New Program Eases and Accelerates Adoption of Powerful Analytics Offering

CASBAA Convention 2016, Studio City, Macau – Verimatrix, the specialist in securing and enhancing revenue for multi-network, multi-screen digital TV services around the globe, today announced the availability of a quick-start evaluation program for Verspective™ Operator Analytics. This new program will help operators better understand how to securely and rapidly collate data from various sources in video services and demonstrate the benefits of actionable analytics across multiple departments in their organization. Through the availability of this program, service providers have the opportunity to expand their analytics capabilities with more census-based data sources and complement traditional network monitoring analytics to get a comprehensive view of subscriber intelligence and network performance.

Implemented in the cloud, the Verspective Operator Analytics evaluation program consists of a pre-configured, software-based analytics platform that can quickly integrate with an operator’s key sources of operational and consumption data, including VOD, CDN or client device sources. Service providers also receive a set of report templates that help analyze data and determine return on investment (ROI) potential. The Verspective Operator Analytics evaluation program will be demonstrated during IBC 2016 at the Verimatrix booth #5.A59, where service providers can learn more about qualifying for the program.

“Every operator we speak with is interested in truly harnessing the power of Big Data to make quicker and better informed decisions that ultimately drive the bottom line,” said Steve Oetegenn, president of Verimatrix. “We have recognized the need to provide a secure entry point that service providers can use to adopt a centralized analytics approach that ties together insights from operations, product development and marketing. The Verspective Operator Analytics evaluation program provides that point of entry, plus the confidence knowing that data is both secure and compliant with appropriate privacy regulations.”

By leveraging global data centers to create an individualized, virtual and private cloud instance of Verspective, operators can quickly evaluate the type of data analysis they can access and gain a clearer picture of subscriber intelligence. The cloud-based approach provides scalability for operators to continue to feed more data sources into the Verspective platform, and it enables the evaluation platform to easily transition into a full-fledged analytics solution.

Verspective Operator Analytics is an extensible suite of subscriber intelligence tools that are designed from the ground up to emphasize data security and integrity as a foundation for actionable intelligence. Through the analysis and distribution of census-based video service data, the solution provides a combination of real-time and historical perspectives of service and subscriber usage.

To learn more about the security risks operators face in collecting, storing and analyzing data, download the latest white paper from Parks Associates, “Securing the Integrity of Video Analytics Data.” Informed by a series of in-depth interviews conducted with key decision makers from within the video service operator industry, the paper reveals the threats to video analytics data systems and the main drivers for a comprehensive security system.

About Verimatrix
Verimatrix specializes in securing and enhancing revenue for multi-network, multi-screen digital TV services around the globe and is recognized as the global number one in revenue security for connected video devices. The award-winning and independently audited Verimatrix Video Content Authority System (VCAS™) family of solutions enable next-generation video service providers to cost-effectively extend their networks and enable new business models. The company has continued its technical innovation by offering the world’s only globally interconnected revenue security platform, Verspective™ Intelligence Center, for automated system optimization and data collection/analytics.

Its unmatched partner ecosystem and close relationship with major studios, broadcasters and standards organizations enables Verimatrix to provide a unique advantage to video business issues beyond content security as operators introduce new services to leverage the proliferation of connected devices. Verimatrix is an ISO 9001:2008 certified company. For more information, please visit www.verimatrix.com, our Pay TV Views blog and follow us @verimatrixinc, Facebook and LinkedIn to join the conversation.

###

Aksel van der Wal promoted to executive vice president to lead new unit

Trey Turner named new CFO, International

Global media company Turner today announced a new division to lead its digital innovation internationally.

Aksel van der Wal, currently senior vice president and chief financial officer, is promoted to the new role of executive vice president, digital ventures and innovation, for Turner’s international operations, effective January 1, 2017.

Under his leadership the new division will focus on driving profitable growth through international consumer-centric initiatives, including all of Turner’s international multi-platform suite of digital properties and its direct-to-consumer product strategy. He remains responsible for the company’s international technology & operations (T&O) organisation.

