AsiaSat, Harmonic partner for 4K channel


Details

Rebecca Hawkes

| 21 January 2016




AsiaSat is set to launch its second free-to-air ultra high definition (UHD) channel on AsiaSat 4 in conjunction with video delivery infrastructure supplier Harmonic.


The channel, named 4K-SAT2/HVN, will launch across Asia on 1 March 2016, with 4K video content from Harmonic’s video library, as well as content from NASA TV’s new UHD channel. Operating in 2160p60 resolution with HEVC Main 10 profile, the channel will utilise an end-to-end UHD video processing system from Harmonic.

“With the cost of UHD TV sets dropping dramatically over the past year, demand for UHD content in Asia is expected to grow exponentially in the next couple of years,” said Sabrina Cubbon, vice president, marketing & global accounts, AsiaSat.

“Our partnership with Harmonic for this new channel 4K-SAT2/HVN, following the successful launch of our first UHD channel last year, enables the delivery of a choice of rich and compelling UHD content on AsiaSat 4, allowing us to demonstrate the superior quality via satellite of a linear ultra HD channel in 2160p60 resolution.”

AsiaSat 4, located at 122° East, reaches more than 50 territories from New Zealand to Pakistan and part of the Middle East. Asian TV operators and home viewers with an AsiaSat 4 C-band antenna and a HEVC set-top box will be able to receive both UHD channels in native UHD quality.

Full UHD channel production and transmission will be carried out from the AsiaSat’s Tai Po Earth Station in Hong Kong, utilising Harmonic technology.

“Harmonic is the only video infrastructure provider to offer a complete UHD workflow solution for delivery of live and linear UHD broadcasts. This expertise, combined with our UHD channel-as-a-service offering, technology leadership and active involvement in standards bodies and other industry groups, is creating the momentum needed for global UHD service deployment,” said Peter Alexander, chief marketing officer, Harmonic.