AsiaSat Launches New DVB-S2 C-band Distribution Platform

HONG KONG — Asia’s leading satellite operator, Asia Satellite Telecommunications Company Limited (AsiaSat) [Hong Kong: 1135] is expanding its broadcasting services to offer a new C-band DVB-S2 MCPC (Multiple Channels per Carrier) distribution platform with wide coverage over the Asian and Australasian regions.

The new DVB-S2 platform based on a full transponder will be launched on AsiaSat 5 and operated by AsiaSat’s Tai Po Earth Station in Hong Kong. It can support a range of broadcast applications, including SD, HD and 3D content contribution and distribution services, in both MPEG-2 and MPEG-4 standards. In addition to the platform, a comprehensive package of space segment, signal downlink and turnaround, fibre and uplinking services, as well as 24/7 network monitoring services is available.

Utilising higher order modulation and newer channel coding schemes, this platform delivers higher throughput at a given transponder bandwidth, enabling about 30% improvement in bandwidth efficiency compared to a DVB-S system. Broadcasters can enjoy much greater cost savings in content delivery.

“The launch of the more advanced DVB-S2 platform is to address the growing demand from broadcasters and channel providers for more cost-efficient content delivery solutions, particularly for distributing MPEG-4 HD programming in this region. This new platform on AsiaSat 5 will complement our existing MCPC platforms to provide our customers with unrivalled quality of service and a choice of broadcast solutions at competitive pricing,” said William Wade, President and CEO of AsiaSat.