Hispasat, Media Broadcast Satellite to Distribute the FunBox UHD Channel in EMEA

Madrid, Spain, Jan. 22, 2019 ― Spanish telecommunications satellite operator Hispasat, together with the telecommunications services provider Media Broadcast Satellite, have reached a deal to distribute one of Europe’s most important Ultra-High- Definition (UHD) channels, FunBox UHD, in Europe, the Middle East and North Africa (EMEA).

The channel, which belongs to the content provider SPI International, is a thematic channel about nature, travel and adventure, art music, culture and lifestyle. Its content allows viewers to explore breath-taking places, witness important cultural events and watch ultra-high-resolution films, thanks to the 4K technology, which reveals all the images’ nuances and details. The deal has an initial duration of five years.

The broadcast combines Media Broadcast Satellite’s teleport capacities in Usingen (Germany) with Hispasat’s high-power 30W-5 satellite (H30W-5) will have an extensive coverage throughout the region specifically designed to distribute top-tier multimedia contents. The two companies said the broadcast platform aims to become the most efficient and flexible medium for 4K channels to be distributed in Europe and North Africa thanks to HISPASAT’s satellites in this region. Furthermore, this channel can be received in several cable-TV operator platforms in Spain, Portugal, Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg, among others.

Hispasat has supported the development and implementation of Ultra-High-Definition technology in order to make it available as soon as possible for cinema and television viewers. The company was the first satellite operator to make an Ultra-High-Definition broadcast in Latin America through the Hispasat 30W-3 satellite. Since September 2013, the company has provided open-access broadcast of the Hispasat 4K channel in Europe, made available to the industry to encourage the use of this technology.

Ultra-High-Definition TV quadruples the number of pixels compared with the traditional high- definition screen. The resolution is thus four times greater than conventional HD and it provides a much clearer image.

Media Broadcast Satellite, operator of one of the world’s largest teleports, has successfully been implementing and operating communication solutions for globally active customers since the 1970’s. Through its own teleport in Usingen near Frankfurt, Media Broadcast Satellite offers tailor-made solutions for the areas of broadcast, data, teleport and data centres. Satellites between 76° East and 60° West can be reached through more than 135 antennas in the Ku-, Ka- and C-Band.

To ensure a maximum of security and stability of our solutions, Media Broadcast Satellite operates a NOC manned 24 hours per day on 365 days of the year and a fully redundant RF, IT and power supply infrastructure. The high-quality standard of the services “Made in Usingen/Germany” is underlined by relevant ISO certifications as well as by an own engineering team supporting the customers in all stages of transmission, distribution and service management. Media Broadcast Satellite’s range of services includes both, standard communication services and complete managed service solutions for DTH platforms (SD/HD), data networks and teleport co-location/gateways.

SPI International is one of the biggest aggregators of native Ultra HD content in the world. SPI uses the latest technology providing subscribers access to SPI’s linear and on demand content including live streaming of UHD programming and FilmBox channels on any Internet-connected device via major global streaming media players as well as local OTT providers. For over 25 years, SPI International has been a leading supplier of theatrical films and television programming in the international market. SPI’s solid alliances with major license suppliers provide compelling content, with strong recognition and high demand.

Hispasat is comprised of companies that have a presence in Spain as well as in Latin America, where its Brazilian affiliate HISPAMAR is based. Hispasat is a world leader in the distribution and broadcasting of Spanish and Portuguese audiovisual content, and its satellite fleet is used by important direct-to-home television (DTH) and high-definition television (HDTV) digital platforms. Hispasat also provides satellite broadband and connectivity services which include Internet access, mobility and the extension of mobile networks, in addition to other added value solutions to governments, corporations and telecommunication operators in America, Europe and North Africa.

Hispasat is one of the world’s largest companies in its sector in terms of revenue, and the main communications bridge between Europe and the Americas.

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