MTG Launches Viasat 3D

STOCKHOLM — Modern Times Group MTG AB (publ.) (‘MTG’ or ‘the Group’) (STO:MTGB) (STO:MTGA), the international entertainment broadcasting group, today announced that Viasat Broadcasting is the first Scandinavian pay-TV operator to launch a 3D TV service. Viasat 3D is now made available to satellite subscribers through Viasat’s digital OnDemand set-top box and will feature live football matches from UEFA Champions League, as well as streamed 3D video on demand movie content.

Viasat will offer live 3D matches from the final stages of the current UEFA Champions League season. The draw for the Round of the last 16 teams occurs tomorrow, and will decide who faces who for the eight matches on 15-16 and 22-23 February and on 8-9 and 15-16 March. The quarter finals are set for 5-6 and 12-13 April, whilst the semi finals are set for 26-27 April and 3-4 May. The final takes place at Wembley Stadium in London on Saturday 28 May. Viasat has the rights to UEFA Champions League in Sweden, Norway and Denmark.

The Viasat 3D on-demand service also makes animated movies like “Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs” as well as Sci-Fi and horror movies available on a pay-per-day basis. Viasat’s current digital OnDemand set-top boxes already have the capacity for 3D TV content, and subscribers will only need a 3D enabled TV set.

The launch of Viasat 3D is made in partnership with Samsung. The live 3D satellite broadcasts will be made in co-operation with SES-Astra.

Hans-Holger Albrecht, President & CEO of MTG, commented: “We are proud to be the first broadcaster in Scandinavia to offer 3D TV content to our subscribers. Our leading premium sports rights, combined with a selection of movies, allows us to be at the forefront of TV technology. 3D is still in the very early stages of development, and we expect more 3D content to be made available in the future. We look forward to bringing that content to our subscribers and to continue strengthening Viasat’s leading premium offering.”