[Satellite TODAY 12-13-11] GlobeCast and France 24 are planning to launch an exploratory Hbb-TV service in early 2012 with the support of French telecom Orange and satellite operator SES, the companies confirmed Dec. 22.

   The service aims to add interactivity to satellite TV programming via broadband-connected TVs and will initially be offered to France 24 satellite viewers in Western Europe.

   GlobeCast will provide ground services and uplink from its Paris technical operations center. The satellite feed will be delivered via the Astra satellite at the 19.2 degrees East orbital slot. Orange will use its content delivery network to drive the services’ broadband delivery.

   “We’re now finally seeing the convergence of broadcast and the Internet. As a next-generation provider of broadcast services, GlobeCast will remain at the forefront of this movement. In this new ‘connected’ world, we are helping our broadcast clients offer an interactive, high-quality experience to their viewers worldwide, regardless of delivery method,” GlobeCast Spokesman Philippe Rouxel said in a statement.