[8-29-07 –  Satellite News Today] SES Astra’s Entavio digital platform will make its debut Sept. 1, with German pay-TV operator Premiere the first to offer the system, SES Astra announced.

Entavio is a technical and service platform that does acquire or bundle channels and is open to all broadcasters. Manufacturers of satellite receivers will be able to launch compatible devices with the Entavio label.

“Entavio is the beginning of a new generation of digital satellite television," Wilfried Urner, CEO of SES Astra’s German-based Entavio subsidiary, said in a statement. “Entavio provides a very large program choice, interactive applications, an easy access to pay-TV as well as an excellent customer service. With Entavio, we have developed a concept that will be able to reflect all future technological innovations. Therefore Entavio is one of the most attractive forms of digital TV access and certainly the best solution for receiving digital satellite television.”

Premiere will use the platform to deliver about 500 digital TV and radio channels to 3.5 million subscribers for a monthly flat rate of 1.99 euros ($2.71). 

“The launch of Entavio further simplifies the reception of Premiere via satellite,” Michael Boernicke, CEO of Premiere, said. “Premiere’s programs will be an important driving force for Entavio. With Entavio, Premiere can further increase its reach and benefit from its partners’ marketing initiatives. Furthermore, the launch allows us to outsource technical services and further focus on our competence as a content and program provider.”