RSCC plans satellites for 3D and HDTV in Russia

Advanced spacecraft Express-AT1 and Express-AT2 provide Russian customers with digital 3D and HD TV services

Russian Satellite Communications Company (RSCC) – the national satellite communications operator of Russia – are going to develop DTH satellites Express-AT1 and Express-AT2. Minimum 25% capacity of the new spacecraft are planned to be used for developing digital TV platforms in 3D and HDTV format in the Russian Federation.

RSCC have been completing preparation of the satellite documentation. The spacecraft are scheduled to be launched into GEO in 2012. The DTH satellite Express-AT1 will replace the satellite Bonum-1. It will be placed at 56 degrees East orbital position. The new satellite footprint will cover the European part of Russia, the Urals and Eastern Siberia. The satellite capacity will be employed for operating DTH platforms as well as for development of new projects in the field of satellite Direct-To-Home TV broadcasting, including HDTV and 3D technologies.

“The satellites play a key role in developing digital TV worldwide,” stressed Yuri Prokhorov, RSCC’ Acting Director General. “While defining the new spacecraft configuration, RSCC stakes on innovation technologies of signal generation and transmission. The DTH satellite broadcasting systems that have been widely used in Russia at present will be in the next 2 – 3 years intensively developed in terms of HDTV and 3D transmissions.”