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Game Network, the digital TV channel about videogames and multimedia entertainment, is to launch on Eutelsat of September 17. The channel will broadcast free to air via Eutelsat Hot Bird 4, 24-hours a day and can be found on 12,673MHz vertical, sharing a transponder with Digitaly, Video Italia, Telemarket, Studio Modena and Thaicom.
German-language computer channel NBC GIGA is to extend its airtime. According to a spokeswoman, two hours daily will be added from autumn. From 1400 to 1500 there will be a programme for young viewers and between 2000 and 2100 CET a magazine for older people, for example giving them advice on buying PCs. Currently, NBC GIGA is available between 1500 and 2000 CET as a window on NBCis English-language European feed. The channel which launched on 30 November 1998 so far reaches 18.2 million cable homes in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. NBC and NBC GIGA are also part of the German digital platform on Hot Bird 5 (13 degrees East).
The second International Cable & Satellite Russia-2000 Exhibition will be held at the Sokolniki Moscow Exhibition Centre, from February 16-18. Organisers include MIDEXPO, Cable TV Association of Russia, National Association of TV & Radio Broadcasters and Global VSAT Forum. The Cable and Satellite of the 21st Century International Conference and The Global VSAT Forum Conference will be take place within the exhibition.
BroadLogic has agreed to acquire the two-way satellite systems developer Oneiric Networks LLC. The acquisition will enable BroadLogic to integrate Oneiricis Starway Return broadband two-way access over satellite technology into its products.
Super RTL, the Cologne-based German family entertainment channel, has for the first time since its launch in 1995 managed to post a profit. During the first six months of this year, the channel, co-owned by CLT-UFA and Walt Disney Corp., reached a net turnover of DM91 million (Pounds 31 million) with a profit of DM4.5 million. In the first half of 1998, Super RTL made a loss of almost DM30 million, on turnover of DM66 million. Super RTL said in a statement that, based on the strongly increased revenues from advertising during prime-time after 2015 CET, it expects to end 1999 with a profit. The break-even had originally been anticipated for 2000.
Nickelodeon has launched its Nick Jr. channel, aimed at younger children. Nick Jr. will air from 0600-1900 on Sky Digital and from 0600-1000 on BSkyBis analogue service. Nickelodeon has said it is in negotiation with "other digital platforms in the UK". Nick Jr. will form part of Nickelodeonis new UK digital package, which includes an extension of hours on the main Nickelodeon channel to 2200 and a time-shifted Nickelodeon Replay.
A new on-line horse racing channel is being proposed by a consortium of 59 UK race-tracks, with the intention of going live next April. The service, aimed at armchair and office-based punters, could also face a stand-alone racing broadcast channel being mooted by Channel 4, traditionally the home for UK free-to-air racing.
Consumer electronics company Amstrad confirmed last week it will be supplying digital set-top boxes and widescreen TV sets in supermarket chain ASDA. "The availability of satellite receivers in a supermarket environment is a first. Easy access and convenience will be the focus of this groundbreaking innovation," said Simon Sugar, Amstrad commercial director.
A UK newspaper has reported that interactive TV transactional service OpenO, available to viewers of BSkyBis digital network, has been discussing an IPO for the business. OpenO would make no comment. The newspaper said the flotation could value OpenO at Pounds 2.5 billion. OpenO is expected to announce its full service start date this week.
Kingston TLI and Intelsat have announced the implementation of a new earth station, carrying traffic between the UK and the Indian Ocean region via Intelsat 602 at 62 degrees East. Kingston believes there is high demand for Internet backbone connectivity on this route.

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