In close co-operation with the Turner International presidents, van der Wal has the responsibility for the existing portfolio of international products and services on the web, for smart phones, games, apps and OTT, and he will also be charged with developing new digital direct-to-consumer businesses, leading a cross-platform business intelligence function that drives consumer insight; managing the internal T&O infrastructure; and helping to implement the strategy of the non-linear ad sales business. Additionally, he will identify new opportunities for Turner and decide on how to engage in those new areas, through technological product innovation and/or acquisitions.

“As our industry undergoes huge evolution, the impact of digital disruption and changing consumer behaviour continues to put audience insight right at the heart of our business strategy,” said Gerhard Zeiler, president, Turner International, to whom van der Wal will report. “This new division will ensure that we assess new opportunities for innovation, development and acquisition through the lens of relevant, robust consumer data and through a realigned, agile organisational structure. Aksel’s experience in transformative management, his first-class understanding of both the linear and digital media landscapes, and his detailed knowledge of Turner’s international operation, all combine to make him a superb fit for this new role.”

In his role as chief financial officer for Turner International, van der Wal will be succeeded by Trey Turner, currently senior vice president, corporate finance, mergers and acquisitions, who takes up his new role January 1, 2017 as well.

Based in Atlanta, Turner will report to Pascal Desroches, executive vice president, and chief financial officer of Turner, while working closely with Zeiler. He will be responsible for all of International’s financial operations and will be an active partner and contributor in shaping the direction of the company’s international business and implementing its strategy.

“Trey has the perfect experience to lead the business, capital and budgeting activities for our international businesses,” said Pascal Desroches. “He has acquired a depth of knowledge about our company and brings great passion and significant experience to the role. We expect Trey to play a key role in helping us expand our global operations.”

Aksel van der Wal joined Turner in 2014 as CFO, Turner EMEA and was promoted to senior vice president and CFO, International, in June 2015. Before joining Turner, van der Wal worked for three years and served as CEO, Time Out, at its two main business sites, London and New York City. His leadership of its global operations embraced digital expansion, a complete overhaul of its digital platforms, new e-commerce operations and the revitalization of its traditional businesses through innovative approaches. Prior to Time Out, he was CFO at leading online ticket exchange operation Seatwave, and previously held senior financial and business development roles at Vodafone including CFO of partner markets. He started his career at PricewaterhouseCoopers. He has an MBA from INSEAD, and a LLM tax law from Leiden University, NL. A native Dutch speaker and fluent in English, he also speaks German, French and Spanish.

Trey Turner is currently SVP, corporate finance, mergers and acquisitions for Turner, overseeing consolidated financial planning and corporate development activities for the company. Before his current role, Turner was director of finance for CNN worldwide where he was responsible for strategic finance support, leading the financial analysis and business justification for new initiatives, partnerships, and investments. Prior to joining the company, Turner was with the corporate finance department of Stephens Inc., a leading investment bank and private equity firm. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in analytical finance from Wake Forest University, where he graduated cum laude, and currently serves on the Alumni Council for the School of Business.

About Turner International

Turner International operates versions of core Turner brands, including CNN, TNT, Cartoon Network, Boomerang and TCM Turner Classic Movies, as well as country- and region-specific networks and businesses in Latin America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia Pacific. It manages the business of Pay- and Free-TV-channels, as well as Internet-based services, and oversees commercial partnerships with various third-party media ventures; it teams with Warner Bros. and HBO to leverage Time Warner’s global reach. Turner operates more than 180 channels showcasing 38 brands in 36 languages in over 200 countries. Turner International is a Time Warner company.

Contact               Oliver Herrgesell, SVP Communications, International

oliver.herrgesell@turner.com

+1 404 827 4440 / +44 7984551379 / +49 173 523 9940 / +852 6323 9644

Macau, 8 November 2016 – TVB officially launches on APSTAR, today jointly announced with APT Satellite Company Limited (APT Satellite) this major breakthrough in a ceremony held in Great China Content Showroom during CASBAA Convention 2016. The new pack includes TVB8 and TVB Xing He, which are tailored for Asia, the Middle East, Australia and Central Asia audiences.

