CABSAT, the leading professional content management event in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia (MEASA), will debut the cutting-edge Content Delivery Hub – a dedicated platform for multiscreen digital entertainment solutions, turn-key content sourcing, management and marketing of content – during the event’s 20th anniversary celebrations at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) next week.

HISPASAT, the Spanish satellite operator, reported 201.4 million euros in revenues in 2013, a increase of  0.57% from 2012. Excluding the adverse exchange rate effect, this increase would have been 4.35%, mainly due to the increased sales results from markets outside of Spain.  

The Latin American market accounted for 55.6% of revenues per space capacity (+2.4% from 2012), while Europe and North Africa represented 44.4% (-2.2% from 2012). In 2008, before the economic crisis, these percentages were 31.5% and 68.5%, respectively.

CASBAA successfully held its latest TV Upfronts event on Friday, February 21 in Jakarta, Indonesia. Promoting multichannel TV as the ideal platform for marketers to reach their target demographics, the TV Upfronts have taken place in several Asia Pacific markets including Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Manila, Hong Kong and Bangkok reaching numerous representatives from advertising agencies, clients, broadcasters and media.

UK-based Set-top box manufacturer Pace reported a 2.7% increase in revenues to  US$ 2,469.2 m  from 2012: US $2,403.4m in 2012.  Adjusted EBITA was  up 22.5% to US$ 193.6 m from  US$ 158.1m in 2012. 

Pace said it expected revenue of about US$ 2.70 billion this year, with an operating margin of around 8.5 per cent.

Pace CEO Mike Pulli said the firm had a “sustainable high level of cash generation,” made good strategic progress and said there is “significant opportunity for further improvement.”

CASBAA’s first ever event focusing solely on the fast evolving over-the-top (OTT) services is to take place on March 25, 2014 at the Grand Hyatt, Singapore. The CASBAA OTT Summit 2014: On Top of OTT will bring together some of the region’s leading experts from across the broadcasting industry to share their experiences and insights into the exciting evolving world of OTT content delivery, technology, and revenue streams.

In 2013 ABI Research estimates one out of every ten pay TV households had access to applications on the set-top box – applications include news and information services, service provider specific apps, OTT video, games, and music services. By 2019 nearly 40% of pay TV households should have access to similar services and features. Video will remain the focus for entertainment applications - consumers’ penchant for OTT video underscores the importance of video and how operator application libraries will evolve.

This month’s column provides updated information about the GVF MENASAT @ CABSAT 2014 – Satellite Interference Summit, which will take place at the Dubai International Conference & Exhibition Centre (DICEC), in Meeting Room Al-Ain F (above Halls 1 and 2), on 12th and 13th March.

Satellite imaging company DigitalGlobe, Inc. reported today fourth quarter 2013 revenues of  US $169.7 million, a 35% increase compared with the same period last  year. Net income for the fourth quarter was US$ 15.1 million, with net income available to common  shareholders of US$ 13.6 million, or $0.18 per diluted share.

Fourth quarter 2013 EBITDA was US$ 73.5 million, driving an EBITDA margin of 43%. Excluding US$ 9.2 million of restructuring and  integration costs related to the combination with GeoEye yields Adjusted EBITDA of US$ 82.7 million, a  margin of 49%. 

The Walt Disney Company announced that  they are acquiring Maker Studios, the leading network of online video content on YouTube. Maker Studios shareholders will receive total consideration of US$ 500 million, and a performance-linked earn-out of up to US$450 million if the strong performance targets are met, according to the company.

With more than 55,000 channels, 380 million subscribers and 5.5 billion views per month on YouTube, Maker is one of the top online video networks for Millennials.

For the year ended December 31, 2013, Telesat reported consolidated  revenues of CDN$ 897 million, an increase of approximately 6% (CDN$ 51 million)  compared to 2012. When adjusted for foreign exchange rate changes, revenue  increased by 5% (CDN$ 43 million) compared to 2012. The increase was mainly due  to revenue earned on the Nimiq 6 and Anik G1 satellites which entered into  commercial service in June 2012 and May 2013, respectively. The increase was  partially offset by a decrease in revenue earned on Nimiq 1 and Nimiq 2.