Lenz, Sky's Director of Product Design and TV Product Development, in a statement. "Utilizing 3ality Digital's technology and equipment will be a key component in providing our customers with a cutting-edge entertainment experience."

"We're proud to collaborate with Sky as the company works to deliver on its commitment to pioneer 3D broadcasting," added 3ality Digital, LLC CEO Sandy Climan in a statement. "Our state-of-the-art automation processes and the full metadata capture built into our camera platforms will ensure Sky 3D programming is compelling, immersive and dynamic."

The 3D production pipeline is heating up both in the U.S. and overseas, which should provide strong growth for 3ality Digital and its main U.S. competitor, PACE. New York-based All Mobile Video announced this week that it will build a new 3D mobile production truck using 3ality's camera rigs, while Burbank-based PACE plans to build a new 53-foot production truck in partnership with mobile production giant NEP Broadcasting.

PACE, which ESPN has tapped to provide 3D production technology for its new 3D channel that launches in June, already owns a 43-foot production truck and last year created a 53-foot unit, Supershooter 3D, in a joint venture with NEP.




14/01/10

D1 12679 V sr 7200 Australian Tennis Feed


From my Email & ICQ


From festy_feet

D1 12429 V 6111 V: 308 A:256 P:8190 "Cricket: Aus vs Pak" FTA mpg2


From Dougy

D1 12637 V 5100 1280/1281/1280 7 Central (Up often, only a temp feed)


From the Dish


Chinasat 6B 115.5E 4100 V "CCTV 1" is now encrypted.

ProtoStar 1 98.5E ProtoStar 1 has left 98.5 East, moving west.

Apstar 2R 76.5E 4085 H "Tara Newz" is back on , Fta, SR 2530, FEC 3/4.

ABS 1 75E 3656 V "Trace TV" has left .

Intelsat 10 68.5E 3774 H "Hum TV" is back on , Fta, SR 3300, FEC 2/3.

From asiatvro site

东经76.5度轨道位置的亚太2R号卫星Ku频段,海外宣传替换TVBS(华人卫视)频道,设置12462 V 22425参数免费接收。[01-14]
东经132度轨道位置的越南1号卫星Ku频段,Shopping TV、阿里郎(越南)频道解密,设置11050 H 28800参数免费接收。[01-14]
东经75度轨道位置的ABS-1号卫星C频段,Trace TV(音乐)频道消失,设置3656 V 2170参数无效接收。[01-14]

东经146度轨道位置的马布海2号卫星Ku频段,凤凰中文、三立国际(华人卫视)等频道解密,设置12621 V 30000参数免费接收。[01-13]


NEWS


Government launches latest ad push in first digital switchover region


From http://mumbrella.com.au/government-launches-latest-ad-push-in-first-digital-switchover-region-15679

The Government has launched the latest installment of digital switchover advertising for residents in Mildura, Victoria where the transition from analogue TV to digital is being spearheaded.

The latest TV ad shows an electronics retailer dressing a shop window while telling the gathering crowd that there is only six months left until the analogue TV signals are “switched off for good” in Mildura Sunraysia. He tells the crowd that they need to get all their TV sets digital-ready or they won’t be able to watch free-to-air TV.

The voice over then tells viewers to look out for a Government brochure in the mail for more information.

A public awareness campaign, created by BMF, began in March last year which includes national and region specific TV, radio and print ads that are rolling out as the switchover affects each region.

From June 30 Australia will begin to gradually switch off the analog signal starting with Mildura and will take place progressively on a region-by-region basis until December 31, 2013.

The transition is being led by the Digital Switchover Taskforce within the Department of Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy.


Satellites from Tonga to help tsunami warnings


From http://www.rnzi.com/pages/news.php?op=read&id=51392

Satellites launched from Tonga’s soon to be built rocket pad could help warn Pacific nations of tsunamis.

The head of the American company Interorbital Systems, Randa Milliron says potentially a flock of satellites will be able to measure and track tsunami.

“We’ve been in discussions with the government in Tonga and there’s a real desire to move ahead into the future and to use the benefits of space to improve life in the Kingdom and actually in the entire region.”

Randa Milleron says trials of the satellite rockets are starting in the Mojave desert in the US in a few weeks and the first rocket is set to be launched from Tonga in December.

She says universities and governments will use the statellites and some artists have also been keen to be involved.


Robotic Arm on Space Station Will Try Refueling a Satellite


From http://www.popsci.com/technology/article/2010-01/robotic-arm-space-station-could-try-refueling-satellite

NASA's bold repair mission for the Hubble Space Telescope has inspired engineers to tackle another challenge -- using the robotic arm on the International Space Station to refuel a satellite. Aviation Week reports that the Canadian "Dextre" arm could use a special tool to cut into a spacecraft that was never designed to be refueled, pierce the insulation, and access the fuel plumbing.

The proposal grew out of a $20 million study that seeks to examine lessons from the five past Hubble-servicing missions, as well as earlier plans for a possible robotic mission to service Hubble. Such an effort might not only pave the way for orbital gas stations, but also test the robotic installation of new instruments or even orbital spacecraft assembly.

"We've already developed a prototype tool that's pretty cool that can cut through the external skin or insulation on the satellite, snip the safety wire on the cap on the fuel valve, attach the hose and turn the valve and transfer the fuel into the vehicle," said Preston Burch, the Hubble program manager, during a Jan. 11 announcement.

Funding for the study does not cover an actual flight test to the space station that would allow the testing to take place. But NASA may very well spring for the mission, even if it remains unsure of extending the space station's life beyond 2016. A final report on the study is slated for presentation before Congress in September.

Successful robotic refueling could go a long way toward extending the life of current satellites or spacecraft missions. But we're really looking forward to the in-flight refueling for colony ships on the way to Mars or other star systems.


BTV Ordered to Stop AFCON Broadcasts?


From http://allafrica.com/stories/201001140118.html

Botswana Television (Btv) has reportedly been ordered to stop broadcasting the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) matches being played in Angola after the state broadcaster failed to secure broadcast rights.

Btv transmitted live the opening match between Angola and Mali as well as the second match between Malawi and Algeria but failed to broadcast the Ivory Coast/Burkina Faso encounter on Tuesday.

Reliable sources said Btv had been told to stop transmitting the matches during the Malawi and Algeria game on Tuesday afternoon.

It is said rights holders, Sports Five, had expressed concern that Btv, with satellite footprints into South Africa, was illegally broadcasting the event. Some broadcasters in the continent were reportedly turned away by the asking price of US$5million for the rights to broadcast the games. Contacted for comment, Btv's public relations unit requested written questions to be responded to today (Wednesday).

Late last year, Btv general manager, Molefhe Sejoe had said the national station was interested in broadcasting the games.

At the time, he could not be drawn into commenting on the high costs of the broadcasting rights.

Local fans who have free-to-air South African channels are also disappointed that they only watch delayed matches. Only those who have subscribed to MultiChoice's premium bouquet are able to watch the matches live.

Most soccer fans across Africa are incensed that a European television network, Sports Five, holds the rights to air the African tournament. The prohibitive costs have scared away most cash-strapped broadcasters in Africa leaving fans in the lurch. Some African fans have made their disappointment known in a number of online sports publications.

South Africa's public broadcaster, SABC was forced to fork out R367million for the rights after Sports Five had initially asked for R1billion, a figure which is too exorbitant for most broadcasters in the continent


Harmonic MPEG-2/MPEG-4 Encoder Deployed to India


From http://www.satellitetoday.com/st/headlines/Harmonic-MPEG-2MPEG-4-Encoder-Deployed-to-India_33177.html

[Satellite TODAY 01-14-10] Broadcast Equipment India (BEI) has deployed Harmonic's Ellipse 1000 MPEG-2/MPEG-4 AVC contribution encoder to Sector-63 Noida, India’s first commercial high-definition and standard-definition teleport facility, Harmonic announced Jan. 13.
    The Ellipse 1000 is designed to provide Indian broadcasters with a smooth migration path to HDTV with the ability to simultaneously transmit MPEG-2 SD and MPEG-4 AVC SD/HD video to multiple transponders. Sector-63 Noida has the capacity to uplink 16 services to four transponders for transmission over the entire footprint of the InSat-2E satellite, located at 83 degrees East. The facility also can transmit video signal to other parts of the world through BEI's collaboration with BT.
    “The Ellipse 1000 encoder increases channel reliability while significantly reducing capital and operating expenses,” Harmonic Vice President of Strategic Markets Sales Shimon Shanor said in a statement


Delivering a HITS


From http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/catalyst/2010/01/14/stories/2010011450090300.htm

Headend-In-The-Sky will be a less expensive and qualitatively better version of digital TV, says the CEO of Wire and Wireless India..

