SatLink upgrades AsiaSat 5 MCPC platform to DVB-S2

Enabling cost effective distribution of HD, SD and 3D content on Asia's prime satellite covering the Middle East, Asia and Australasia

28 August 2012

SatLink Communications Ltd., has today announced the upgrade of their MCPC platform on the premium AsiaSat 5 satellite to DVB-S2. This upgrade will allow International HD, SD & 3D channels to be distributed more cost effectively on Asia's prime satellite that provides access to 620 million households and hotels in the fast growing Asian market.

The new DVB-S2 platform, which utilises SatLink's full C-band transponder on AsiaSat 5, will deliver higher throughput and greater bandwidth efficiency, enabling customers to benefit from high quality, cost effective content contribution and distribution solutions to and from the Asia Pacific. AsiaSat 5, at 100.5 ºE, has established a premium international TV neighbourhood and extensive penetration into over 50 countries across Asia, including two of the world’s largest TV markets China and India. Top tier international and national broadcasters are utilising SatLink’s capabilities on AsiaSat 5 to distribute programmes to Asian free to air, Pay-TV and terrestrial markets. News channels and content providers including Thomson Reuters TV, Associated Press, euronews, France 24 as well as other leading International channels such as DayStar Network, Luxe HD, Trace HD and major sporting events are delivered to Asia via SatLink's teleport.

William Wade, President and CEO of AsiaSat, said: “The introduction of a more efficient DVB-S2 platform on AsiaSat 5 by our teleport partner SatLink is an important move to meet the growing demand for more cost effective end to end transmission services from international broadcasters who are expanding into the rapidly growing Asian market. We are pleased to work with SatLink to continue to provide innovative and comprehensive services to broadcasters through this new DVB-S2 platform.”

David Hochner, SatLink’s CEO commented: “Providing the gateway between East and West, this upgrade will enable broadcasters and content providers to deliver content from Europe, Africa, Middle East and Americas directly to Asia in one hop from our strategic location. Not only will customers benefit from greater bandwidth efficiency but also complete end-to-end broadcasting services including localisation of content via our HD playout centre, live insertions, time delay and encryption (CA) services. This upgrade will be instrumental in providing a high quality level of service and flexibility to broadcasters and channels alike as they look for a partner to deliver rich media content to access all major Pay-TV platforms across the Asia-Pacific region.”