Pan-European 3D Channel Brava3D Starts on Astra

LUXEMBOURG & HILVERSUM, Netherlands — SES ASTRA, an SES company (Paris:SESG) (LuxX:SESG), announced today that the Dutch TV channel Brava3D started broadcasting via the ASTRA satellite at 23.5 degrees East. Brava3D is the first pan-European 3D channel providing a mix of classical music, opera and ballet in 3D quality.

The 3DTV market is growing rapidly. According to recent research by Informa Telecoms & Media, 25 million European TV households will have a 3D TV set by 2015.

Bill Wijdeveld, Managing Director of ASTRA Benelux, said: “3DTV literally gives a new dimension to watching television and creates a new layer of premium TV experience, complementing HD. As a 3D pioneer, ASTRA is very pleased with the agreement with Brava3D. With the continuous growth of the 3DTV market there is also a growing demand for high quality 3D programs. The satellite is ideally suited to meet broadcasters’ demand for capacity and viewers expectation for highest broadcasting quality.”

Jur Bron, CEO of Brava3D, said: “Launching Brava3D is a logical next step following the international success of BravaHD. The ASTRA satellite distribution allows us to provide Brava3D in a cost-effective and high quality manner to TV platforms across Europe. Brava3D offers a unique experience and we are confident that a substantial market lies ahead of us.”

Brava3D is broadcasts via ASTRA 3B on ASTRA 23.5 degrees East, 11778.00 MHz, vertical. Transmissions are provisionally free to air. Via ASTRA 23.5 degrees East, the free-to-air ASTRA 3D demo channel can be received via 11720.00 MHz, horizontal.