Orbit-Showtime has confirmed its new identity as OSN-Orbit Showtime Network, in the process unveiling eight new channels for the Middle East, including the first western entertainment channel to be dubbed into Arabic and the region’s first bouquet of three high definition channels.
“When Orbit and Showtime merged in 2009 we promised to deliver the best pay-TV platform in the Middle East and North Africa. Now, in less than six months we are thrilled to unveil OSN, a single platform that offers even more Western and Arabic premium content than ever before on its exclusive 75 channel platform,” commented Marc-Antoine d’Halluin, CEO of Orbit Showtime Network.
As previously revealed by Broadband TV News, the satcaster will take its new name on February 1. Eight new channels will join the platform including OSN Arabia, OSN Variety, Food Network, BET (Black Entertainment TV), Discovery ID and the regions first three high definition channels; OSN Movies HD, Discovery HD and Nat Geo Wild HD. Further HD launches are planned for later in the year following the rollout of new HD receivers in February. OSN Movies will also feature some sports, notably the English Premier League.
The new OSN Arabia will include popular US titles, House, CSI New York and The Forbidden Kingdom dubbed into Arabic.