MORE CHANNELS TO JOIN ASTRA DIGITAL LINE-UP AT 28.2° EAST SES offering second UK multiplex
The ASTRA digital line-up targeting the UK and EIRE markets will be further enhanced when the following services start broadcasting via the ASTRA 2A spacecraft at SES’ second orbital position of 28.2° East:
S4C Digital, the Welsh language television channel, offers 12 hours per day of home-produced, quality programming, including all the peak hours Welsh language programmes currently shown on analogue, as well as a host of new programmes and viewing opportunities focusing on children's programming and extended coverage of sports, music and arts. On the ASTRA 2A satellite, S4C’s output will, for the first time, be available beyond Wales, giving viewers in all other parts of the UK access to Welsh language television.
Shop!, the new home shopping channel operated by Littlewoods and Granada Media, aims to be "the High Street on TV". Offering the widest product range featuring major brands with broad, mass-market appeal and excellent customer service, Shop! will be supported from launch by a transactional website and intends to take advantage of future interactive TV retailing opportunities.
Travel is dedicated to travel ideas and pursuits. Broadcasting 12 hours a day, 7 days a week, Travel takes viewers all around the world, bringing into focus the destination and activities, which vitalise and enrich the travel experience. In-depth destination reports giving an insider’s viewpoint on holiday resorts and cities around the world; special interest programmes focusing on action and adventure, sports and leisure pursuits.
QVC The Shopping Channel is on air 364 days a year offering Quality, Value and Convenience. Themed programmes are broadcast live from 09:00 to 02:00 UK time with QVC Night Time offering the best of previous hours. Product areas include Fine Jewellery, Fashion Jewellery, Clothing, Beauty, Personal Care, Collectables, Homewares, Household Electricals, Home Electronics, Fitness & Leisure, and Entertainment.
QVC, The Travel Channel and Shop! will be using the ASTRA 2A Multiplex Nr. 1, which will go live on December 15th, 1998. Multiplex Nr. 1 will also carry CNN International, The Cartoon Network and TNT from Turner Broadcasting Corporation.
S4C will be the first UK broadcaster to use ASTRA Multiplex Nr. 2 starting early 1999.
Explains Yves Elsen, Commercial and Marketing Director of SES: "The establishment of UK digital multiplexes opens the door to new entrants and existing service providers to take advantage of the opportunities on digital."