“TVB is the most influential TV content provider in overseas Chinese communities. We have established a worldwide distribution network through cable, satellite and OTT technologies. The cooperation with APT Satellite will expand the coverage of our content to the new areas,” said Mr. Sherman Lee, Controller of TVBI.

“We are excited of the cooperation with TVBI, it greatly broadened the variety of our satellite’s TV neighborhood. And we are especially proud of being given the opportunity to team up with TVBI, showcasing the theme of Great China Content Showroom here. APT Satellite is always standing with our customers, brings more value to them,” said Huang Baozhong, Senior Vice President of APT Satellite.

The new TVB package is available throughout Asia Pacific, South Asia, and Middle East on APSTAR-7 satellite at 76.5E.

Reception Parameters

About TVBI

Established in 1976, TVBI Company Limited (TVBI) is the worldwide operating arm of Television Broadcasts Limited (TVB), which enjoys exclusive rights to distribute TVB programmes to more than 40 countries and 100 cities, reaching over 300 million households. TVB’s business has reached the Mainland China, Macau, Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, Europe, North America, South America, Africa, and so on, offering high-quality TV entertainment to global TV viewers.

TVBI enjoys exclusive rights to distribute TVB programmes, many of which are dubbed into different languages for global TV viewers. TVBI’s business scope covers telecast and programme licensing, overseas pay TV business, channel licensing, video licensing, cross-media business, and international advertising sales. TVB also established TVBC, the joint venture in the Mainland China.

One of our latest achievements, the electronic shopping mall named TVB Anywhere, which looks set to change the way people around the world watching TVB dramas and other programmes, is launched in this September. Viewers worldwide can access TVB Anywhere which will offer them more than the usual OTT or video streaming service. It carries the popular TVB Jade, News and other thematic channels including Asian Action, Entertainment News, TVB Live Shows and TVB Radio as well as voluminous video-on-demand programmes which can be viewed on our prescribed set-top box or mobile app.

With our footprints all over the world, TVB has been spearheading dynamic developments in the TV industry and building its brand around the globe. TVBI will continue offering high-quality services and lead the industry!

About APT Satellite

Based in Hong Kong, APT SATELLITE COMPANY LIMITED (“APT Satellite”) is a satellite company operating a fleet of five satellites, namely APSTAR-5, APSTAR-6, APSTAR-7, APSTAR-7B and APSTAR-9. APSTAR-5C and APSTAR-6C are currently under construction, they will replace APSTAR-5 and APSTAR-6 respectively in 2018. The footprints of the fleet cover Asia, Middle East, Oceania, and most part of Europe and Africa, extending services to over 75% of the world’s population. Currently distributing 600+ TV channels around the world including HBO, Disney, Sony Pictures, NBCU, RTL-CBS, EBU, GMA, TVBI, TVn, Celestial Tiger etc, APT Satellite is also supplying transponder capacity to a variety of DTH platforms, as well as to media networks for video contributions across the world.

Huang Baozhong of APT Satellite and Sherman Lee of TVBI@ CASBAA Convention 2016.

Hong Kong, 8 November 2016 – Asia Satellite Telecommunications Company Limited (AsiaSat – SEHK: 1135), Asia’s leading satellite operator, has been granted a patent from the United States Patent and Trademark Office, titled, ‘Methods and Systems for Providing High-speed Connectivity to Aircraft.’ (US Patent No. 9,425,888)

The patent is about the methods and systems that enable effective aviation communication via satellite over a broad area at high altitude. Example methods include the use of a wide-beam antenna on a satellite to provide a wide flatten coverage by transmitting signals at a frequency higher than 10 GHz and at a relatively low satellite power (EIRP) to avoid interference with ground stations or adjacent satellites. At the same time, the satellite system is configured with a spot beam antenna to receive signals from a mobile antenna on the aircraft at a different frequency of at least 13.75 GHz to achieve better gain for higher data throughput rate of the connection.

With the use of a low-power wide beam antenna, the described system enables communication coverage for aircraft with fewer beams, fewer antennas and receivers onboard a satellite thus reducing its payload, hardware and ground stations requirements, and results in a more reliable service that can be achieved with less switching and traffic handover issues.

