SES ASTRA Expands Its Interactive TV Service Blucom To The Arab World
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MBC group to use Blucom for MBC1, Al Arabiya, and MBC FM Betzdorf ( Luxembourg ), 11 September 2007 – SES ASTRA, an SES company (Euronext Paris and Luxembourg Stock Exchange: SESG), announced today that it has signed a new contract for its interactive TV service Blucom for the Arab World. MBC, the leading free-to-air multi-channel media group in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, will use Blucom for voting, greeting, downloading, and other enhanced TV-applications for its flagship channel MBC1, its news channel Al Arabiya, and its Saudi Arabian radio channel MBC FM. The roll-out of the service will start end of October 2007 and is technically implemented by APS ASTRA Platform Services and its affiliated company 5Cast, both based in Munich, Germany. Blucom is an interactive TV-service that combines broadcast technologies with the mobile phone environment and thus enhances revenue models, branding and strengthens customer retention for TV broadcasters. Blucom synchronizes classic TV-content with additional information in real-time by displaying additional content and value added services on the mobile phones of the viewers. The backchannel and communication from the audience to the broadcaster function via SMS. MBC Group which is based in Dubai currently operates six digital TV channels as well as two digital radio channels, O3 Productions and Middle East News and has evolved into a global media group that enriches people’s lives in the Arab world through information, interaction and entertainment. MBC reaches about 60 million households and has a market share of around 40 per cent. “The new Blucom contract shows the large potential that this innovative and interactive product has for many international markets”, said Alexander Oudendijk, Chief Commercial Officer of SES ASTRA. “Blucom offers TV viewers attractive added value and interactive possibilities and allows TV channels to broaden their offer and diversify into new content and revenue models.” SES ASTRA had recently stepped up its marketing of Blucom in Germany with new TV-networks and distribution partners. The company enlarges its content offer with two German TV-networks, MTV Networks Germany and tv.gusto. The Blucom services of MTV Networks (MTV and VIVA) will cover interactive applications as well as additional program information. Among these are TV-guides, program teasers, news, and downloads. As a novelty, viewers that use Blucom can now also actively participate in the program of MTV and VIVA by using GPRS/ UMTS. About SES ASTRA www.ses-astra.com SES ASTRA is the leading Direct-to-Home (DTH) satellite system in Europe, delivering services to more than 109 million DTH and cable households. The ASTRA satellite fleet currently comprises 13 satellites, transmitting 1,864 analogue and digital television and radio channels. SES ASTRA also provides satellite-based multimedia, internet and telecommunication services to enterprises, governments and their agencies. With 26 High Definition (HD) channels available via its satellites today, ASTRA is also the most important HDTV broadcasting platform in Europe. ASTRA's prime orbital positions are 19.2° East, 28.2° East, and 23.5° East. SES ASTRA is an SES company (Euronext Paris and Luxembourg Stock Exchange: SESG). SES owns three market-leading satellite operators, SES ASTRA in Europe, SES AMERICOM in North America, and SES NEW SKIES, which provide global coverage and connectivity. The Company also holds strategic participations in SES Sirius in Europe, Ciel in Canada and Quetzsat in Mexico. SES provides outstanding satellite communications solutions via a fleet of 37 satellites in 25 orbital positions around the globe. Additional information on SES is available at: www.ses.com For further information please contact:
Concerning international BLUCOM activities: For the MENA region: |