HITS is digital in nature so you upgrade the existing customer from analog to digital TV.

Going into 2010, television in India is set for a new age of digitisation. With the Union Government approving Headend-In-The-Sky (HITS), the Indian television viewer will soon get a cheaper option to watch digital television. Wire and Wireless India Ltd (WWIL), the country's first HITS operator, believes this is the next big revolution in Indian television. Sudhir Agarwal, Chief Executive Officer, WWIL, speaks to BrandLine about the advantages of HITS and what it means for customers.

What is Headend-In-The-Sky (HITS) and how will it be implemented?

When terrestrial broadcasting started it was all very unorganised. Local cable operators would scan the skies for channels and beam it to the various localities. This was followed by large multisystem operators such as our predecessor called Siti Cable. This was one business model and the other business model started six years ago with DTH. The concept of DTH is that the signals are congregated at one place, they are beamed to a satellite and downloaded directly at the customer's house through a dish antenna and a set-top box where decryption happens. HITS is something which is in between both of them. It's quasi-cable business and quasi-DTH. All the signals are congregated in one place, they are encrypted and beamed to a satellite and they are downloaded at a central place and further distributed through cable.

What is the advantage of HITS? Why should a customer opt for it?

There are huge advantages for this technology. First, HITS is digital in nature so you upgrade the existing customer from analog to digital TV. Second, it is very fast to roll out. The signal is terrestrial in nature (as the signal is distributed through the cable) so you get signals across the country. All you need to do is get a receiving unit, download the signal and put it into the existing cable footprint.

What are the cost advantages of HITS over DTH?

HITS is an extremely capital-friendly technology. If digitisation of a given area costs Rs 2-3 crore via DTH, the same area can be digitised using HITS for Rs 3 lakh. There are a large number of areas in the country which are unviable to digitise because of the large investments required. But with HITS, even the remote areas would be covered at a viable cost. The reason for the cost advantage is you do not need to put separate digital headends everywhere. There is one single facility, the headend is on the satellite which beams and encrypts signals. All that is required after that is downloading the signals and distributing it. The Government is very keen to digitise the country to bring in more transparency in the country and provide better customer service. Being terrestrial, HITS is also going to be weather-proof unlike DTH where the signal goes missing when it rains.

Will HITS mean a return to the cable operator era when customers were held hostage to the local cable operators?

I don't think so. The backend is controlled by the company directly. We have a system called SMS (subscriber management system) and every customer is logged onto that. The customers are directly connected to the local partners and WWIL for any service-related issues. There are also many other verticals of businesses. HITS need not necessarily be rolled out via cable operators. We could have direct points in townships and housing societies. We have had tremendous successes from the townships where we have already rolled out our direct point services.

How many cities is WWIL present in and what is the subscriber base currently?

We are present in 130 cities, present in a lot of industrial townships and we are constantly moving up. We currently offer 180 to 200 channels. At present we have 10 million customers overall. Customer care centres are in major cities such as Bangalore, Mumbai, Kolkata and Delhi. We plan to consolidate the customer care base in one place and harness the advantages. Our endeavour is to address the concerns of people regarding customer care.

How many channels can a HITS operator show?

Customers want a lot of channels and a lot of local channels and we can provide that with HITS. Once channels are downloaded a lot of local channels can be inserted. Besides this, we have two satellites with us, Asiasat and NSS. Transponder space won't be an issue right now. If we want to add more channels we can route it locally.




13/01/10

Sorry about the late update

Telstar 18 138E "Adult channels" update from their website

http://www.max4xxx.com/changeEn.htm#a01

Dear Sir
For upgrade our program and protect your profit to defense the hiker.
We would like to notice you the adjustment of transmission encryption
and receiving equipment will be proceeding from 2010.01.15.
From? 2010.01.15. we will also increase the amount of adult program from 4 to 6 channels
and the encryption modules will be shifted to mp4 HD model.
So all the subscriber have to change the set top box to comply with the new encryption.

The transmission date is
2010.01.15 2 mp2 hardcore channels change into 2 mp4 hardcore + 2 mp4 soft core
2010.02.05 2 mp2 soft core channels change into 2 mp4 soft core + Jet +Asia travel

The new set top box and annual subscription fee is showed on below table.

For deducing the existing subscriber expense,
we would like to share part of the set top box cost by item C &D.


No.

Description

User price

Remarks

A

Annual Subscription Fee

Us$160

2 hardcore+4soft core channels

B

MP4 HD SET TOP BOX(+SIM ID card)

Us$180

Freight enclosed.

C

MP4 HD SET TOP BOX + 1.5years subscription

Us$340

For expired subscriber
(done before 2010.2.15 only)

D

MP4 HD SET TOP BOX + 0.5 years subscription

Us$180

For existing subscriber (surplus subscription+180days, done before 2010.2.15 only)









From my Email & ICQ


..


From the Dish


NSS 11 108.2E 12431 H "Neo Sports and 2nd Avenue" have left .

AsiaSat 3S 105.5E 3680 H "China Entertainment TV" has left .
AsiaSat 3S 105.5E 3729 H "China Entertainment TV has replaced MATV" on , Fta.

From asiatvro site

东经108.2度轨道位置的新天11号卫星Ku频段,GPC替换Horse Racing(环宇卫视)频道,设置12431 H 30000参数有条件接收。[01-13]
东经108.2度轨道位置的新天11号卫星Ku频段,Neo Sports、2nd Avenue(环宇卫视)频道消失,设置12431 H 30000参数无效接收。[01-13]

东经138度轨道位置的亚太5号卫星C频段,Q TV(印尼)频道消失,设置3460 V 20000参数无效接收。[01-12]
东经105.5度轨道位置的亚洲3S号卫星C频段,Ad Hoc 1(德国)频道开播,设置4071 H 14240参数有条件接收。[01-12]


NEWS


C-COM Satellite Systems — iNetVu Mobile Antennas Difference Between Life And Death To New Zealand's Government


From http://www.satnews.com/cgi-bin/story.cgi?number=14588280

C-COM Satellite Systems Inc. [TSXV: CMI] helps New Zealand ready for emergencies. Today they delivered an initial number of iNetVu Mobile antenna systems to  its Christchurch, New Zealand based reseller, for deployment by a New Zealand government agency for emergency communications.

“We are very pleased to be able to add the government of New Zealand to the rapidly growing list of C-COM customers who have selected the iNetVu Mobile antenna system for their emergency communication needs. With New Zealand’s unique geographical features such as the Alpine fault and weather extremes, the availability of reliable satellite based mobile communications can, in many instances, make the difference between life and death.” said Leslie Klein, President and CEO of C-COM Satellite Systems Inc.


Canal+ Rolls Out Channel Package in Vietnam


From http://www.worldscreen.com/articles/display/23838

PARIS/HANOI: Following its partnership with pubcaster VTV last June, Canal+ Group has launched the K+ channel package in Vietnam, offering up more than 50 local and international services.

In June 2009, Canal+ and VTV inked a deal to launch a satellite-delivered pay-TV offering in Vietnam. K+ is now being rolled out by VSTV in the country, broadcast from the VINASAT1 satellite. Customers can sign up via 1,500 points of sale and K+ shops. Canal+ promises the most inexpensive set-top box in the market for K+. The boxes are protected by NAGRA.

