[SatNews] Sports fans in Asia Pacific will have reason to cheer.

MEASAT Satellite Systems Sdn. Bhd. (“MEASAT”) announced today an agreement with Encompass Digital Media (“Encompass”) to distribute the ESPN HD and STAR Cricket HD channels. The two ESPN STAR HD Sports channels will be brought to Asia Pacific via an Encompass’ partnership with Tata Communications. The channels will be distributed on the new Encompass MEASAT-3 MCPC platform.

ESPN HD is a high-definition 24-hour sports channel showcasing the diverse sports content from ESPN STAR Sports’ stellar line-up of premier international sports, differentiated to meet the diverse needs of Asian sports fans. STAR Cricket HD is the latest HD channel by ESPN STAR Sports, dedicated to showcasing first-class cricket action from around the globe in high-definition. The channel offers the most comprehensive cricket coverage including live cricket events, cricket news update, magazine and reality shows.

“We are glad to be working with Encompass on adding two HD channels via a new Encompass’ MCPC platform on our MEASAT-3 satellite,” said Jarod Lopez, Director of Sales, Broadcast Services, MEASAT. “With the inclusion of ESPN HD and STAR Cricket HD, MEASAT’s HD neighborhood now features 20 channels across Asia Pacific.”

“This expanded partnership with MEASAT will bring two of the world’s most popular sporting channels to the region and is a testament to Encompass’ commitment to bringing the best broadcast content and quality to viewers here,” said Deepakjit Singh, Managing Director of Asia at Encompass Digital Media.

The MEASAT-3/3a satellites, located at the 91.5 degrees E orbital hot slot, provides premium video distribution services for the Asia-Pacific region. The existing satellites will be joined at 91.5 degrees E by the MEASAT-3b satellite planned to be launched end 2013.