France Télévisions, has signed a multi-year contract with Eutelsat Communications (to broadcast two 4K channels on both terrestrial and satellite networks.
France 2 UHD and France 3 UHD will be distributed via satellite to terrestrial transmitters across France, as well as Direct-to-Home via the Fransat platform.
The public channels will be broadcast via the Eutelsat 5 West B satellite using the new DVB-SIS (Single Illumination System) transmission technology standard. This enables France Télévisions to use a single content source, combining distribution to both the terrestrial network backbone (DTT) and Direct-to-Home (DTH) reception via Fransat, the free-to-view satellite platform for French DTT channels.
“By incorporating this mutualized approach in their distribution strategy, feeding both terrestrial and satellite networks from a single source, France Télévisions is efficiently ensuring that all viewers across the French territory can enjoy the 4K quality programmes, no matter where they are located,” explained Laurence Delpy, General Manager of Eutelsat’s Video Business Unit.
“With 4K standards, France Télévisions is delighted to be able to bring our France 2 and France 3 channels to our viewers with exceptional picture and sound quality. Eutelsat has provided us with an innovative and competitive solution for feeding terrestrial and satellite networks. Eutelsat’s technical expertise and quality of services were decisive for us,” added Jacques Donat-Bouillud, Head of Distribution, France Télévisions.
The service is scheduled to start by early 2024, ahead of the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
