MIPTV 2015 – CANNES. M7 Group has signed an agreement with Nautical Channel Ltd. for the distribution of the HD version of Nautical Channel via the M7 Group platform at Astra 23.5 degrees East.
Launched in December 2011, Nautical Channel is the only international 24/7 channel dedicated to the world of nautical sports and lifestyle, currently received by over 20 million homes in more than 40 countries.
The agreement with M7 Group allows Nautical Channel to distribute its programs in HD quality to third party operators in Europe, while from April 21 onwards the channel will also be incorporated in the DTH line-up of the M7 Group owned satellite TV platforms Canal Digitaal (Netherlands), TV Vlaanderen (Belgium) and Skylink (Czech Republic and Slovakia).
M7 Platform Services arranges for the various technical solutions, allowing European operators to safely receive and redistribute the channel to its subscribers. In order to allow operators to switch to the new HD signal, the current SD feed of Nautical Channel will remain available over the coming months.
“This is a great move for Nautical Channel and we are responding to the requests of the many platforms that distribute our channel across Europe and the rest of the world,” said Nautical Channel Chairman and CEO, Alessandro Giglio said.
“Our channel is very visual and perfect for the HD format so we are very happy to make this investment.“
“We have seen a lot of progress this year and the move to HD marks the first of many exciting announcements for 2015,” added Andrew Miller, MD and head of programming at Nautical Channel said.
“With the action sports, amazing images and spectrum of colours, Nautical Channel is perfect for HD. We are convinced that the HD will add substantial viewer value to events such as The America’s Cup, Volvo Ocean Race and World Surfing League, in addition to lifestyle shows such as Ocean Safari and Posh Ports.”
“We are very pleased with this new all-in-one satellite distribution agreement with Nautical Channel and we look forward to a continued fruitful cooperation. Moreover, we are happy that we can now offer our satellite subscribers in the Benelux and CEE markets Nautical Channel in HD quality, thereby greatly enhancing the viewing experience”, stated Bill Wijdeveld, VP Business Development M7 Group.
