News Analysis

SES' HD+ Platform Now Exceeds one million Paying Households

Luxembourg, February 5, 2013 - SES announced today that its German HD platform HD+ now exceeds one million paying households. For the full year of 2012, HD+ more than doubled the number of paying customers, from 404,123 to 944,993. HD PLUS expects a growth rate of 25 percent for paying customers in 2013.

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Espial Completes Acquisition of ANT plc

Ottawa, Canada, Feb. 4, 2013 — Espial® Group Inc. a provider of  on-demand TV software and solutions, today announced that it has completed the previously announced acquisition of ANT plc ("ANT"). After initially entering into a co-operation agreement with ANT on Nov. 30, 2012, Espial has purchased all of the outstanding shares of ANT in exchange for all cash consideration of £0.205 per outstanding share. The acquisition values the issued ordinary share capital of ANT at approximately £5 million.

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The Earth Station Business

by Dan Freyer

Los Angeles, Calif., February 3, 2013--The large antenna systems manufacturing and earth station integration business has changed in the last several years. While the number of original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) supplying smaller antennas, (e.g. under 5 meters), including specialized systems for aeronautical and military applications, continues to grow, consolidation has narrowed the field of large antenna makers.  Two majors, ASC Signal and General Dynamics SATCOM Technologies lead the pack today.    Nevertheless, the business of supplying complete turnkey earth station systems, of which the antenna and RF chain are a key component, remains a competitive market. 

What is a Satellite Services Business Really Worth?

by Robert Bell

New York City, February 1, 2013--It is a bad time to sell satellite ground segment, aka a teleport.  But it is a great time to sell a successful satellite services business with a teleport at its core. That paradox is the conclusion of Best Practices in Teleport Valuation, a newly published report from the World Teleport Association.

Hispasat Deploys 4,000 Antennas for Broadband via Satellite

Madrid, Spain, February 1, 2013 — Spain’s satellite communications operator, Hispasat, said it has completed deploying 4,000 antennas capable of delivering broadband service making it the market leader in satellite residential broadband market in Spain.

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SintecMedia Acquires Argo Systems

New York City, January 22, 2013- Broadcast management software provider SintecMedia today announced the acquisition of Argo Systems, a provider of business solutions to the cable network and operators industry. This is SintecMedia's second acquisition in the North American market, complementing its recent purchase of StorerTV.

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SpeedCast Completes Buyout of Elektrikom Satellite Services

Hong Kong, January 17, 2013 – SpeedCast Ltd, has completed, with the support of its majority shareholder, TA Associates, a buyout of maritime services provider Elektrikom Satellite Services, based in the Netherlands.

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Nevion and T-VIPS complete merger

Sandefjord, Norway, January 16, 2013— Nevion and T-VIPS, pioneers of media transport for broadcasters, service providers and government entities worldwide, announced Wednesday the completion of their merger following regulatory approvals.

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Satellites: Connecting the Unconnected

by Johann Pohany

Luxembourg City, January 3, 2013-Anybody who lives outside an urban area in Europe is familiar with the problem of slow loading internet pages. Due to the steady rise of data streams on modern internet pages it can take ages to load an internet page these days, often forcing the browser to time out. While internet access is widely regarded as a right and no longer a privilege – and social, economic and even political development is increasingly dependent on broadband connectivity – millions of people across Europe suffer from insufficient or even non-existent internet connectivity. 

Amino Chief Technologist Reveals his Top Five Predictions for 2013

Cambridge, UK, January 2, 2013--Amino Communications Chief Technologist Kevin Lingley has looked into his crystal ball to reveal his thoughts about the five most significant developments in the pay-TV market for 2013.

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