Satellite firm SES Americom said its delivery platform for HD services ("HD-Prime") will grow to 60 channels with the recent announcement by Ion Media Networks of a multiyear distribution agreement with SES for its HD content.
SES said the new agreement to distribute Ion's HD programming will last through the life of the satellite group's AMC-1 satellite, which has been in orbit for more than a dozen years. (Technically speaking, the hybrid C- and Ku-band spacecraft is located at 103-degrees west.)
As a result of the carriage deal, the TV firm's "ION Television HD" platform began service this week on AMC-1 with Ion's "qubo," a multilingual network for kids. Scheduled to begin later this year is "Ion Life," a channel that will be targeted to what Ion said are "active lifestyles."
Ion currently offers syndicated series (some still enjoying network first-runs such as "NCIS" and "ER"), theatrical productions, specials, and made-for-television movies.
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