Luxsat, which plans to offer a push-based service for distributing films and web content over satellite, has changed its tack. The original project was to broadcast films in encrypted form for storing on a hard disc and subsequent decoding and paying for as required. But Thiery Maman, general manager of the Luxembourg-based organisation, said at Milia that “we are no longer trying to be an operator.”

Maman said: “Instead, we aim to sell exclusive licences to operators. Negotia-tions are under way with operators in France, Germany and the UK. So far operators in around 30 countries have expressed an interest in acquiring a licence.”

Maman went on to explain that the licence includes access to the content, rights which Luxsat are negotiating with the suppliers. This has become much easier following Time Warner’s deal with AOL, since film studios now appreciate the advantages of alternative distribution methods, online in particular, he said.

The switch in strategy means that the roll-out of the service is being pushed back, since it will no longer be Luxsat that is providing the service. Maman did not disclose which operators Luxsat is negotiating with. Alain Staron, head of interactive services at TPS, said that he was not in negotiation with Luxat. TPS is, like a number of operators, working on similar solutions.

Maman said that deals with French and German operators should be announced around the time of MIPTV, in April.