Arabsat and Selevision to launch HbbTV

Arabsat and Selevision to launch the first Hybrid Broadcast Broadband TV (HbbTV) service to the MENA region

Selevision and Arabsat have announced today that they have entered into an exclusive long-term partnership to deliver the first Hybrid Broadcast Broadband TV (HbbTV) service to the MENA (Middle East & North Africa) The Service will be provided to Arabsat customer base from three different locations; Jordan Media City in Jordan, Du in UAE and Overon in Spain. The Arabsat Satellite based HbbTV service will be complimented by the Selevision OTT platform and content library of Selevision to provide different viewer experience for the 26deg Arabsat hotspot. Broadcasters will enjoy different standardized applications in addition to the wide possibilities of customized applications. The service will be available to viewers on all HbbTV compatible set-top-boxes in the market. Furthermore, Arabsat and Selevision will launch the first HbbTV Channel in the region as a pilot to present the concept to the customer base of Arabsat.

Dr. Raed Khusheim, Chief Executive Officer at Selevision said: “We are delighted to enter into this strategic partnership with Arabsat, one of the world’s leading satellite operators. We are constantly looking forward and committed to delivering engaging new services for customers, The HBBTV service will be compatible with all available HBBTV-ready boxes in the market, furthermore, we have also announced REDO, Selevision new invention; the first hybrid android unit with approved C.A.S system platform: REDO unit will allow us to provide a variety of interactive new hybrid services to the market before any other provider in the region”.

Khalid Balkhyour, President & CEO of Arabsat said: “Arabsat is always keen to deliver new experience to its viewers and facilitate access to new technology for its broadcastors base customers; this partnership with Selevision will add value to Arabsat hotspot at 26deg E with its growing neighborhood that will benefit both the broadcaster and the viewer. This platform will leverage on Arabsat reach and on Selevision extremely competitive offerings and services. Both Parties have invested in this platform to provide an excellent cooperation model in the industry’