[Satellite TODAY 09-01-11] The Al Jazeera Network has placed several orders with Newtec for its Multimedia Exchange Network over Satellite (MENOS) TV interactive terminals, Newtec announced Aug. 31.

   The MENOS all-IP solution, jointly operated by the Arab States Broadcasting Union (ASBU) and its capacity supplier, Arabsat, will enable Al Jazeera to exchange multimedia content over satellite, with fully automated sharing of video and radio content among scattered sites at reduced costs. Newtec installed its MENOS multimedia concept at the ASBU Algiers facility in 2008.

   In addition to installing the terminals, Newtec said it would also provide professional service training to Al Jazeera staff.

   “For the first time Al Jazeera will be benefitting from the ASBU-MENOS network we successfully operate. We are constantly looking at ways to improve technology and services. Thanks to the MENOS network there is now a professional broadcast exchange network ensuring a high quality service to our members, as well as other broadcasters in the region,” ASBU Director General Slaheddine Maaoui said in a statement.