BTBS will provide the ground segment of the package - including multiplexing and uplink from Paris or London - and SES Astra the space segment, through capacity on the Astra 1G spacecraft.

The Astra Satellite System at 19.2 degrees East provides access to the largest digital satellite audience in Europe, with 10.4 million homes receiving direct-to-home transmissions, and a further 57.9 million through cable.

Through this offer, independent free-to-air and ethnic channels new to the Astra Satellite System will be able to tap this steadily increasing audience at very attractive rates.

Broadcasters who sign up will benefit from a feature-rich service that includes:

- Variable bandwidth from 2Mb/s up to 33Mb/s;

- Video flexibility - service can accept SD video and audio as DVB ASI, uncompressed SDI or analogue in any formats.

- The latest generation, high quality MPEG 2 compression equipment that can support channels at 2.5Mb/s.

- 24-hour monitoring to ensure troubleshooting in case of difficulties - plus Internet-based monitoring for customers

- Presence in the Astra Mosaic - Astra's electronic programme guide (EPG)

In addition to the above, there are a number of premium services, including standards conversion between NTSC and PAL, time shifting to allow repurposing of content between time zones and seamless bit rate conversion as well as a conditional access solution that includes encryption, smart card distribution, authorisation and de-authorisation.

Through its Global digital network, BT can also help broadcasters get their feeds to the Paris or London uplink if required.

"This new offering will be particularly attractive to thematic channels and ethnic broadcasters who are looking for a medium to reach their huge ex-patriot communities living in the EC," said Mark Smith, CEO of BT Broadcast Services.

"BTBS's market-leading technology, combined with Astra's powerful and extensive European footprint and established viewer base allows broadcasters to enter this market quickly and extremely cost-effectively - while at the same time knowing that reliability and stability of service is a given."

Ferdinand Kayser, President and CEO of SES Astra, comments: "Astra at 19.2 degrees East is the premium satellite platform for the digital DTH markets in Continental Europe. We are convinced that this new joint offering from BTBS and Astra provides a compelling package for broadcasters wishing to deliver their content in Western Europe."

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