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Ericsson (NASDAQ: ERIC) has been selected by Spanish cable operator R to provide a solution that gives its subscribers the freedom to access on-demand content for the first time. R's new Video-On-Demand, (VOD) service allows consumers to view a wide variety of movies and TV programs on request from a catalog of thousands of hours of content. The solution, which includes the Open Stream Digital Services Platform by Ericsson, delivers a real time video streaming service that fully exploits the latest developments in time shift and traditional VOD technology. R also selected the Ericsson Xport producer and Ericsson Edge QAMs as part of a package that gives consumers greater control and allows them to play, pause and rewind standard definition and HD content.
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Jampro Antennas Inc. has delivered a major antenna order to ABC-5 (Associated Broadcasting Corporation), one of the largest, fastest growing TV and radio networks in the Philippines. In March 2010, Mediaquest, the corporate vehicle for media-related investments of Philippines Long Distance Telephone Company, acquired 100 percent ownership of Associated Broadcasting. The Jampro antenna systems are part of a new build-out strategy to increase coverage to the island nation of nearly 100 million people. The Jampro broadband UHF and VHF panel antennas will be installed at 10 sites throughout the country. Jampro RF engineers worked closely with the ABC-5 engineering department to choose antennas best suited to individual sites. They also designed custom patterns to achieve specific coverage for each site to cope with many topological challenges posed by mountainous terrain covering an area slightly larger than the state of Arizona. To attain the required coverage, the engineers used a combination of Jampro models JUHD UHF antennas and JHD-LV2 and JHD-HV2 VHF flat panel antennas. Jampro also supplied coaxial transmission line, RCPU antenna switch frame, proline rigid transmission line and accessories. Jampro will also be commissioning the installations. The JUHD DTV-ready antenna for UHF bands IV and V and have wide bandwidth for multiple channel operation. Based on a proven modular design, JUHDs can be configured to provide various azimuth and elevation patterns. An optional beam tilt and null fill allows the elevation pattern to be shaped to maximize coverage. This horizontally polarized antenna may be configured to include varying levels of vertical polarization with results ranging from small amounts of elliptical polarization. A prime consideration in using the JUHD UHF was its stainless steel construction required for certain sites to withstand the tropical-martime climate which is assaulted by northeast monsoons from November to April and by southwestern monsoons from May to October. For VHF broadcasting, ABC-5 specified Jampro JHD-LV2 antennas for channels 2 to 6 and JHD-HV antennas for higher bands7 to 13. Both are half-wave spaced dual-dipole flat panel antennas with typical VSWR of 1.05:1 on carrier, and 1.1:1 across the channel. A mix of omni-directional and custom patterns will be used to optimize the planned coverages.
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Liberty Global, Inc. (NASDAQ: LBTYA, LBTYB and LBTYK) has entered into an agreement to acquire Kabel BW Erste Beteiligungs GmbH (“KBW”), the third largest cable TV operator in Germany controlled by EQT Funds IV and V (“EQT”). KBW provides television, broadband internet and telephony services in the German federal state of Baden-Württemberg, which is one of the most prosperous regions in Europe. As of December 31, 2010, KBW’s broadband communications network passed 3.7 million homes and served 2.4 million customers who subscribed to 3.9 million basic cable, pay TV, telephony and broadband internet services. Liberty Global will acquire KBW through a series of transactions for a total consideration of approximately 3.16 billion euros ($4.48 billion), excluding transaction costs. This represents a purchase price multiple of approximately 8.1 times the estimate of KBW’s 2011 EBITDA2 under IFRS,3 as adjusted for the projected annual impact of synergies that may be realized following the full integration of the acquisition. The transaction is subject to regulatory approval and is expected to close in the second half of 2011. EQT has decided that KBW and its holding company will immediately undergo a recapitalization, in which it is targeting to issue approximately 2.25 billion euros ($3.19 billion) in new debt financing. The new capital structure will be assumed by LGI upon completion of the transaction. Liberty Global is being advised by Goldman Sachs and Freshfields in connection with this acquisition.
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SENSIO Technologies Inc. (SENSIO) (TSX.V: SIO) will be demo'ing key solutions from its comprehensive range for the broadcast market at the 2011 NAB show in Las Vegas. These solutions include automatic detection and decoding of any 3D input signal (Side-by-Side (SbS), Top-and-Bottom (TaB) and SENSIO® Hi-Fi 3D) and best-in-class image-enhancement technologies. The recent joining of the product portfolios of SENSIO and Algolith has enabled the company to present this uniquely complete offering to the market. SENSIO will also be showcasing the aforementioned award-winning technology in equipment from manufacturers Miranda Technologies (booth N2515) and International Datacasting Corporation (booth SU5513), and as an enabler of applications from Gennum Corporation (booth N5823) and Globecomm Systems Inc. (booth SU2217). In addition, SENSIO will be demonstrating how the SENSIO® Hi-Fi 3D format is the best possible choice for contribution, enabling conversion to any desired format and the highest-quality 3D images in that format. SENSIO solutions are field-proven and are currently being implemented for the live 3D broadcasting of NBA games (All-Star, regular season and playoffs).
Satnews Daily
March 22nd, 2011
Of Interest To SatBroadcasting™ Professionals...
