SES ASTRA, an SES company (Paris:SESG) (LuxX:SESG)), announced
that it has selected Global Communications, Invacom, and ERA
Technology as the winners of the ASTRA INNOVATION CONTEST. Launched at
IBC in 2006, this contest is aimed at stimulating research
organisations and the satellite industry to develop innovative
concepts to further increase the consumer attractiveness and features
of direct-to-home (DTH) satellite reception.
The satellite and TV equipment manufacturers Global Communications
and Invacom were awarded a prize for their concept of using optical
fibre infrastructure inside buildings to distribute DTH signals from
the antenna to the set-top box. Distribution of satellite signals over
fibre has several significant advantages over classical cable
distribution, in particular for medium- and large size installations.
First of all, it improves the quality of the transmission through
increased reliability; second, it reduces the power consumption, and
finally it facilitates the install by making it plug-and-play.
ERA Technology, part of Cobham plc, was awarded a prize in the
category Research Laboratory for its proposal of a transparent
satellite TV antenna. The technology was originally developed for
mobile satellite communication applications. This innovative concept
will add new technical features to satellite antennas that will help
to considerably improve the design of DTH- and SMATV (Satellite Master
Antenna Television) antenna installations.
Each of the winners will be awarded 150.000 Euros of which at
least 75 percent is to be invested in the further development and
market introduction of the proposed innovation.
Alexander Oudendijk, Chief Commercial Officer of SES ASTRA, said:
"The ASTRA INNOVATION CONTEST highlights our strong dedication to
innovation. It encourages the development of new products in the field
of DTH, and helps us improve our services to our customers and to the
DTH market."
About SES ASTRA www.ses-astra.com
SES ASTRA is the leading Direct-to-Home (DTH) satellite system in
Europe, delivering services to more than 109 million DTH and cable
households. The ASTRA satellite fleet currently comprises 13
satellites, transmitting 1,864 analogue and digital television and
radio channels. SES ASTRA also provides satellite-based multimedia,
internet and telecommunication services to enterprises, governments
and their agencies. With 26 High Definition (HD) channels available
via its satellites today, ASTRA is also the most important HDTV
broadcasting platform in Europe. ASTRA's prime orbital positions are
19.2 degrees East, 28.2 degrees East, and 23.5 degrees East.
SES ASTRA is an SES company (Paris:SESG) (LuxX:SESG). SES owns
three market-leading satellite operators, SES ASTRA in Europe, SES
AMERICOM in North America, and SES NEW SKIES, which provide global
coverage and connectivity. The Company also holds strategic
participations in SES Sirius in Europe, Ciel in Canada and Quetzsat in
Mexico. SES provides outstanding satellite communications solutions
via a fleet of 37 satellites in 25 orbital positions around the globe.
Additional information on SES is available at: www.ses.com