MTG is to launch the first Ultra HD channel in the Nordic region.
Viasat Ultra HD, will be launched after the summer in Sweden, Norway, Denmark and Finland via SES-5 at 5 degrees East. The channel will draw on MTG’s portfolio of live sport coverage, including Champions League.
The channel is being run in partnership with satellite operator SES and the manufacturer Samsung.
“It’s great that real Ultra HD content now is being produced and that sport is leading the way. The picture quality is amazing and brings a wonderful experience of being so close to the action. We are really excited to be the first out in the Nordics, and look forward to building on this successful partnership with Samsung and SES to bring even more Ultra HD content to our customers over time,” said Bartek Gudowski, Chief Technology Officer of MTG Broadcasting
Viasat will also be launching a new Ultra HD set-top box from Samsung, as well as a TV-Module enabling customers with an Ultra HD TV to see the channel.
With the addition of Viasat Ultra HD, SES will broadcast a total of 24 Ultra HD channels (including test channels and regional versions), representing 46% of all channels broadcast in this format via satellite worldwide.
“Viasat has been relying on SES services to broadcast its approximately 230 channels for more than 20 years,” said Ferdinand Kayser, Chief Commercial Officer at SES. “As sports have always been predicted to be a key driver for Ultra HD, we are very pleased to take this important step together with Viasat to drive the next generation viewing experience forward.”
SES carries the world’s largest HD line-up with over 2,300 HD channels, transmitting 27% of all HD/Ultra HD satellite channels worldwide – by far more than any other satellite operator.