The French company said in a statement: "With the launch of K+, Canal+ Group is proud to propose to the Vietnamese population a different, varied, accessible, innovative offer in constant evolution and confirms its development strategy at the international level."


VSTV launches new satellite broadcasting service


From http://www.saigon-gpdaily.com.vn/Science_Technology/2010/1/78185/

Vietnam Satellite Digital Television (VSTV), a joint venture of Vietnam Television (VTV) and the Canal + Group in France, officially launched a new satellite TV service called “K+” on January 12 in Hanoi.

The new service is the largest of its kind in Vietnam.

K+ will broadcast nearly 60 channels dedicated to entertainment, movies and sports.

The satellite TV service will also broadcast its own “K+” programs and be the exclusive broadcaster of several high-profile Champions League, UEFA, French, and Spanish football matches among others.

Most K+ channels will be dubbed in Vietnamese or have Vietnamese subtitles.

VTV is the leading satellite TV service Direct to Home (DTH) operator in the country. By partnering with the experienced operator, VSTV will be able to design and supply a host of new channel packages with Vietnamese appeal.

Employing the latest in satellite technology, VSTV says it will ensure high-quality visual and audio features in its channel packages throughout the country.


Thaksin's judgement day


From http://news.asiaone.com/News/Latest+News/Asia/Story/A1Story20100113-191516.html

Former information and communications-technology (ICT) minister Sitthichai Pookaiyaudom and Thailand Development Research Institute (TDRI) vice president Somkiat Tangkitvanich told the court the excise tax policy on telecom services implemented by Thaksin as prime minister prevented fair competition and benefited his family's telecom business.

He said state-owned TOT and CAT Telecom also suffered from the policy, under which telecom concession fees paid to the state enterprises was converted into excise tax. This meant both agencies became financially weak and could not serve the public efficiently.

Sitthichai, who reversed the policy after taking up the ICT portfolio in Surayud Chulanont's government, said the excise tax measure effectively discouraged new competitors, especially foreign giants, from entering the Thai telecom market. The excise tax ceiling was as high as 50 per cent, which could be adjusted by the Cabinet.

"Foreign investors could not come here, because the measure was meticulously designed to prevent competition," he said.

In this landmark case, prosecutors have accused Thaksin and his ex-wife, Pojaman na Pombejra, of hiding their massive wealth illegally during the ex-PM's time in public office. In addition, they alleged Thaksin had abused his power for the benefit of Shin Corp, the parent company of Advanced Info Service, Shin Satellite (ShinSat) and other units, before selling the conglomerate off to Singapore's Temasek Holding in 2006.

Regarding the iPSTAR satellite owned by ShinSat, Sitthichai said a panel set up by his ministry had found it was not a "reserve" satellite as stipulated in the concession contract between the state and ShinSat.

However, iPSTAR could have been regarded as the main satellite, so it would have required a new concession before it could be launched into orbit.

The other prosecution witness, the TDRI's Somkiat, told the court that excise tax collection on telecom services was inconsistent with the master plan on telecom-sector development. He believes the policy helped existing private telecom firms boost their profits, because new competition was curbed.

Meanwhile, a source close to Thaksin said a team of lawyers was preparing a closing statement in which the fugitive ex-premier and his family would defend the integrity of the source of their Bt76-billion assets.

The lawyers will insist that prior to assuming the premiership on February 9, 2001, the assets had been transferred to Thaksin's children and other relatives.

The source said the former premier was worried about the outcome of this case, because there was political pressure during the investigation by the Assets Examination Committee installed after the September 19, 2006 coup.

Given that the court has set February 26 for delivering a verdict, Pojaman and other members of Shinawatra family are thinking about whether they should attend the session in person.




12/01/10

Only a small update, Live chat in the chatroom at the usual time if anyone is around.


From my Email & ICQ


..


From the Dish


AsiaSat 3S 105.5E 3729 H "MATV" has started on, Fta.

Apstar 2R 76.5E 3780 V The UBI World TV mux has left

From asiatvro site

东经132度轨道位置的越南1号卫星Ku频段,Shopping TV、阿里郎(越南)频道加密,设置11050 H 28800参数有条件接收。[01-12]
东经76.5度轨道位置的亚太2R号卫星Ku频段,海外宣传替换民视新闻(华人卫视)频道,设置12491 V 22425参数免费接收。[01-11]
东经115.5度轨道位置的中星6B号卫星C频段,CCTV-1(高清)频道加密,设置4100 V 27500参数有条件接收。[01-11]
东经138度轨道位置的亚太5号卫星C频段,CCTV-新闻(汉语)频道解密,设置3867 H 4290参数免费接收。[01-11]
东经132度轨道位置的越南1号卫星Ku频段,阿里郎、Shopping TV(越南)等18频道新增,设置11050 H 28800参数免费接收。[01-11]
东经134度轨道位置的亚太6号卫星C频段,青海卫视(汉语)频道新增,设置4146 H 5780参数免费接收。[01-11]


NEWS


Murdoch's son-in-law to leave News Ltd


From http://money.ninemsn.com.au/article.aspx?id=993277

Rupert Murdoch's son-in-law Alasdair MacLeod is leaving the media mogul's global empire as part of a restructure of News Corporation's Australian newspaper business.

After more than 20 years with News Corp in Australia and overseas, the current managing director of Nationwide News will step down at the end of the month, News Ltd said in a statement on Tuesday.

The change was announced as part of a wider reorganisation in which The Australian newspaper will become a stand-alone division within News Ltd to pursue what the company described as an ambitious and aggressive growth strategy for the national broadsheet.

The Australian newspaper is currently part of Nationwide News, publishers of Sydney's The Daily Telegraph, Sunday Telegraph, mX and Sportsman.

Mr MacLeod is married to Prudence MacLeod, the only child from Mr Murdoch's first marriage to Patricia Booker.

There was no explanation offered in the News Ltd statement for the departure of the man who began his career with News Corp in London in 1989 and has been managing director of Nationwide News since July 2006.

And News Ltd director of corporate affairs Greg Baxter says he does not know where Mr MacLeod is going.

"All he has told us is that he is excited about the thing that he is going to do next," Mr Baxter said on Tuesday.

The News Ltd statement merely says Mr MacLeod is looking forward to the future.

"Naturally, I am sad to be leaving but I am excited about the next phase of my career," Mr MacLeod said.

"I wish everyone at News the very best for their future."

News Ltd chairman and chief executive John Hartigan thanked him for his "strong, calm and highly successful leadership at News".

Other members of the Murdoch clan have left executive roles within News Corp including Rupert Murdoch's son Lachlan Murdoch, who quit all management positions in July 2005 but remains on the board.

Elisabeth Murdoch resigned from Murdoch-owned BSkyB in 2000 after four years at the UK pay-television operator to start her own production company.

Her husband Matthew Freud recently spoke out against the Murdoch-owned Fox News in the US, singling out the television channel's chief executive Roger Ailes for particular criticism.

"I am by no means alone within the family or the company in being ashamed and sickened by Roger Ailes's horrendous and sustained disregard of the journalistic standards that News Corporation, its founder and every other global media business aspires to," the New York times quoted Mr Freud as saying.

News Ltd says the position of managing director of News Ltd's NSW mastheads will be filled by Michael Miller, currently in charge of the company's Advertiser Newspapers in Adelaide.

Mr Hartigan said making The Australian a separate division reflected "the significant expansion of our ambitions" for the newspaper.

"By creating a separate division and deploying more resources, we aim to enter an unprecedented era of growth," Mr Hartigan said.

In addition to selling more papers, Mr Hartigan said News Ltd also wanted to expand The Australian's presence online, on mobile phones and on "new platforms".

News has appointed Richard Freudenstein as chief executive of the new division, to report to Mr Hartigan.

Mr Freudenstein currently is chief executive of News's digital division, News Digital Media.

He will remain in that position, as well as assuming responsibility for The Australian at the end of January when the restructure was expected to be completed.

