Archive notice: This article was originally published on July 16, 2008. Links and embedded videos are preserved as part of the historical record.
Satellite operator SES ASTRA and KabelDienstLeistungsgesellschaft (KDL) have agreed on a long-term partnership to advance the digitalization of independent cable networks in Germany. The cooperation agreement concluded in early July is based on two key contractual components: KDL will become the first customer to use two complete transponders at satellite operator SES ASTRA’s 31.5 degrees East orbital position. The new orbital position was launched at the end of April this year and provides capacity for up to 40 new broadcasting frequencies. In addition, APS ASTRA Platform Services will provide technical services for KDL from its playout center in Unterföhring.
The cooperation with KDL, which serves all independent cable-network operators, enables new business models for digitalizing these cable households. Independent network operators currently supply several million German households from their own headends and, alongside the four major providers, are a mainstay of the cable market. KDL will offer the business model to all independent cable-network operators (uKNB) under the name “TOPP.” A key element is transponder optimization, enabling the simple and efficient initial feed of 22 digital free-to-air TV channels into cable networks. The offering also includes comprehensive support for uKNBs in distributing digital cable receivers. TOPP (Transponder-Optimized Program Packages) is scheduled to launch on October 8, 2008, at the FRK Cable Congress in Leipzig.
As part of the cooperation, APS services focus on technical tasks such as the turnaround of complete signals delivered by data line or satellite, multiplexing and signal encryption, and delivery of the signals to cable headends via ASTRA at 31.5 degrees East. From the cable headend onward, KDL’s TOPP enables central decryption and therefore free-to-air programming for the respective cable households.
The Association for Broadcast Reception and Cable Systems (FRK) supports the initiative and regards it as an optimal solution for its members. FRK Executive Deputy Chairman Heinz-Peter Labonte commented on the agreement: “We at the FRK initiated KDL’s TOPP offering and continue to support it sustainably because independent cable-network operators need an independent program supply for their cable headends, allowing them to deliver to their end customers, unencrypted via independent cable networks, the unencrypted digital programs that are also freely available through direct satellite reception—independently of the four large regional network operators KDG, Unity Media, KBW, and TeleColumbus/Primacom/Orion. This is necessary to safeguard the long-term existence of medium-sized independent cable-network operators and competition in the German cable market.”
Anett Klose, who manages KDL together with Bernd Nitzschner and Ralf Berger, explained: “The declared aim of our cooperation is to create an attractive offering for the cable market. As the marketer, we define the channel selection in consultation with our independent cable-network colleagues and consistently take market requirements into account. ASTRA has proved itself over many years as the signal supplier for cable headends in Germany and emphasizes its role as a neutral technical infrastructure provider. This gives cable digitalization a boost and provides all independent cable-network operators with an excellent solution for holding their own against the major network operators.”
Wolfgang Elsäßer, Managing Director of ASTRA Germany, said: “In our role as a satellite operator and as the primary supplier to cable headends, we see the rapid digitalization of cable networks as an important challenge. KDL is a strong partner with whom we will jointly continue to advance digitalization in Germany. This will increasingly allow us to bring the variety of programming available through direct satellite reception to households connected to independent cable operators’ networks.”
With ASTRA’s support, KDL will provide all independent cable-network operators with further information in a nationwide seminar series starting July 22, 2008.
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- Information on dates and events
