Rendition of the BSAT 4b satellite. Photo: SSL.

Broadcasting Satellite System Corporation (B-SAT) has selected SSL to build its next Direct-to-Home (DTH) TV satellite, which the operator will use distribute Ultra-High Definition (Ultra-HD) video for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

SSL provided BSAT 4a to B-SAT in November 2017; BSAT 4b will be a similar Ku-band broadcasting satellite. BSAT 4b will be co-located with BSAT 4a at 110 degrees east, and will function as a backup to ensure reliable services. B-SAT 4b is designed to provide service for 15 years or longer and is based on the SSL 1300 satellite platform.

B-SAT has started 4K/8K test broadcasting and intends to introduce a regular 4K/8k broadcasting service via BSAT 4a by December 2018.