Mitchell and Partners chairman Harold Mitchell said Mr Freudenstein was regarded as a rising star and seen by some as a possible replacement for Mr Hartigan.

"This is an aggressive move by The Australian, intent of making it into a serious profit centre for News Corp," Mr Mitchell said from Melbourne.

"It has always been a challenge to be profitable and a focus by a man like Freudenstein, who has been an outstanding executive in the digital area, will help."

The appointment of Mr Freudenstein could be regarded as another step in Mr Murdoch's stated ambition to lock News's online content behind a wall that users must pay to breach.

The Australian recorded national weekday sales of 134,100 in the September quarter last year, according to figures from the Audit Bureau of Circulations in November, down 4.2 per cent from the prior corresponding period.

News Corp shares closed down 12 cents at $17.74 on Tuesday, while its non-voting scrip ended down three cents at $15.23.


More channels for regional viewers


From http://www.whyallanewsonline.com.au/news/local/news/general/more-channels-for-regional-viewers/1722960.aspx

Television viewers in Whyalla will receive the "full suite" of digital television services once analogue television is 'switched off' as part of a phasing out program by the Federal Government.

This move has been seen by political and media representatives as a positive step, but will cost ratepayers about $80 to $120 for a set-top box to view digital television, and from about $400 upwards for a 15 inch digitally tuned television.

It is planned that the changeover to digital-only television will be in place before analog services are switched off in each regional broadcast license area.

Whyalla will be among the first South Australian regional cities to undergo the changes along with Port Lincoln, Port Pirie, Port Augusta and Quorn, scheduled to transition from June this year.

Broadband, communications and digital economy minister Senator Stephen Conroy said the announcement was a fantastic outcome for regional Australians, many of whom had received limited television services for many years.

"The satellite services will provide regional viewers with access to the local news currently broadcast in their TV licence area via a dedicated news service," Senator Conroy said.

Southern Cross GTS/BKN general manager Brian Beerman confirmed on Thursday that the Eyre Peninsula region would receive digital channels, but his colleagues had not yet been informed of the changeover details or procedures.

FreeTV chief executive officer Julie Flynn said the decision was "a big win" for regional viewers, who she predicted would "lead the way" in the transition to digital-only services.

"Now regional viewers can be assured that they will be able to enjoy the same advantages regardless of where they live," Ms Flynn said.

"Regional broadcasters in particular have undertaken extensive work to identify those areas where a digital terrestrial solution is viable.

"This means that the maximum number of viewers will simply need to purchase a high definition set-top box or integrated TV to receive all the new Freeview services."

The announcement came on January 5 and included an upgrade of digital terrestrial television services, as well as a fully government-funded satellite solution for viewers living in 'digital black spot' areas.

More information can be found at www.digitalready.gov.au or by calling 1800 201 013.


Physique TV and GlobeCast sign agreement for market exploration


From http://www.ameinfo.com/220921.html

Physique TV, a free to air fitness, nutrition, health and extreme sports television channel and GlobeCast, a subsidiary of France Telecom specializing in content management and distribution have entered into an agreement for channel sales in the Asia Pacific region.
 
As per the agreement terms GlobeCast will promote, explore and safeguard Physique TV VOD programs within the territories of Asia Pacific for various platforms such as DTH, IPTV, Cable, SMATV, MMDS, Hotels, Online, Digital and Mobile.

On this occasion Ahmad Kargar, Founder & Managing Director of Physique TV, said, "Physique TV is glade to announce its affiliation with GlobeCast, a leading content management and delivery company. GlobeCast will be the commercial representative of Physique TV within the territories of Asia Pacific region. And we are very sure this affiliation will help us to reach out to many more respected viewers."

The channel is a mixture of latest interviews, documentaries, health remedies, healthy cooking experience, fitness tips and workouts, healthy shopping, events and other related sports such as Weightlifting, mixed-martial arts and many more.


Vinasat-2 satellite launches early


From http://english.vietnamnet.vn/interviews/201001/Vinasat2-satellite-launches-early-889041/

VietNamNet Bridge – When the Vinasat-1 was launched, forecasters claimed it would be necessary to launch the second satellite in within 5-7 years. But over one year later, the Vinasat-2 project has kicked off. VietNamNet interviewed Hoang Minh Thong, director of the Vietnam Post and Telecommunication Group’s (VNPT) telecom project management unit, the investor of the Vinasat-2 project.

Vinasat-1 reaches far and wide

Why has the Vinasat-2 project kicked off so early?

The Vinasat-2 project started in March 2009, but the plan was moved up since over 70 percent of the capacity of Vinasat-1 satellite has been used. There are two major factors for the early start of Vinasat-2 project: by 2012 Vietnam must have a satellite on the orbit 131.8oE and the rapid use of Vinasat-1’s capacity.

We estimate that by the end of 2010, the entire capacity of Vinasat-1 will be utilized. Normally, when 50-70 percent of a satellite’s capacity is filled, satellite operators prepare to launch another.

The Prime Minister thus approved an investment project for Vietnam’s second telecommunications satellite (VINASAT-2), which is scheduled to be launched in 2012.

VINASAT-2 aims to increase Vietnam’s telecommunications infrastructure and maintain the country’s right to use its position of 131,80E in the satellite orbit. VNPT is allowed to select bidders for consultancy packages related to purchasing the satellite, buying insurance, and providing launch services.

Is there any difference in the design of Vinasat-1 and Vinasat-2?

This time VNPT is assigned as the investor and there will not be a national steering board like the Vinasat-1 project had. However, the Prime Minister asked the Ministry of Information and Communications to consider the project carefully and make regular reports.

Vinasat-2 will be launched in 2012, so we don’t have much time. From now to March 2010, VNPT will sign the satellite tender package. The Prime Minister has approved in principle some special policies for this project to ensure its pace.

VNPT plans to use consultants again to select the satellite manufacturer and consultants to supervise its manufacturing. Each manufacturer has its own advantages and disadvantages. VNPT’s choice depends on their documents.

Lockheed Martin manufactured the Vinasat-1 satellite and built two satellite control stations for Vietnam. This does not mean that they will win the bid this time.

How does Vinasat-2 compare with Vinasat-1?

Vinasat-2 will have a larger capacity, be heavier, and have a higher frequency band capacity. Vinasat-2 will cover Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Thailand and part of Myanamar. However, VNPT will provide flexible coverage to meet their clients’ demand. Its minimum lifespan is 15 years. Vinasat-2 will have from 24-30 transceivers compared to Vinasat-1’s 20.

The total investment will be from $280-350 million, depending on contractors’ offers. The cost for the satellite may not change very much, but the launching service fees have highly increased when SEA Launch went bankrupt.

If the whole capacity of Vinasat-1 is totally used in 2010 and it will be 2012 before we have the second satellite, how will VNPT deal with this?

If we have new clients that time, VNPT can sign short-term contracts with other regional satellite operators or use temporary transmission methods and later transmit to Vinasat-2 when it is ready.

This is the second time you are in charge of a huge project. How do you feel?

This time VNPT is more experienced, so we can complete many stages faster. When we implemented Vinasat-1, we were assisted by the Government and related ministries and agencies so we could comply with procedures quickly. This time we have to strictly obey regulations to avoid mistakes. The legal formalities are more strong because there are many new rules that we have to obey since Vietnam joined the World Trade Organisation (WTO).

Another difficulty is that each satellite is different so the experience we have from the Vinasat-1 project may not be completely relevant to this project.

I am not very worried because I’ve already completed many tasks. The last time I felt “scared” and was under great pressure sometimes.

Is it too early to talk about Vinasat-3?

Actually, we have thought of the next generations of satellites (for example Vinasat-3) because this is a logical and normal development in building the telecom satellite system for Vietnam.

The first task is to register an orbit with the International Telecommunications Union. Legally, the Ministry of Information and Communications’ Wireless Frequency Agency is in charge of this task.

When Vinasat-2 runs for 2-3 years and 70-80 percent of its capacity is in use, we will surely consider launching a third satellite. I think that once Vinasat-2 is launched, at least 5-7 years later we need the Vinasat-3. Projects to follow, however, will depend on the actual situation.


