Malaysian deal marks Pace`s first HD deployment in Asia
SALTAIRE, England–(Business Wire)–
Pace plc, the leading developer of digital TV technologies for the payTV
industry, today announces it is providing the set-top box technology to support
the launch of Malaysia`s first high-definition (HD) service. ASTRO ALL ASIA
NETWORKS plc (ASTRO), Malaysia`s leading cross-media broadcaster and
direct-to-home (DTH) satellite payTV operator, has selected Pace for the premium
service, which launched in December 2009. ASTRO is Pace`s first HD customer in
Asia.
ASTRO currently broadcasts over 100 payTV channels across Malaysia and Brunei to
over 2.8 million subscribers in multiple languages. With Pace`s DS830NA set-top
box, ASTRO was able to add five new HD channels initially to its existing
line-up of programming that includes HBO HD, ESPN HD, Astro Supersports HD,
History HD and National Geographic HD. Offering full MPEG-4 support and
integrated ethernet capability, the DS830NA will be core to ASTRO`s long term
expansion plans, providing the operator with the flexibility to develop its
digital portfolio through the rollout of new HD services and other interactive
service applications.
Dato` Rohana Rozhan, CEO of MEASAT Broadcast Network Systems (ASTRO) commented:
“Launching Malaysia`s first high-definition service is an important milestone
for the country and a significant achievement for us as a company. Pace`s proven
track record in developing innovative HD payTV technology gives us the
confidence to launch this important new service, which will contribute
positively to the growth of the payTV industry in Malaysia. Choosing Pace as our
technology partner means that we can stay focused on raising the bar for digital
television as we provide our subscribers with the finest viewing experience
possible.”
“Pace has unparalleled expertise in delivering new, advanced high-definition
products that create business benefits for operators while enhancing the viewing
experience for the subscriber,” said Neil Gaydon, Chief Executive Officer, Pace.
“We are very proud to be working with ASTRO, the leading Malaysian operator, for
its exciting launch of high definition. This in turn has expanded our presence
into the Asian market, extending the global penetration of Pace technologies and
providing further evidence of Pace’s leading global position as a key partner to
the payTV industry.”
ASTRO is Malaysia`s only DTH satellite provider, Pace will be using several
local businesses – including sourcing and manufacturing – to bring the product
to market.
Deployment of the DS830NA set-top box began with the launch of the service in
December 2009. The unit incorporates NDS MediaHighway middleware and NDS
VideoGuard conditional access. The DS830NA will be ASTRO`s only HD-capable
set-top box at launch.
About Pace plc
Pace plc (LSE:PIC) is a leading technology developer for the global payTV
industry, working across satellite, cable, IPTV and terrestrial platforms. Pace
has one of the world’s most experienced specialist engineering teams, developing
intelligent and innovative products and services for both payTV operators and
retail markets across the world.
Pace employs over 1000 people in locations around the world, including France,
the USA, India and China. Pace’s international headquarters are in Saltaire,
West Yorkshire, UK. For more information on Pace, please visit www.pace.com.
About ASTRO
ASTRO ALL ASIA NETWORKS plc (AAAN) is the holding company for MEASAT Broadcast
Network Systems Sdn Bhd, the sole operator of direct-to-home satellite pay
television services in Malaysia under the “Astro” brand, and Airtime Management
& Programming Sdn Bhd, the leading commercial radio broadcaster in Malaysia.
Celestial Pictures Ltd, a subsidiary of AAAN in Hong Kong, owns and distributes
the world’s largest Chinese film library as well as operates the Celestial
Movies Channel. Astro Entertainment Sdn Bhd produces and aggregates local
content for distribution primarily in Malaysia and Indonesia but also increasing
to other regional and international markets such as Singapore, Vietnam and the
Middle East. AAAN also has investments in pay television and radio broadcasting
in India. AAAN, which is listed on Bursa Malaysia, operates out of the All Asia
Broadcast Centre, a fully-integrated digital broadcast and production complex in
Kuala Lumpur.
AxiCom
Sheena Riviera, +44 (0) 20 8392 4064
sheena.riviera@axicom.com
or
Pace plc
Helen Kettleborough, +44 1274 538005
or
ASTRO
Tammy Toh, +603 9543 6688, ext. 2406
Copyright Business Wire 2010
