Sky Racing renews Optus satellite partnership to enhance broadcast coverage

14 June 2012

Optus has reached another milestone in its 25 year partnership with Sky Racing after signing a new long-term contract to deliver satellite broadcast distribution for its Sky Racing services.

Sky Racing uses Optus satellites to broadcast live thoroughbred, harness and greyhound racing on multiple channels to more than 5,000 venues across Australia. Under the new agreement, Optus will migrate Sky Racing’s existing broadcast distribution service from its D2 satellite to the new Optus Aurora Digital satellite platform utilising Optus D3.

The new platform is based on DVB-S2 and MPEG4 technologies to deliver more efficient use of satellite bandwidth, enabling Sky Racing to provide a better viewer experience for end-customers. Sky Racing will also be able to expand its number of racing channels due to increased satellite capacity.

Over the next 18 months, Sky Racing will upgrade its customer on-premise equipment to progressively switch on the enhanced satellite broadcast service across 5,000 customer sites. As the installation components align with Australian satellite industry standard practice, satellite dish installations will also be more cost-effective.

“Optus has been our long-term satellite partner and has been instrumental in the expansion of our broadcast distribution services – from one channel in 1985 to eight channels today, with possibly more in the future,” said Sky Chief Operating Officer Brendan Parnell.

“Optus has rich expertise in satellite broadcasting – its services have always proven to be very robust and reliable, ensuring we can deliver high quality live broadcasts and a great viewing experience. Now that we’ve moved over to the new Optus Aurora Digital satellite platform, we’re looking forward to delivering even better services to hotels, clubs and TABs around Australia.”

As Australia’s premium provider of satellite services, Optus has five satellites currently in orbit, with a new satellite, Optus 10, scheduled for launch in 2013. Optus provides satellite services to many leading Australian and New Zealand broadcasters, including ABC, FOXTEL, GlobeCast Australia, Nine Network, SBS, GWN7 and Sky TV New Zealand.

Rob Parcell, Managing Director of Optus Wholesale and Satellite said, “Broadcast has been a key component of the Optus satellite business since our inception, which has enabled us to develop a deep understanding and strong expertise in broadcasting.

“Our continued partnership with Sky Racing channels is a great example of how Optus works closely with its customers to ensure they can take advantage of the latest state-of-the-art satellite technologies to deliver an enhanced experience for their viewers.”