As it launches the first Ultra HD TV channel in France, independent thematic channels provider AB Groupe has turned to Ericsson to provide playout services.

AB group 26 August 2016AB Groupe offers 16 thematic channels and digital services to pay-TV platforms and its library comprises 15,000 hours of TV programming and includes series such as Netflix’s Lilyhammer, Friends and True Blood, the AMC hit series Hell on Wheels and Canal+’s Spiral.

The new 24/7 Ultra Nature TV channel is dedicated to wildlife, discovery, travel and extreme sports programming, is a part of AB Groupe’s portfolio of 16 thematic channels and digital services.

Commenting on multi-year services contract with Ericsson, Lionel Berthelot and Laurent Gaudinaud, technical directors at AB Groupe, said: “For France's first 4K UHDTV channel, we have chosen the very best technical solutions available. We are delighted with the agreement and we have every confidence in the managed services expertise of Ericsson’s Broadcast and Media Services team.”