[Satellite Today – 4-15-08] Arqiva’s Satellite Media Solutions division is partnering with GE subsidiary SAT-GE to provide an Asia Pacific satellite-based high-definition (HD) video platform, Arqiva announced April 15.
    The new platform will enable broadcasters to distribute and contribute HD and Standard Definition (SD) channels to Asian-Pacific broadcasters and cable headends. The new HD platform will be uplinked onto GE 23 at 172 degrees East, which is positioned to provide a broad satellite footprint for coverage from the United States into key locations including Singapore, Hong Kong, China, Japan, Thailand, South Korea, Indonesia, The Philippines, Australia and New Zealand.
    “We are excited about working with Arqiva to deliver video services to the growing market,” Andrew Jordan, SAT-GE president and CEO said in a statement. “The MPEG-4 technology behind the new platform will enable broadcasters to deliver HD content at an extremely cost-effective price and will encourage SD broadcasters to enter into progressive HD delivery. Arqiva’s global infrastructure and international reputation for delivering exceptional levels of reliable connectivity makes them the ideal partner for this project.”