Russia activates 1 of 3 new Glonass navigation satellites


From http://en.rian.ru/russia/20100112/157517769.html

One of three newly orbited satellites in Russia's Glonass space satellite navigation grouping has entered service, the federal space agency Roscosmos said on Tuesday.

Glonass - the Global Navigation Satellite System - is the Russian equivalent of the U.S. Global Positioning System, or GPS, and is designed for both military and civilian use. Both systems allow users to determine their positions to within a few meters.

The three satellites, which bring the total number of Glonass satellites in orbit to 22, were launched from the Baikonur space center in Kazakhstan on December 14, 2009.

Currently, there are 16 operational Glonass satellites in orbit, three satellites have been temporarily withdrawn from the system over technical problems, one satellite will be decommissioned and two new satellites are expected to enter service.

The Glonass system requires 18 operational satellites for continuous navigation services covering the entire territory of Russia and at least 24 satellites to provide navigation services worldwide.

MOSCOW, January 12 (RIA Novosti)


More sports channels for Russia


From http://www.broadbandtvnews.com/2010/01/11/more-sports-channels-for-russia/

Russia will see the launch of at least three new digital TV sports channels this year.

According to reports in Kommersant and Lenta, Channel One and VGTRK, the country’s two leading broadcasters, plan to launch a cable and satellite-delivered service named 2 Sport 2. It will benefit from the rights already held by the broadcasters to include such events as the 2010 World Cup in South Africa in its output.

Channel One and VGTRK are also understood to be cooperating on a channel that will show the 200 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, though at this stage it is not clear if it is the same as 2 Sport 2.

VGTRK in addition plans to launch two further channels, named Sport 1 and Sport 2, before the end of the year.

Furthermore, it is replacing the channel Sport, which closed at the beginning of this month, with a service named Russia-2 that is expected to offer a large amount of sports programming.


Dish Network wins $51M judgment against alleged satellite-TV pirate


From http://denver.bizjournals.com/denver/stories/2010/01/11/daily15.html

Colorado’s Dish Network Corp. and its sister companies have won a $51 million court judgment against a man they accused of being a satellite TV pirate who helped people steal the companies’ transmissions.

A federal court in Florida issued the ruling Monday in a case against Robert Ward. The case arose out of a civil suit filed against Ward by Douglas County-based satellite broadcaster Dish Network, EchoStar Technologies and NagraStar. EchoStar and NagraStar produce set-top box and encryption gear designed to make Dish Network’s signals viewable only by paying subscribers.

The court found Ward violated the Federal Communications Act by posting signal-piracy software to the Internet that unlocked Dish Network programming for viewing on unauthorized receivers. The court calculated damages based on how many people downloaded the software, Dish said in a news release.

“This is a significant victory in our effort to eradicate piracy of the Dish Network system. We thank the court for its well-reasoned analysis,” said Pascal Lenoir, CEO of NagraStar, in the release.

Dish Network has 14 million subscribers and ranks as the country’s second-largest satellite broadcaster. It has fought over the past two years to stop a new generation of satellite TV signal piracy that uses modified legal “free-to-air” satellite TV receivers to watch Dish Network broadcasts free of charge.

In a related criminal case, Ward and another Florida resident, Phillip Allison, pleaded guilty last fall in Southern California to a felony count of conspiring to violate the Digital Millennium Copyright Act.

Federal prosecutors charged that Ward and Allison helped Jung Kwak, the owner of Oceanside, Calif.-based ViewTech Inc., a major importer of “free-to-air” satellite receivers, recruit hackers to crack a new version of Dish Network’s encryption technology


Prakash Jha’s Maurya TV to start beaming from 2 February


From http://www.indiantelevision.com/headlines/y2k10/jan/jan55.php

MUMBAI: Filmmaker Prakash Jha's news and current affairs channel Maurya TV is set for launch on 2 February.

For the free-to-air infotainment channel, Jha has partnered with former Adlabs chairman Manmohan Shetty who has walked in as an investor. The channel, housed under P&M Group, is headquartered in Patna.

Says Praksh Jha, “Bihar has a huge potential in respect to both content and revenue. The channel is being launched on 2 February.”

Maurya TV will target audiences across Bihar and Jharkhand and compete with the regional broadcasters such as ETV Bihar and Sahara Samay in the news category and other Bhojpuri channels like Mahua TV and Hamar TV.

The P&M Group has appointed Rajiv Mishra, who was SVP at the Cinemaya Group, as the chief executive officer. Former Aaj Tak bureau chief Sujit Jha will oversee the entire proceedings of the channel.

Apart from Maurya TV, the group also plans to launch digital cinema multiplex chain, malls and entertainment centres in Orissa, Jharkhand and Bihar.




11/01/10

A new mux on Telstar 18 @ 138E.

Telstar 18 138E 3460 V Sr 20000 Fec 1/2

Indonesian Channels FTA

Tvri test
Familie channel
Qtv
Sms atv promo

Saturday feeds
Optus D2 12680 V 6670 Fec 3/4 "Mudgee Racing" - SBK 9MHZ
Optus D2 - 12662 V 6670-3/4 Sapphire Coast - GlobeCast 7


From my Email & ICQ


..


From the Dish


Intelsat 8 166E 12726 H "NHK World Premium" is/was Fta.

AsiaSat 4 122.2E 12430 V "Da Ai 2 has replaced Da Ai TV" on , Fta.

AsiaStar 105E The 1 WorldSpace packages have left AsiaStar.

AsiaSat 5 100.5E 3960 H "Al Malakoot Sat" has left .

NSS 6 95E 11037 H "Love Aajka"l has started on , Mediaguard.
NSS 6 95E 12595 V "Play TV" has left .

Intelsat 15 85.2E Intelsat 15 has arrived at 85.2 East.

Insat 2E 83E 3512 V "Shakti TV" has left .
Insat 2E 83E 3612 V "Rupasi Bangla TV" has started on , Fta

Apstar 2R 76.5E 4085 H "Tara Newz" has left .

Intelsat 10 68.5E 12562 H "Muvi TV" is back on , Conax.
Intelsat 10 68.5E 12562 H "Ahlulbayt TV" have started on , Fta.
Intelsat 10 68.5E Madani Channel has moved from 12682 H to 12562 H.
Intelsat 10 68.5E 12682 H "DCLM Channel" has left .
Intelsat 10 68.5E 12722 V "SABC News International" has left .

From Asiatvro site

东经132度轨道位置的越南1号卫星Ku频段,HBO、卫视电影(越南)等全组频道加密,设置11630 H 28800参数有条件接收。[01-11]
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东经132度轨道位置的越南1号卫星Ku频段,The Thao(越南)频道新增,设置11127 H 28125参数免费接收。[01-10]
东经132度轨道位置的越南1号卫星Ku频段,HBO、卫视电影(越南)等全组频道重现,设置11630 H 28800参数免费接收。[01-10]
东经138度轨道位置的亚太5号卫星C频段,ATV Promo、SMS TV(印度尼西亚)等5个频道新增,设置3460 V 20000参数免费接收。[01-10]
东经83度轨道位置的印星4A号卫星C频段,Maurya TV(印地语)频道新增,设置3923 H 13000参数免费接收。[01-10]
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东经88度轨道位置的中新1号卫星Ku频段,好消息(中华电信)频道新增,设置12702 H 20000参数免费接收。[01-09]
东经132度轨道位置的越南1号卫星Ku频段,HBO、卫视电影(越南)等全频道消失,设置11630 H 28800参数无效接收。[01-09]
东经95度轨道位置的新天6号卫星Ku频段,Taokae TV(泰国)频道新增,设置11676 H 27500参数免费接收。[01-09]
东经132度轨道位置的越南1号卫星Ku频段,HBO、卫视电影(越南)等全组频道重现,设置11630 H 28800参数免费接收。[01-09]
东经105.5度轨道位置的亚洲3S号卫星C频段,华娱卫视(香港)频道新增,设置3729 H 13650参数免费接收。[01-09]
东经95度轨道位置的新天6号卫星Ku频段,Show(泰国)频道新增,设置11171 V 27500参数免费接收。[01-09]
东经76.5度轨道位置的亚太2R号卫星C频段,Tara Newz(孟加拉)频道消失,设置4085 H 2530参数无效接收。[01-09]