The same method and system can also be configured to provide connectivity to an unmanned aviation vehicle (UAV) for establishing immediate communication links in emergency situation due to natural disaster or warfare.

The invention was developed by Dr. Roger Tong, Vice President, Engineering and Operations and Chief Technical Officer of AsiaSat and his team members, Fred Vong and Harry Leung. “Being in the satellite industry, where technologies and user needs are rapidly changing, we recognise there is no boundary to our imagination and we have to continue to innovate in order to provide the best services to our customers,” said Dr. Tong.

Full patent specification is available on AsiaSat website at http://www.asiasat.com/technology/technical-support/technical-resource-centre

# # #

About AsiaSat
Asia Satellite Telecommunications Company Limited (AsiaSat), the leading satellite operator in Asia, serves over two-thirds of the world’s population with its six satellites, AsiaSat 3S, AsiaSat 4, AsiaSat 5, AsiaSat 6, AsiaSat 7 and AsiaSat 8. The AsiaSat satellite fleet serves both the broadcast and telecommunications industries. Over 700 television and radio channels are now delivered by the company’s satellites offering access to more than 830 million TV households across the Asia-Pacific region. AsiaSat’s next satellite, AsiaSat 9 on order from the manufacturer is planned to be launched in Q2 2017. AsiaSat is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Asia Satellite Telecommunications Holdings Limited, a company listed on The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited (Stock Code: 1135). For more information, please visit www.asiasat.com

Media Contacts:
Asia Satellite Telecommunications Company Limited

Follow AsiaSat on:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asiasat
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/asiasat2014
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/asiasatellite
Website: http://www.asiasat.com

AsiaSat provides effective satellite solutions for high speed connectivity to aircraft

TAIPEI (NOVEMBER 8, 2016) – Boomerang, Turner’s global kids’ brand and companion channel to Cartoon Network, is now available in Taiwan for the first time.

With an additional 1.6 million subscribers across Kbro and Taiwan Mobile platforms, the agreement increases the channel’s distribution in Asia Pacific to 32 million households since the channel’s relaunch in late 2014.

From November 14, the all-animation network will have both Mandarin audio and traditional Chinese subtitles, boasting an impressive line-up of new series and movies programmed for both kids and their families.

In addition to the ever-popular Tom and Jerry, Scooby-Doo and Looney Tunes, new shows include Bunnicula, Talking Tom and the hilarious Grizzy and the Lemmings – the most-talked-about animated series at MIP Junior in Cannes last month. Other channel highlights in November feature new episodes of My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic and Sunday movies with Barbie and Tom and Jerry.

Phil Nelson, Turner’s Managing Director for North and Southeast Asia Pacific, said: “To see Boomerang’s country count and regional distribution maintain this kind of momentum is fantastic. Cartoon Network is already the No. 1 international Kids channel in Taiwan and Boomerang will complement it perfectly – providing viewers with the ultimate family-friendly destination for iconic cartoon franchises.”

Boomerang is created for kids aged 4-9, as well as their families and caregivers. In addition to new and exclusive content from Warner Bros. Animation, international premium acquisitions include: The Garfield Show, Pink Panther and Pals, Strawberry Shortcake, Mr. Bean: The Animated Series and Inspector Gadget.

To complement the on-air offering regionally, Boomerang Watch and Play hosts both video and gaming content in a safe and fun app designed for tablets.

-Ends-

Take a peek at the “Caturday” block on Boomerang in Taiwan:
https://vimeo.com/189909335

For further information, contact:
James Moore
Director of Communications, Turner Asia Pacific
+852 3128-3720 / James.Moore@turner.com

About Boomerang
Boomerang provides light-hearted and fun moments, showcasing a mixture of internationally recognised comedy and fantasy series to more than 144 million households worldwide. Core programs includes Tom and Jerry, Mr. Bean, Scooby-Doo, The Garfield Show, My Little Pony and The Looney Tunes Show. A companion channel to Cartoon Network, Boomerang is a dynamic and quirky place where girls and boys can be inspired, laugh and play with the whole family. In Asia Pacific, Boomerang is owned and operated by Turner, a Time Warner company.

