Hong Kong's Television Broadcasts Ltd (TVB), one of the world's largest producers and distributors of Chinese programmes, has purchased capacity on Eutelsat EUROBIRD 9 satellite in order to launch its new Chinese language multi-channel digital platform across Europe.
Thanks to the deal, TVB's subsidiary The Chinese Channel can now offer households in Europe a line-up of five of the flagship infotainment channels including "TVBS-Europe" which specialises in Hong Kong drama series, local news and Chinese community events in Europe.
The new multi-channel offering will also include four speciality channels launched in first quarter 2008: TVBN, a 24-hour Hong Kong and global news channel; TVB Entertainment News, which focuses on entertainment news from Hong Kong, Korea, Japan, Taiwan, Europe and the USA; TVB Classic which shows nostalgic content; and TVB Lifestyle which specialises in fashion, travel and dining.
The channels are broadcast in Cantonese and up-linked to EUROBIRD 9 by Eutelsat's Skylogic affiliate from its teleport in Turin. The Chinese Channel is targeting the population of half a million Cantonese speakers within EUROBIRD 9's pan-European footprint.
Anthony Ho, Controller of the Overseas Satellite Operations Division of TVB said: "We are delighted to be associated with Eutelsat as our partner in this venture. To achieve our milestones, Eutelsat provided considerable technical assistance and advice to TVB, enabling the five channels to be on air in less than three months. Without this exceptional level of support we could not have kept to our very tight schedule. We look forward to further developing our collaboration with Eutelsat into the future, and also to bringing new television services with Mandarin Chinese content to Europe."
