EchoStar Communications and its subsidiary EchoStar FSS Corp. this week announced the launch of ViP-TV, an IPTV system designed to deliver up to 300 channels of programming from its satellites to telcos, private and rural cable operators, municipalities and master-planned community video providers.
The ViP-TV turnkey system delivers MPEG-4 based programming via EchoStar’s Ku-Band satellite system, covering the continental United States. The platform features several programming packages, targeting premier pay channels, hi-def, movies, Hispanic programming and international channels. It also can deliver local broadcast stations from the more than 165 DMAs (designated market area) that EchoStar currently delivers to more than 1,000 cable and telco operators in standard definition, as well as local HD channels from 30 DMAs.
ViP-TV joins a growing list of similar services from satellite firms targeting IPTV, including IP-Prime, recently launched by SES Americom.
“ViP-TV is one of the most comprehensive video IP transport and distribution platforms available in the marketplace,” said Michael Kelly, executive vice president of Echostar Fixed Satellite Services (FSS). “More than just programming, it is a premier service buoyed by industry-leading technology, service and support. With over 12 years of experience in the transport and distribution business, EchoStar can create a true end-to-end solution offering everything from set top box technology to satellite distribution to service and customer support.”