东经76.5度轨道位置的亚太2R号卫星Ku频段,TVBS-N(华人卫视)频道加密,设置12491 V 22425参数有条件接收。[01-08]
东经75度轨道位置的ABS-1号卫星Ku频段,1 TVRUS(亚洲)频道新增,设置12579 H 22000参数免费接收。[01-08]
东经96.5度轨道位置的快车AM33号卫星Ku频段,TRK Nadym(俄罗斯)频道消失,设置11194 H 3255参数无效接收。[01-08]
东经68.5度轨道位置的国际10号卫星C频段,Love Star TV替换CCTV-9(RRSat)频道,设置3808 V 10340参数免费接收。[01-08]
东经78.5度轨道位置的泰星5号卫星C频段,Multi Max(缅甸)频道新增,设置3617 V 12500参数免费接收。[01-08]
东经83度轨道位置的印星2E号卫星C频段,Tara Newz替换Channel Divya(印度)频道,设置3512 V 6923参数免费接收。[01-08]
东经95度轨道位置的新天6号卫星Ku频段,KM Channel(泰国)频道新增,设置11635 H 27500参数免费接收。[01-08]


NEWS


Sky News Australia posts solid profit growth


From http://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/sky-news-australia-posts-solid-profit-growth/story-e6frg8zx-1225817484830

THE pay-TV service Sky News Australia shrugged off a grim year for many media companies by posting solid profit growth last year in a result that underscored the relative strength of the local subscription TV industry.

According to accounts lodged with the corporate regulator, Australian News Channel, which owns and operates Sky and sister public affairs channel A-PAC, reveal that net profit for the 12 months to June 30 rose 51.7 per cent to $9.1 million.

The accounts show that the profit growth allowed Australian News to boost dividends to its three shareholders -- News Corporation, the CVC Asia Pacific-owned PBL Media as well as the Seven Network and KKR-backed Seven Media Group -- from $5.2m in 2008 to $6.8m last year.

Australian News chief executive Angelos Frangopoulos declined to comment on the company's financial performance but a source close to the board said Sky's cost base was now "largely fixed" -- meaning that revenue gains tended to flow to the bottom line.

Employee expenses rose 12.5 per cent to $17.1m in a financial year that saw Mr Frangopoulos dismiss Sky's most senior presenter, John Gatfield, to make way for former Nine Network presenter Jim Waley.

While A-PAC is not a money spinner for Australian News, the company has been able to broaden its revenue base in recent years -- it receives payments from pay-TV operators Foxtel and Austar -- through news channels and digital offerings such as Sky Business channel, Sky News New Zealand, Sky News Now for mobiles, Sky News Podcasting and Sky News Online. Sky has also introduced local news services.

Mr Frangopoulos has identified turning A-PAC into a "24-hour all-election channel" as a goal for 2010. Another is to win the tender for the $20m contract to run Australia Network, the diplomatic broadcasting service controlled by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

Pay-TV held up well during the advertising downturn following the global financial crisis. While free-to-air channels Seven, Nine and Ten were forced to cut advertising rates in 2009, subscription TV earnings have continued to grow.

Accounts for Premier Media Group, which operates nine TV channels led by Fox Sports, show the group posted an 11 per cent rise in net profit for the 2009 financial year to $137.4m. PMG is half owned by Consolidated Media Group and News Corp, publisher of The Australian.

PMG earns more than Foxtel, which posted net profit before tax of $135m for 2009, and considerably more than PBL Media and Seven Media Group, which recorded more than $2.5 billion of impairment charges and earnings declines for the past financial year.


3D TV ‘inevitable’ in NZ, but ‘not tomorrow’: Sky TV


From http://pcworld.co.nz/pcworld/pcw.nsf/feature/5BACEBB2ADA9B395CC2576A500144889

Sky NZ likely to watch overseas uptake of 3D technology before introducing it locally.

The future broadcast of 3D movies and sports to New Zealand homes is “inevitable”, but it won’t happen in the near future, says Sky TV.

Tech manufacturers have been showcasing dozens of 3D TV models at the International Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas this week and overseas networks ESPN and Sky TV UK have promised to broadcast upcoming sporting events in 3D, including this year’s Football World Cup.

But Sky TV New Zealand spokesperson Tony O’Brien said that despite the hype, it could be a while before 3D programming was broadcast in New Zealand.

Sky NZ was looking closely at the potential of 3D TV but was likely to investigate its uptake overseas before attempting to introduce the technology to the smaller New Zealand market.

“We think it’s inevitable, just not tomorrow,” he said.

A major issue networks wanting to broadcast 3D content faced was the limited amount of 3D content currently available. “Another key issue we have got is that New Zealanders have just spent the last two years purchasing high definition TVs and they would have to go out and buy new 3D TVs.”

O’Brien said the situation in the larger UK and US markets was different and operators like Sky UK and ESPN could more easily “amortise” the cost of providing 3D programming due to their larger customer bases.

Sky NZ was likely to introduce broadcast 3D content and dedicated 3D channels after the technology had been introduced in the US, UK and Australia, as occurred with HD broadcasts, he said.


Korea Poised to Launch 3 Satellites


From http://english.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2010/01/09/2010010900182.html

Three Korean satellites will be sent into orbit this year: a weather satellite called the Communication, Ocean and Meteorological Satellite (COMS), the Arirang-5 multi-purpose satellite which can capture images of objects on the ground even through cloud cover, and the Mugungwha-6 satellite that will handle digital broadcast transmissions. COMS will make Korea the seventh country to develop a weather satellite using its own technology.

The trio of satellites will fly into space to perform a wide range of missions, including meteorological data gathering, terrestrial observation and Internet connection service.

Weather Data Every 8 Minutes

The 2.5-ton COMS, which was developed by the Korea Aerospace Research Institute, observes weather conditions at geostationary orbit 36,000 km above the earth. A geostationary satellite remains in a fixed spot and orbits at the same speed as the earth. COMS, which is scheduled for launch during the first half of this year, can relay meteorological information back every eight minutes.

At present, Korean weather officials receive meteorological information twice an hour in the form of cloud images relayed by Japan's MTSAT-1R geostationary satellite. A low-orbiting satellite operated by the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration also sends weather data to Korea eight times a day. In other words, Korean weather officials rely on information provided by Japanese and American satellites even if a snowstorm or typhoon is approaching. But with COMS they will be able to obtain their own data, which is expected to boost the accuracy of forecasts. COMS is the first geostationary satellite to be equipped with a maritime sensor enabling it to monitor the oceans surrounding Korea.

Satellite Images in Any Weather

The main mission of Arirang-5, which is scheduled for launch at the end of this year, is to provide satellite images of the earth. The 1.4-ton satellite operates at an altitude of just 550 km. Unlike other multi-purpose Korean satellites presently in orbit, Arirang-5 uses a synthetic aperture radar which makes it capable of capturing images under conditions impossible for its predecessors because they relied on visible rays just like ordinary cameras.

High-Speed Internet Services in Remote Areas

KT's Mugungwha-6 satellite scheduled for launch during the second half of the year will be used to transmit broadcast signals. The 1.1-ton Mugungwha-6 is also a geostationary satellite that operates 36,000 km above the earth. It is currently being constructed by Thales Alenia Space of France and will replace Mugunghwa-3, whose mission ends in 2011. The satellite will be used to relay digital broadcast signals and make internet service available in remote regions of Korea.


Asia Emerges as World Leader in 3D TV


From http://english.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2010/01/11/2010011100753.html

While Hollywood may be the frontrunner in the 3D film industry with recent blockbusters like "Avatar," Asia is leading the global 3D broadcasting industry, stepping ahead of the U.S. and Europe.

