Over-the-Top (OTT) platform Kartina TV will be broadcasting a bouquet of Russian-language TV channels across Western Europe.
The channels will be available on a new Free-to-View encrypted DTH platform on the Astra 1N satellite at 19.2 degrees East, but will also continue to be available over IP networks.
One of the leading pay TV operators in Europe and the US for Russian-language programming, Kartina TV caters to the Russian-speaking diaspora who can access Russian-language content via OTT set-up boxes and apps.
“As OTT content providers, we want to be delivering content to everyone, but there are limitations when it comes to terrestrial networks. By combining our offering with satellite, we will be able to broadcast channels for viewers who have limited broadband connectivity, and open up a new market for Kartina,” said Oleg Jecov, Head of Satellite Project of Kartina TV.
Håkan Sjödin, Vice President, Sales Nordic, Baltic and Eastern Europe of SES Video, said, “At SES, we increasingly see how OTT players are keen to expand their markets by leveraging the superpower of satellite – reach. This deal with Kartina TV is an example of that, and sets a new standard for OTT platforms in expanding the reach, viewership and value of multi-genre content. Given SES’s leading satellite broadcasting position in Europe, we are in a unique position to support Kartina TV with its new strategy to work with satellite distribution to expand their business by offering multi-genre, free-to-view Russian package in Europe via satellite.”
The new Kartina Satellite Verimatrix encrypted FTV platform will carry around 30-40 SD Channels in HEVC encoding and is available for users who have a dedicated 4K/UHD HDR Android based hybrid cardless STB with categorised lists of FTA channels and extended EPG support.