About Turner Asia Pacific
Turner Asia Pacific creates and distributes award-winning brands throughout the region, running 61 channels in 14 languages in 40 countries. These include CNN International, CNNj, CNN, HLN, Cartoon Network, Adult Swim, Boomerang, POGO, Toonami, World Heritage Channel, Warner TV, Oh!K, TCM Turner Classic Movies, truTV, MondoTV, TABI Channel, and HBO, HBO HD and WB in South Asia. Turner manages the business of Pay- and Free-TV-channels, as well as Internet-based services, and oversees commercial partnerships with various third-party media ventures; it teams with Warner Bros. and HBO to leverage Time Warner’s global reach. Turner Broadcasting System Asia Pacific, Inc. (“Turner Asia Pacific”) is a Time Warner company.

Macau, 8 November 2016 – APT Satellite Company Limited (APT Satellite) and Chinese International Communication Co. Ltd (CICC) today announced a major breakthrough in their cooperation. After 2-months test run on APSTAR-6 satellite at 134^⁰E and APSTAR-L satellite at 128^⁰E, CICC officially commits APT Satellite to promote Great Wall TV Platform, a mix of 25 TV channels from China with Chinese, English or French voice-over, to new viewers in ASEAN countries.

“The Great Wall TV is the only platform, with exclusive right, to export TV contents from China to the world. The new expansion this time is a strategic move to attract new audience. Though APT Satellite has proved to be our reliable partner since we launched first Great Wall TV platform on APSTAR-5 satellite nearly one decade ago, we are very excited to find new synergy between two companies. APT Satellite has over-20-years experience and an extensive network in this area. We can make best use of these resources, quickly tap into the new markets,” said LYU Chunguang, General Manager of CICC.

“APT Satellite plays two roles in this cooperation: providing satellite capacity and promoting Chinese TV content landing in ASEAN countries. We are pleased of being awarded the capacity supply contract by CICC for its new endeavor in ASEAN countries. And we are especially proud of being given the opportunity to team up with CICC, explore into the content distribution business arena. APT Satellite is willing to step out of its comfort zone, care for the need of the customers, share our experience with them, and most importantly grow together with them,” said Huang Baozhong, Senior Vice President, Marketing and Sales of APT Satellite.

Great Wall Asia platform is available throughout Asia Pacific region by its operation on three APSTAR satellites, namely APSTAR-5 at 138E, APSTAR-6 at 134E and APSTAR-L at 128.5E. The whole package or any channels inside can be contributed to cable TV, satellite DTH, or OTT operators based on authorization.

Reception Parameters of Great Wall Asia Platform

About China International Communication Co. Ltd.

China International Communications Co., Ltd (CICC) is a sub company wholly owned and operated by China International Television Corporation (CITVC) of China Central Television (CCTV). The major business of CICC is to integrate the Great Wall TV Package (GWTV) with qualified TV channels from the Chinese mainland, Hong Kong and some other overseas regions, and distribute it to different parts of the world, providing the overseas Chinese and main stream audience worldwide with high quality content. CICC distributes GWTV to its target areas with the most advanced transmission technologies including digital satellite and fiber optical transportation services. With different local service providers from the satellite direct-to-home (DTH), cable network as well as IPTV operators, GWTV has been providing its service to the global potential audience and making efforts to maximize the number of its subscribers. This fulfills its target to enlarge and enhance its penetration into the world media market. CICC’s other business includes the overseas distribution of CCTV’s international channels, and render services to foreign TV crew who intend to make programs of China.
About APT Satellite

Based in Hong Kong, APT SATELLITE COMPANY LIMITED (“APT Satellite”) is a satellite company operating a fleet of five satellites, namely APSTAR-5, APSTAR-6, APSTAR-7, APSTAR-7B and APSTAR-9. APSTAR-5C and APSTAR-6C are currently under construction, they will replace APSTAR-5 and APSTAR-6 respectively in 2018. The footprints of the fleet cover Asia, Middle East, Oceania, and most part of Europe and Africa, extending services to over 75% of the world’s population. Currently distributing 600+ TV channels around the world including HBO, Disney, Sony Pictures, NBCU, RTL-CBS, EBU, GMA, TVBI, TVn, Celestial Tiger etc, APT Satellite is also supplying transponder capacity to a variety of DTH platforms, as well as to media networks for video contributions across the world.

