Nova selects Pace to enable its nation-wide transition to HD

Pace named as strategic partner in rollout of HD satellite services in Greece

Pace plc (LSE:PIC), the leading developer of digital TV technologies for the global payTV industry, today announced that it has been selected as the high definition (HD) PVR delivery partner for Nova, the sole satellite pay TV platform in Greece and part of the Forthnet Group (ATHEX: FORTH), Greece’s largest privately owned telco operator.

Pace’s bespoke HD satellite platform will support the launch of Nova’s first nationwide HDTV service, providing NovaBox HD, an HD Zapper and a dual channel HD PVR. The launch represents the first step in Nova’s transition to HDTV, a strategic shift that will allow the business to deliver a wider range of digital TV services and bring the full value of HD to its customers, providing cutting-edge content and new HD channels.

With a reputation built on quality and innovation, Pace was able to satisfy Nova’s requirements for a complete HD offering. At launch, the service will feature a dedicated HD electronic programme guide (EPG) and will also include the capability to roll out hybrid IP services at a future date.

Mr Grigoris Katsogiannis, Marketing Manager at Nova, commented: “Pace’s industry wide knowledge and expertise made it an ideal partner for our HD rollout. We share a commitment to quality of service and reliability, coupled with a desire to bring the best user experience to our subscribers, qualities which are essential factors for a new service launch on this scale. Pace’s unique technology platforms and best-of-breed partners allow us to build on our existing assets to deliver HD content for our customers all over Greece.”

Shane McCarthy, General Manager at Pace plc, said: “We are delighted to be launching HD with Nova, one of the most powerful pay TV operators in Greece, and supporting the company in the rollout of a new service that will put it at the forefront of innovation. HD is an essential service for any pay TV operator, increasing loyalty from existing subscribers and also providing a strong pull for new customers. Our bespoke technology platforms are allowing operators all over the world to exploit the latest innovations in digital television, increasing the range of services they can offer as well as growing their revenue streams.”