[SatNews] My-HD, one of the leading satellite payTV platforms in the MENA Region, and Arabsat, one of the top satellite operators and service providers in the Arab world, celebrated the success of their strategic partnership—they have announced the official launch of the full bouquet of 39 channels, out of which 31 are HD. Cliff Nelson, CEO, My-HD, and Khalid Balkheyour, President and CEO, Arabsat hosted the celebration for achieving this milestone at the Burj Al Arab.

The Ambassador of Philippines, Grace Princesa, along with top management from popular channels such as MBC, Rotana, GMA, Al Nahar, MTV Lebanon, Fox International and others were present to be part of this official gathering for a successful alliance between My-HD and Arabsat. Speaking during the occasion, Cliff Nelson said, “My-HD and Arabsat’s partnership is set to shape the future of HDTV in the MENA region. Ever since our tie-up in March 2013, we have been working hard to secure premium HD content for the region Since we are aware that the consumers in the Middle East are as enthusiastic as anywhere else about new technology, we are extremely confident that viewers will enjoy the experience of HDTV and have no reason to go back to Standard Definition because we are providing them with the best viewing experience at an unbeatable price. We are also extremely glad that top broadcasters in the region such as MBC Group with eight HD channels, Al Nahar Network with four HD channels and MTV Lebanon have confidently chosen to partner with My-HD” Furthermore, two channels which are currently free to air (FTA) will now be shutting of their FTA signals and joining the My-HD platform. The two channels; Physique TV and Luxe TV will be available in English and Arabic.

Additionally, My-HD will be launching the first English and Arabic Electronic Program Guide (EPG) on Arabsat called as “My EPG” which will be followed by catch up TV services known as “My Catch Up TV” for its customers. This is in partnership with Saudi Media Pioneer Selevision, which will further strengthen its value proposition of a luxury that everyone can afford. All this is just the tip of the iceberg for the future landmark announcements that will soon be made”.

My-HD and Arabsat in this brief period of time have brought international brand channels to the consumers to reinforce their value proposition. Their signing of an exclusive distribution agreement with GMA Network, the Philippines’ number 1 Terrestrial TV Network was the first of its kind. This agreement is crucial in the development of the local economy considering the population of over 2.4 million Filipinos in the Middle East. My-HD through this agreement with Arabsat had an aim to build a diversified bouquet of family entertainment channels exclusively across the MENA region at one time, in order to contribute to such as one of the largest communities in the region.