SNI’s Audience Engagement in the Food,
Home and Travel Categories Outrank Regional Competitors

Singapore, 8 November 2016 – In a recent pay-TV study of viewer behaviors and lifestyle habits in Asia-Pacific, Scripps Networks Interactive found its channel portfolio significantly outranked its competitors in the food, home and travel lifestyle categories. The channels, which include Asian Food Channel, Food Network, HGTV and Travel Channel, have a highly engaged audience, who have an affinity to lifestyle brands and content. They are more receptive to advertisers, trusting the channels as an authority in the lifestyle ahead of other pay-TV networks.

“It is without a doubt that our channels offer a unique proposition for clients looking to break through today’s competitive media landscape to form meaningful relationships with their consumers,” said Derek Chang, Head of International Lifestyle Channels, Scripps Networks Interactive. “The results of the study confirm our audiences are up-scale, affluent, and engaged in both lifestyle programming and its associated products, be that in their kitchen, home or in the holiday they choose.”

The study, which was commissioned by Scripps Networks in Singapore and conducted by Kadence International, surveyed more than 4,000 respondents, 25-55 year olds who frequently watch lifestyle programming in Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam.

Survey highlights include:

Asian Food Channel (AFC):

• AFC is 47%more likely to be recognized by viewers for local Asian food and cooking content than its channel competitors
• 50%of AFC viewers visited a restaurant, city or destination featured during a show as compared to 28% of other pay-TV viewers

HGTV:

• 87%of HGTV viewers have performed some form of renovation in the past 12 months as compared to 69% other pay-TV viewers
• HGTV inspires viewers and is their go-to channel for all things renovation, taking the lead when it comes to topics such as “Home Renovations” (47%), “DIY Renovations” (46%)  and “House Hunting” (45%)

Food Network (FN):

• 91%of FN viewers are willing to pay more for quality ingredients and meals
• FN has a 31%lead against the nearest competitor channel as being one that presents inspirational cooking content

Travel Channel:

• 87%of Travel Channel viewers are likely to travel to a destination featured on a travel show as compared to 69% other pay-TV viewers
• 74%of Travel Channel viewers agree that advertisements are a good way for them to learn about new products

* This study was conducted between April and June 2016. It combined over 4,000 online interviews and 12 group discussions with 25 to 55 year old lifestyle and general entertainment channel viewers across Asia.

About Scripps Networks Interactive

Scripps Networks Interactive (Nasdaq: SNI) is one of the leading developers of engaging lifestyle content in the home, food and travel categories for television, the Internet and emerging platforms. The company’s lifestyle media portfolio comprises popular television and Internet brands HGTV, DIY Network, Food Network, Cooking Channel, Travel Channel and Great American Country, which collectively engage more than 190 million U.S. consumers each month. International operations include TVN, Poland’s premier multi-platform media company; UKTV, an independent commercial joint venture with BBC Worldwide; Asian Food Channel, the first pan-regional TV food network in Asia; and lifestyle channel Fine Living. The company’s global networks and websites reach millions of consumers across North and South America, Asia, Europe, the Middle East and Africa. Scripps Networks Interactive is headquartered in Knoxville, Tenn. For more information, please visit scrippsnetworksinteractive.com.

For further information, please contact:

Evonne Baath

M: +65 9459 3123

T: +65 6809 1318

E: Evonne.baath@scrippsnetworks.com

###

MACAU – Tuesday 8^th Nov 2016 – Leading satellite operator ABS has announced today that it will partner with PT Sarana Media Vision (SMV), using SMV’s DTH license to launch a consumer FreeView satellite service – FreeViewSat – across Indonesia in January 2017. The service will be called SMV FreeViewSat and will initially broadcast over 60 television channels via the ABS-2, ABS-2A and ABS-6 satellites in both Ku and C-band.

For the first time in Indonesia, a free-to-view platform will be available throughout the entire country, allowing advertisers the opportunity to reach the full potential of the Indonesian audience.

