Newtec has launched a most effective line of communication among the Arab States Broadcasting Union (ASBU) and Arabsat that enables the Broadcasting Union and its 28 members to exchange TV, radio and data in a fully automated way. MENOS is a full IP satellite based service that can support all potential transmission applications required by broadcasters. These include DSNG contribution uplinks to studios, primary distributions from studios to headends, international radio and TV exchange between studios and support for archiving video and audio content. It also offers value-add IP-based services such as VoIP, corporate VPNs and an integrated billing system.

Slaheddine Maaoui, Director General of the ASBU said: “The official launch of MENOS is an extremely important milestone for ourselves, the Arab region and the broadcasting industry as a whole. The MENOS service is not only a powerful international exchange platform for radio and television, but a powerful IP based service that is going to revolutionize broadcast transmissions. We are all extremely proud that with the help of Newtec we have been able to make this breakthrough concept a reality.”

Khalid Balkheyour, CEO of Arabsat, added: “The introduction of MENOS is an historical moment for the broadcast industry, and we are delighted that the Arabsat BADR-4 Satellite is playing a key role in this. We have worked closely with the ASBU to ensure that they have a real technological leadership with this advanced service.”

Serge Van Herck, CEO of Newtec said: “Newtec has a strong reputation for technological innovation, and this is no better demonstrated than in the realisation of MENOS. It has been a huge honour working with the ASBU and its members for the past 10 years; we are proud to have been an integral part of the team that has introduced MENOS to the world.”

The new MENOS network will replace an existing satellite exchange system used by ASBU members. The partnership agreement between ASBU, Arabsat and Newtec was signed in June 2006 to develop a more cost effective IP-based system to improve and simplify program exchanges between members. The official launch ceremony took place in Jeddah, as part of the 28th Ordinary session of the ASBU General Assembly and in presence of the Saudi Minister of Culture and Information Mr. Iyad Amin Madani. The ASBU General Assembly work sessions have all been transmitted live using a MENOS equipped DSNG provided by UK-based Sematron.