M7 Group, the Luxembourg-based European TV provider, has signed a long-term multi-platform distribution agreement with IMG Media for the European distribution of EDGEsport.
EDGEsport, a 24/7 HD action sports and lifestyle channel, will be carried via CanalDigitaal, TV Vlaanderen and Skylink, the M7-owned DTH platforms operating at Astra 23.5 degrees East; in addition, EDGEsport will be available to subscribers of Online.nl, the new IPTV platform of M7 Group for the Netherlands.
M7 Platform Services provides EDGEsport with an end-to-end Direct-to-Home distribution solution, starting with signal contribution from the IMG studio’s in London until the high quality picture delivery into the viewers’ living room. M7 Platform Services also arranges for the signal delivery to various European cable and IPTV headends, for which it provides smart cards, CI modules and help desk support.
“We very much welcome EDGEsport on board of our platform,” said Marco Visser, CEO of M7 Group. “EDGEsport will further enhance the attractiveness of our HD channel line-up, both via satellite and IPTV. We are looking forward to a successful cooperation over the coming years.”
Jon Kilmartin, commercial manager, EDGEsport, IMG Media, commented: “We see great potential in the future of action sports and EDGEsport has rapidly become the primary destination for the fan to connect with the sports, athletes and lifestyle they love. We are delighted to work with M7 Group during this exciting next chapter for the EDGEsport channel.”
EDGEsport is a 24/7 fully HD channel showing the very best in action sports event and lifestyle programming. Established two years ago, the channel has quickly grown to become the new home for the action sports fan, broadcasted in 14 territories across Asia and currently reaching approximately 300 million households. EDGEsport coverage includes The World Snowboard Tour, Bowl-a-Rama Skateboarding, UCI BMX Supercross World Cup, PKRA Kiteboarding World Tour and live ASP World Championship Tour Surfing.