The FreeViewSat model will promote maximum distribution and the cost of the STB & dish will be less than US$35.  Customers will only need to make this one-time purchase to enjoy all the TV channels on the platform (with no monthly recurring subscription fees).

Tom Choi, CEO of ABS commented that “SMV’s FreeViewSat will be very attractive for Indonesia by providing great quality international and unique domestic programming to the entire country.  The goal is to deliver high quality entertainment and educational content affordably to all – For the first time, everybody, not only the affluent or those in the urban areas, will be able to receive high quality programming for free, with just a one-time purchase of a set-top box and dish.  FreeViewSat will also give advertisers the first real opportunity to reach the whole population of Indonesia, even in rural areas. ABS is delighted to be partnering and supporting this highly worthwhile venture.’’

At launch in January, FreeViewSat will carry at least 30 local Free-to-Air channels and more than 30 high quality international channels.  The number of channels will continue to grow to over 100 channels in the first 6 to 12 months as new and interesting content is added.

FreeViewSat will be available via 75cm Ku band dishes from 75E on ABS-2 and ABS-2A, and via 1.6m C-band antennas from 159E on ABS-6 simultaneously, so that consumers have the choice of small dishes, or larger ones with better rain protection. Since Indonesia already has over 10 million C-band antennas installed, the adoption rate is expected to be rapid.

ABS has selected the ABV conditional access and middleware system, along with Ali chips for its Set-Top Boxes.

Confirmed channels for launch include:

TV9 Nusantara, TVRI Nasional, DAAI TV, TV One, ANTV, Metro TV, Trans 7, Trans TV, SCTV, Indosair, Kompas TV, Net TV, Bali TV

H2, Bloomberg TV, France 24, Fix & Foxi, Action Hollywood Movies, Pulse TV, Al Jazeera English, CCTV-News, CCTV-4, CCTV-9, Russia Today, MediaCorp Channel, Landscape HD, TRACE Urban and TRACE Sport Stars, B4U Music, B4U Movies, NDTV 24/7 and NDTV Good Times, and many more

For further information, please contact:

Amanda Yang, Lightning International amanda@lightninginternational.net +852-9400-2605

or Penny Hill, ABS, penny@absatellite.com

——————————————————————————————————————————-

About PT Sarana Media Vision

PT Sarana Media Vision (“SMV”) is an Indonesian company licensed by the Indonesian Ministry of Communications and Informatics to provide nationwide Direct-To-Home broadcast services.

The SMV FreeViewSat DTH service is the digital direct broadcast satellite platform operating on the ABS-2, ABS-2A, and ABS-6 satellites in both Ku-band and C-band with excellent coverage over Indonesia.  The platform carries a rich bouquet of local Indonesian and International channels including High Definition (HD) channels.

It is a unique Free-To-View DTH platform available nationwide that provides TV services directly to households in Indonesia. Unlike other PayTV services, subscribers of SMV FreeViewSat only need to purchase the receiver equipment (set-top box and antenna) at a very affordable one-off cost and enjoy the TV services without recurring charges.

About ABS

ABS is one of the fastest growing global satellite operators in the world. ABS offers a complete range of tailored solutions including broadcasting, data and telecommunication services to broadcasters, service providers, enterprises and government organisations.

ABS operates a fleet of satellites; ABS-2, ABS-2A, ABS-3A, ABS-4/Mobisat-1, ABS-6, and ABS-7.   The satellite fleet covers over 93% of the world’s population across the Americas, Africa, Asia Pacific, Europe, the Middle East, CIS and Russia.

Headquartered in Bermuda, ABS has offices in the United States, UAE, South Africa, and Asia.  ABS is majority owned by funds managed by the European Private Equity firm Permira.

For more information, visit: www.absatellite.com

About Lightning International

Lightning International is a content solutions company. Core businesses are: 1) Channel representation and distribution, 2) Syndication of finished TV programmes and formats from a catalogue of 3000+ hours of content, and 3) Content and media business consultancy. The Lightning team have over 35 years of content distribution experience in the region. As well as the Hong Kong team, we have representatives in Korea, Japan, Taiwan, Vietnam, and India, and have just opened a UK office.

Attachments are