[Satellite Today 10-21-08] SES Astra has seen a significant increase in the number of high-definition (HD) channels broadcast via its Astra satellite system, the company said Oct. 20.
    At the beginning of October, the number of HD channels broadcast on the system reached 55, an increase of 13 channels, or 30 percent, since August. The SES group, including SES Astra, SES Americom and SES New Skies, transmits a total of 137 HD channels.
    "The rapid growth in the number of HD channels clearly shows that HDTV is taking off in Europe,” Alexander Oudendijk, chief commercial officer of SES Astra, said in a statement. “With the new channels we further improve the impressive HD channel line-up and build a very attractive HD neighborhood on our main orbital positions. The growing number of leading broadcasters choosing Astra proves that we have become the primary platform for premium HD content in Europe.”