MTN Satellite Communications has expanded its worldwide maritime TV service to include three new live channels, as well as programming in French, German, Italian, Portuguese and Spanish.
MTN is now adding to its line-up Prime US, a comprehensive line-up of current-in-production US programming, including TV dramas, comedies, reality shows, animation, award shows, concerts, feature films and major college sports, including American football and basketball.
Prime Telly with current British and Australian programming, including news, animation, live-action, feature films, sports matches, awards shows and concerts. And Engage! – with entertainment, style, food and DIY programming.
Today, MTN TV broadcasts 11 channels of news, sports, entertainment and special events, including Fox News Channel, BBC World News, MSNBC, CNBC, Sky News and Sky Sports News. MTN also is making IMG Media’s Sport 24 Channel available to non-passenger vessels, such as commercial, oil and gas ships, and yachts.
In 2013, the channel will broadcast the Premier League, Formula 1, US Open Tennis, Wimbledon, the British and Irish Lions Rugby Tour, and Bundesliga football.
MTN TV is the industry’s first fully digital, multichannel maritime TV service. Utilising MTN’s global satellite network, MTN TV integrates with a vessel’s existing Television Receive Only (TVRO) C-band antenna and onboard video distribution system. MTN manages its own satellite network and content.
“The demand for additional content is a testament to the value MTN TV brings to the maritime market for both passengers and crew,” said Bill Witiak, director of television and broadcast services at MTN.
“MTN can appreciate that the demand for broadcast services is akin to the at-home TV experience but, more importantly, for the consistent delivery and 24/7 service. In addition, special sporting events give operators another reason to gather groups out at sea, and we give them the confidence that the broadcast will reach the ship. MTN TV delivers need-to-know information, news, and entertainment on vessels in places at sea where, three years ago, TV wasn’t an option.”