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European HDTV Specifications And Timetable Agreed Upon
Betzdorf (SPX) Jun 23, 2004 "HDTV" label for display devices to be launched in collaboration with major industry partners SES Astra, an SES Global company, in a concerted effort with more than sixty of its European broadcast customers, hardware manufacturers and other industry partners, at their second European HDTV Forum session held on the 17th of June at SES Astra's headquarters in Luxembourg, have agreed on the technical aspects and the timetable for the introduction of HDTV (High Definition Television) services in Europe via the Astra Satellite System. Due to the eye-catching higher resolution compared to standard definition broadcasts, HDTV offers a compelling new viewing experience, notably on state-of-the-art flat screen displays and home cinemas, which are being installed at an increasing rate in European homes. HDTV is already a reality in countries like the United States and Japan, where more than 6 million households currently receive HDTV broadcasts and all major broadcasters offer full-fledged HDTV services. SES Astra pioneered the transmission of HDTV services in Europe with EURO 1080. Europe's first dedicated HDTV offer has been broadcasting via the Astra satellite system at 19.2� East since January 1st, 2004. In the meantime, the interest in HDTV has gained considerable momentum in several European countries under the Astra footprint. The latest pan-European HDTV initiative undertaken by Astra and renowned industry partners is expected to trigger a rapid deployment of the new technology across various European markets, with additional HDTV channels expected to launch as early as this year on the Astra Satellite System. To ensure a uniform roll-out and avoid a fragmentation of the nascent market in Europe, SES Astra and its industry partners have agreed on the minimum technical specifications for HDTV broadcasts, based on e.g. the open MPEG-2 or MPEG-4 AVC standards. These technical specifications include: HDTV ready displays need a minimum of 720 lines vertical resolution Scan formats of 720P50 and 1080i25 for HDTV Standard interfaces for peripheral equipment SES Astra and its industry partners have also agreed on the launch of an "HDTV" label which will be deployed to identify future-proof HDTV displays. The label is intended to ensure consumer confidence when acquiring new display devices and will be used in the upcoming HDTV marketing campaigns of the different manufacturers promoting the pan-European HDTV initiative. Ferdinand Kayser, President and CEO of SES Astra, states: "So far, Europe has been trailing countries like the United States with respect to the introduction of HDTV services. At the same time, sales of flat screen displays have been booming. Independent research institutes actually suggest that in a few years tens of millions of HD enabled TV sets will be deployed in the different European countries. "By agreeing on minimal technical specifications and building on open standards, SES Astra and its partners from the broadcast and hardware industry intend to ensure that the roll-out of HDTV services in Europe kick-starts as early as this year." Community Email This Article Comment On This Article Related Links SES Astra SpaceDaily Search SpaceDaily Subscribe To SpaceDaily Express The latest information about the Commercial Satellite Industry
Stratos Steps Closer To Xantic Acquisition
Bethesda MD (SPX) Jan 5, 2006Stratos Global recently announced it had taken a step closer toward the completion of the acquisition of Xantic, having received positive advice from the Works' Council in the Netherlands, and executed a definitive agreement to purchase Xantic from KPN and Telstra Corporation. |
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