The Russian broadcaster Channel One has opted for Globecast to help it reach new audiences in Europe and Asia via Hot Bird and AsiaSat 5. 
Globecast will provide dual illumination on Hot Bird with an MPEG-4 channel in addition to the existing MPEG-2 service it offers the broadcaster.
The live signal from Channel One is received at Globecast’s Moscow PoP and delivered to London. From there it is uplinked to Hot Bird for onward European transmission. For Asian audiences, the signal is forwarded to Hong Kong for uplinking to AsiaSat 5.
The addition of an MPEG-4 channel – and the current dual illumination – means that Channel One can smoothly migrate from its existing MPEG-2 SD channel as and when required.
Commenting on the development, Biliana Pumpalovic, general director at Globecast Moskva in Russia, said, “We’re delighted to be helping Channel One make this important step in increasing its reach by delivering its content to a new audience. This partnership is also a good illustration of how Globecast can ensure customers meet both their current and future business objectives in a cost effective way, with no disruption to their service; the dual MPEG-2 and MPEG-4 illumination means that Channel One can make the transition seamlessly, as needed.”