Japan successfully broadcast 3D HDTV via satellite more than a decade ago during the 1998 Winter Olympics in Nagano, and since 2007 Japan's BS11 cable channel has been airing 3D sports and travel programs four times a day. On Sunday Japanese satellite TV broadcaster Sky Perfect TV announced plans to launch a channel devoted entirely to 3D content in July or August of this year.  

In Korea, satellite broadcaster SkyLife launched its 24-hour Sky 3D channel on Jan. 1. SkyLife aims to be the nation's top digital satellite 3D broadcaster and will invest W30 billion (US$1=W1,132) over the next three years to obtain and create 3D content, the company's CEO Lee Mong-ryong said. Meanwhile, the Korea Communications Commission launched a task force at the end of last year to test run 3D super-HD TV broadcasting on terrestrial channels.

There is heated competition among Asian companies and the U.K.'s satellite channel BSkyB in Europe and ESPN in the U.S. for 3D broadcasting. Asia has emerged as a leader in the field because the region is home to top TV and audio electronics manufacturers such as Samsung Electronics, LG Electronics, Sony, and Panasonic. Four or five decades ago Asia's TV industry was still in its infancy and Korea was transitioning from black and white to color broadcasting, but now it is the center of the transformation from 2D to 3D TV.


Thai True Corp sees higher sales growth in 2010


From http://in.reuters.com/article/specialEvents4/idINSGE60A0BN20100111

* Sees 2009 sales up 5 percent, better than analyst forecasts

* Signs MOU with Hong Kong-listed Phoenix on cooperation (Adds details)

BANGKOK, Jan 11 (Reuters) - Thai telecoms firm True Corp TRUE.BK forecast on Monday that sales growth this year would be higher than the 5 percent it expected to report for 2009, in line with its target.

"Revenue growth for this year should be higher than 2009 but growth will still be in single digits. This is in line with the global and domestic economy, which are on a recovery path," Chief Executive Supachai Chearavanont told reporters.

Seventeen analysts polled by Thomson Reuters I/B/E/S expected 2009 revenue of 60.7 billion baht ($1.84 billion), down from last year's 61.3 billion baht. They forecast 61.6 billion for 2010.

True Corp, founded by the Chearavanont family of the Charoen Pokphand Group, Thailand's largest agribusiness conglomerate, operates a wide range of telecoms services including mobile phone, fixed-line, Internet and cable television services.

True expected higher advertising income from its television business this year, with a contribution of about 5 percent to its total revenue, while revenue from broadband would show double-digit growth, Supachai said.

On Monday, True signed a memorandum of understanding with Hong Kong-listed Phoenix Satellite Television (2008.HK: Quote, Profile, Research) on cooperation by their media businesses in China and Thailand, they said in a statement.

At the midday break, True Corp shares were up 0.7 percent at 3.01 baht and the main Thai stock index .SETI was 0.96 percent higher. ($1=33.04 Baht) (Reporting by Manunphattr Dhanananphorn; Writing by Viparat Jantraprap; Editing by Alan Raybould)


Global destiny migrates to digital


From http://www.malaya.com.ph/01112010/busi11.html

The country’s second largest cable firm Global Destiny Cable Inc., will migrate from analog to digital network infrastructure in the second quarter this year to post revenue growth and help government reduce illegal cable subscribers.

Philip J. Chien, Destiny Cable Inc president and CEO, said in an interview that the company has earmarked P700 million to shift to digital, but the investment is expected to increase the company revenue by 20 percent this year.

In addition, the company move to digital would also help the cable industry reduce the huge revenue losses yearly pegged at about P5 billion to P6 billion due to the rampant growth of illegal subscribers estimated at 1.5 million.

According to Cable & Satellite Broadcasting Association of Asia (CASBAA) report in December last year, the country’s legitimate cable users have surpassed the number of illegitimate cable users in 2009 due to investment in digital technology of a cable company.

In 2009, the cable association report said that cable piracy cost has been reduced to $83 million from more than $90 million last year.

In addition, Chien said the company is also looking at offering a broadband Internet bundled in cable connection like the services of its nearest competitor.

Global Destiny is also a member consortium of First United Broadcasting Corp., the operator of GSAT or global satellite, the biggest and the widest satellite in Asia expected to double its subscribers by year-end.

Destiny cable operates in Caloocan City, Valenzuela, Quezon City, Novatas, Marikina, Manila, Pasay, Pasig, Mandaluyong, Makati City, Las Piñas, Sucat, Parañaque and Muntinlupa.

The company offered programs like ABS Philippines, ABC 5, GMA Philippines, Viva Cinema, Solar Sports, Jack TV, Crime and Suspense, ETC, Nickelodeon, Bloomberg, TV5 French, Global Theater, CTI, Phonix, GNN, English Classic Music, Tagalog (Phil.) Music, Mandarin Music, Taiwanese Music and Mainland China Music.-Myla Iglesias


China will construct Bolivia’s first satellite; Morales travels to Beijing


From http://en.mercopress.com/2010/01/11/china-will-construct-bolivias-first-satellite-morales-travels-to-beijing

Bolivian president Evo Morales will be travelling to China next March to sign an agreement for the construction and launching of the country’s first telecommunications satellite, reported Bolivian government sources on Sunday.

President Evo Morales wants Bolivia to have its own satellite

Public Works, Services and Housing minister Walter Delgadillo said that Morales would be travelling “in the second half of March” to consolidate the project.

“In the second half of March the president is travelling to China to sign a commercial contract for the construction of a satellite and 36 months later the satellite will be in orbit”, said Delgadillo.

A committee of at least fourteen Chinese experts is expected in the next few days in La Paz to meet with their Bolivian peers and “advance the project for the configuration of the satellite, its orbital position and different uses which have been planned”, he added.

Delgadillo said that the project should be finalized by the end of the month so that Morales can travel with all the information to sign the contract for the project which will have a cost of 300 million US dollars.

Bolivian Deputy Telecommunication Minister Roy Mendez had previously announced that 300 million USD project would be funded by a secured credit from a Chinese bank and the counterpart in the project is the Chinese Great Wall Industrial Corp.

Delgadillo said that Bolivia opted for China because the country “has a great proven technological capacity and can also extend soft loans”.

President Morales wants the satellite to improve Bolivia’s communications mainly the isolated hinterland and has named it Tupac Katari, in honour of a leader of the indigenous uprisings following the end of the colonial rule.


SatLink Communications — Humongous Hummus


From http://www.satnews.com/cgi-bin/story.cgi?number=1394290453

A partnership between SatLink Communications Ltd. and Israeli restaurateur and businessman Jowdat Ibrahim, created the world’s largest plate of Hummus, the Middle Eastern delicacy, weighing in at 4090 kilograms. Loaded onto a six-meter satellite dish provided by SatLink, the event brought together food aficionados and an official adjudicator from the Guinness World Records organization to Abu Gosh, a village located outside of Jerusalem.

The world’s largest hummus platter was unveiled and revealed three tons of chickpeas blended with one ton of tehina paste, and more than 5,000 pita breads with which to scoop up the delicacy. Acknowledged world-wide as the epicenter for the preparation and enjoyment of hummus, Abu Gosh is a focal spot for this celebration. Chefs from around Israel arrived early to prepare the overflowing satellite dish. Following local Arab-Israeli singers and a festive blessing by Ibrahim, the Guinness adjudicator acknowledged the new world record.


(Craig's comment, slow news day...)


France Seeks ITU Help To Halt Satellite Signal Jamming by Iran


From http://www.spacenews.com/satellite_telecom/100108-france-seeks-itu-signal-jamming-iran.html

PARIS — French regulators have asked the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) to intervene with the Iranian government to persuade Tehran to stop jamming satellite signals from the BBC World Service’s Persian-language broadcasts into Iran, according to the director of France’s National Frequencies Agency (ANF).  

