The region’s top satellite channels are upgrading their technologies to offer Arab viewers high definition television.
Orbit signed a high-definition agreement last May and will be launching an HD platform by the end of this year. Orbit’s HD platform will include three high-definition channels, one of which is confirmed as a general entertainment channel called “Two.” Negotiations for the other two channels are in final stages.
Qatar TV says it is set to broadcast in HD by early 2008. The state-funded broadcaster signed a $5 million deal with Salam Media Cast to supply and install equipment for its move toward HD. According to Sami El Shafai, Executive Director of Salam Media Cast, the new technologies will equip Qatar TV with “a very advancing HD broadcasting facility.”
MBC is also upgrading its production equipment in a transition to HDTV. The company recently installed a Ross Synergy switcher, a move that Omran Abdallah, MBC’s Senior Broadcast Manager says he is “confident with.” |
