Focus: Broadcasting

Satellite digital cinema distributor Microspace Communications has extended business agreements with four unnamed movie studios to continue delivering streamed first run feature movies via satellite, Microspace announced.    Microspace said it has 19 events already slated to run in 2011 and has delivered more than 70 total films to 3,500 screens across the United States,...

Latin America’s TV installation base will increase around 26 percent throughout the next five years — a significantly higher rate than in any other region, according to an IMS Research report, “Online TV Set Shipment Database,” released April 3.     The IMS forecast includes data and information regarding TV shipments split by technology, iDTV demand...

[Satellite TODAY 04-11-11] RRsat Global Communications Network has implemented its new multi-carrier per-channel platform on Hispasat’s 1E satellite at 30 degrees West, RRsat announced April 7.     The platform will cater specifically to Latin America, using the downlink, uplink, space segment and playout services from RRsat’s playout center in Hawley, Pa. RRsat will broadcast content...

[Satellite TODAY 04-08-11] Amos satellite fleet operator Spacecom has leased capacity at 4 degrees West to Bosnian broadcaster Mreza Plus TV, Spacecom announced April 7.     Amos satellites will distribute Mreza Plus’ news and entertainment channel programming throughout Bosnia for five years. Spacecom secured the contract through its regional representative, Masterline.     “We chose Amos...

[Satellite TODAY 04-07-11] Dish Network has acquired online and retail movie rental chain Blockbuster Inc. for $320 million after it was selected as the winning bidder in Blockbuster’s bankruptcy court auction, Dish Network announced April 6.     Dish Network said it expects to pay about $228 million in cash to acquire Blockbuster after adjustments are...

[Satellite TODAY 04-06-11] Measat Satellite Systems signed a contract with Asian regional 3-D entertainment channel HighTV 3-D to distribute content via the Measat-3a satellite, the operator announced April 4.     The channel premiered on Measat-3a’s C-band regional feed. HighTV will use the 91.5 degrees East signal to deliver more than 450 hours of lifestyle, travel,...

[Satellite TODAY Insider 04-05-11] More than 2 million households in the United States will cut their cable and satellite TV subscriptions in favor of online TV platforms by the end of this year, according to a Convergence Consulting Group research report released April 4.     The study, "The Battle for the North American (U.S./Canada) Couch...

[Satellite TODAY Insider 04-02-11] Spanish regional operator Hispasat increased its 2010 full-year revenues by more than 20 percent to181.3 million euros ($256.89 million) compared to the same stage last year, the company announced in its latest financial results issued March 31.     While Hispasat already boasts a strong presence in both Europe and Latin America,...

[Satellite TODAY 04-02-11] France Télévisions has selected Thomson Video Networks’ head-end technology solution to help the broadcaster launch DTV services for French-administered overseas territories in the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian oceans, Thomson announced April 1.     France Télévisions will use the Thomson solution to deliver its programming in SD and HD with MPEG-4 encoding. Thomson’s...

It wasn’t that long ago that 3-D broadcasting was the dominant discussion point throughout much of the satellite sector. It was difficult to attend any satellite-related gathering, visit a Web site or pick up any publication (including this one) and not get involved in a discussion of 3-D broadcasting and its revenue potential. Today, the...