ANF Director Francois Rancy said the appeal to the ITU was made the first week of January only after numerous French requests to Iran to stop the interference went unanswered over the past seven months.
Rancy, a veteran international-frequency regulator who chaired the ITU’s World Radiocommunication Conference in late 2007, said that while he hoped ITU pressure would affect Iran’s behavior, he was not counting on an immediate stop to the practice.
 
“The ITU is really a gentlemen’s club,” Rancy said in a Jan. 5 interview. “It depends on the goodwill of its members. There is no mechanism for forcing an administration into compliance with the rules.”
 
The Geneva-based ITU is a United Nations affiliate that regulates satellite and other wireless communications frequencies and satellite orbital slots. In recent years it has regularly tried, without success, to get the U.S. government to stop jamming legal radio and television broadcasts from Cuba, which the ITU says is done with low-flying aircraft operating in international airspace.
 
In another example, Slovenian television broadcasters and the ITU have sought to stop Italian broadcasters from overstepping their frequency assignments with signal transmissions that interfere with Slovenian broadcasts. According to ITU documents, Slovenian regulators sent more than 200 reports to Italy citing interference, saying Italy was using frequencies that had not been coordinated with its neighbors.
 
In both these cases, the alleged offending administrations — the United States and Italy — have all but refused to acknowledge the ITU requests.
 
The BBC Persian programming carried on the Eutelsat Hot Bird 6 satellite stationed at 13 degrees east was jammed starting last spring during Iran’s elections, and it has continued intermittently ever since, particularly during the broadcaster’s coverage of the death of a reformist Iranian cleric.
 
An official with Paris-based Eutelsat acknowledged that locating the source of frequency interference is often difficult. But in this case, Eutelsat contacted other satellite operators to compare notes about broadcasts in the region and performed tests over an extended period of time, and concluded that the jamming signals were coming from Iranian territory.
 
The Eutelsat official said one way of determining whether interference is intentional or accidental is to move the affected programming to another transponder on the satellite to see whether the jamming then stops.
 
Once it is determined beyond a reasonable doubt that the interference was coming from Iran, Eutelsat contacted ANF, which then contacted Iran in multiple letters sent since mid-2009, Rancy said.
 
For the BBC, a solution to the problem is likely to involve using replacement capacity on Eutelsat satellites whose beams make it impossible for Iranian authorities to uplink interference to the satellite. The BBC in recent months has shifted its programming to Eutelsat capacity on the Telstar 12 satellite at 15 degrees west, a location that relieves the jamming but also makes it difficult for the BBC’s Iranian audience to capture the satellite’s downlink.
 
The British broadcaster has also used Eutelsat’s W2M satellite at 3.1 degrees west, which offers a better signal-reception angle for Iranian dish antennas but features a narrow beam whose uplink cannot be accessed from Iranian soil, the Eutelsat official said.
 
“There are no easy and definitive solutions,” the Eutelsat official said. “But when we can, we can move programming to a satellite whose location makes it impossible for jammers in a given location to target the satellite.”
 
BBC World Service did not respond to requests for comment about whether the use of other satellites will provide a permanent solution to the problem or whether the broadcast audience will be sharply reduced as viewers need to repoint their rooftop antennas to the new satellites.
 
In a Dec. 21 statement following a fresh round of Hot Bird 6 jamming that started Dec. 20, the broadcaster said: “The BBC is looking at ways to increase the options for its Farsi-speaking audiences in Iran, Afghanistan and Tajikistan, which may include broadcasting on other satellites.”


Lebanon asks US to reverse ban on Al-Manar TV


From http://www.middle-east-online.com/english/?id=36572

Lebanese President calls on Washington not to ban Middle East television networks in US.

BEIRUT - Lebanese President Michel Sleiman has urged the United States to reverse a decision to ban the Hezbollah television channel, Al-Manar, during talks with US Senator John MCain.

"President Sleiman asked that Washington backtrack on its decision to ban certain television channels, including Al-Manar," a statement from his office said after the Friday meeting.

Sleiman's concerns come after the US House of Representatives passed a bill in December calling for punitive measures against Middle East television networks critical of the US.

Satellite television providers in the Middle East could find themselves labelled as "terrorist entities" by the US government.

Arabsat and Nilesat are two of the largest satellite providers in the region which could be targeted by the US bill.

Arab information ministers are due to meet on January 24 at the Cairo headquarters of the 22-member Arab League to discuss the US bill.

The bill, adopted in a decisive 395-3 vote, asks President Barack Obama to report, six months after the text has passed, "on anti-American incitement to violence in the Middle East, and for other purposes."

The networks listed include Al-Aqsa, the television station of the democratically elected Palestinian movement Hamas, which broadcasts from the Israeli-besieged Gaza Strip, and Hezbollah's Al-Manar.

Al-Manar is on a list of "terrorist" organisations announced in December 2004 by the United States, where the television has lost its feed and is banned from broadcasting.

Hezbollah, a major political party in Lebanon, has two ministers in the new national unity cabinet that Prime Minister Saad Hariri unveiled in November.

The winning alliance headed by Hariri won 71 seats in the 128-member parliament in the election against 57 for the opposition led by Hezbollah.

The Hezbollah opposition had actually secured the majority (52%) of the votes in Lebanon, but could not secure a majority of Parliamentary seats (it won 45%) because of the nature of the sectarian government system in the country.

Hezbollah was originally a resistance group formed to counter an Israeli occupation of south Lebanon before entering mainstream Lebanese politics.


Discovery EMEA launches HD Showcase


From http://www.indiantelevision.com/headlines/y2k10/jan/jan43.php

MUMBAI: Discovery Networks EMEA has rolled out Discovery HD Showcase, a channel that features high-definition content from across the company's portfolio of services in Europe, excluding the UK, the Middle East and Africa.

The channel replaces Discovery HD across EMEA on 15 January and will subsequently launch in France on 26 January. The lineup will include Discovery Channel's Deadliest Catch, Discovery Science's Science of the Movies and Animal Planet's Austin Stevens Adventures, plus new content such as Globe Riders.

Said Discovery Networks EMEA COO David Rey, "Discovery, the pioneer in the HD space, is committed to providing consumers with content that enhances their viewing experience. 
 
Discovery HD Showcase draws on the best of our portfolio of channels, including Discovery Channel, Animal Planet and Discovery Science, to bring audiences programming with breathtaking imagery and content, produced solely in HD."


Airtel DTH ad misleading; Tata Sky complains ASCI


From http://www.business-standard.com/india/news/airtel-dth-ad-misleading-tata-sky-complains-asci/82735/on

DTH major Tata Sky has approached the Advertising Standards Council of India seeking action against its competitor Airtel Digital's ad campaign, alleging that the advertisement was misleading.

The campaign 'Dil Titli', starring Kareena Kapoor and Saif Ali Khan, was launched in August 2009 by Bharti Airtel's DTH arm and the ad claimed that the service provided superior picture quality because of MPEG4 and DVBS2 technologies.

"We are trying to convince the media and the public at large that the claim that MPEG4 technology provides superior picture quality is false. It is just a compression technology and makes no difference to the picture quality," Tata Sky Chief Marketing Officer Vikram Mehra said.

The ASCI in a reply to Tata Sky's complaint said, "As per their (Consumer Complaints Council - CCC) decision, the complaint has been upheld as the advertisement contravened Chapter 1.4 of the ASCI code. The CCC concluded that the advertisement is misleading, as the viewer of the TV commercial is led to believe that Airtel Digital TV has superior picture quality because of MPEG4 or DVBS2."

When contacted, Airtel Digital spokesperson said, "We did receive some correspondence from ASCI and we have responded to that. Our stand is that MPEG4 and DVBS2 are some of the many features that we offer, that helps us offer superior picture quality in comparison to ordinary technology."

ASCI is a self-regulatory organisation of the advertising industry and deals with consumer and industry complaints against advertisements.

DTH operators in the country use different compression technologies ranging from MPEG2 to MPEG4 to provide digital television signals to consumers through satellite. Compression technologies determine a service provider's number of channels to consumers, but have no impact on video quality.

Airtel Digital, which was launched in October 2008, now has pan-Indian operations.