December 2006

Euro1080 Makes Decisive Move to MPEG4

Euro1080 was the first television company to start broadcasting HDTV in MPEG4. The first transmission was done in August 2005. The quality at that time was not yet perfect enough and receivers were not available. Steadily, Euro1080 improved the quality of HDTV MPEG4 DVBS2 and the company is convinced that the quality is yet better than traditional HD MPEG2 broadcasting.

To remain ahead of all competition, all channels of Euro1080 (HD1, HD2, HD5 and EXQI culture channels), will be broadcast on Astra 23.5°E, Sirius 5°E, and Eutelsat W3A satellites in MPEG4 from 2nd January 2007 onwards.

All MPEG2 transmissions will from that day on be discontinued with the exception of HD1 on Astra 23.5°E, which will still be broadcast temporarily simultaneously in MPEG2 and MPEG4. Though the frequencies will remain the same, it is possible that with some types of set top boxes a new scan is required to receive the MPEG4 compressed signal.

Topfield Becomes Partner of Euro1080

Euro1080 and Topfield, a HDTV set top box manufacturer, signed a partnership commitment to promote HDTV in Europe through a joint partnership. Topfield obtained the right to show Euro1080 content at all of its points of sale. Consumer electronics manufacturers that have not entered into a partnership with Euro1080, are not permitted to do so. Yong-Cheol Lee, CEO of Topfield stated: “The new partnership with Euro1080 proves the superb quality of Topfield’s product families, enhancing our ability to deliver highquality video and audio standard to our end-users across the European region. I am delighted to partner with Euro1080 as we continue to build innovative and much reliable products in the AV industry. I believe this partnership will be an important strategic milestone for Topfield to play a role of major participants in the fast growing European HD market successfully”.

Exceptionally Low-priced STB Xmas Promotion

At the occasion of the festive season at the end of the year, Euro1080 has a special MPEG4 set top box promotion running on its e-shop (http://shop.euro1080.tv). Viewers who already have a registered Euro1080 conditional access card can trade in their MPEG2 set top box for a Humax (HDCI2000) or Topfield (TF7700HSCI) MPEG4 satellite receiver for only EUR 295* (VAT incl.). The Euro1080 adaptor (CAM module) is included in the package.

A complete HDTV Xmas package (MPEG4 compatible set top box + Euro1080 conditional access card + CAM module) is available at EUR 495** (VAT incl.).

The existing Euro1080 conditional access card is of course fully MPEG4 compatible.

Alfacam Uses New Slow Motion HD Cameras

Alfacam took delivery of 4 new Sony slow motion cameras. The Sony SuperMotion HDC-3300 is the first to produce slow motion images, which are up to 3 times slower, thus making this high definition camera extremely suitable for the recording of specific sports events such as Formula 1, powerboat and moto racing, jumping, etc. Alfacam is the first European TV facilities provider that has received these brand new high speed cameras.

Gabriel Fehervari, CEO of Alfacam, commented: “As 2008 will be a very important year for our company with regards to the recording of major sports events, we have initiated a new investment programme that includes a.o. new generation HDTV cameras, OB vehicles and long-distance wireless HDTV transmission technology.” He added: “I am pleased with the images that this new fine piece of equipment is able to produce. By ordering the newest Sony slomo cameras, we want to make it clear that we at Alfacam are committed to our present and future customers to continue to provide them the best possible service. Obviously, we will keep on using the GVG LDK6200 with double phase technology, which is for some sports more recommended than the triple phase solution.”

Highlights on the Euro1080 Channels

Music

Three Brand-new Mozart Operas

In the coming weeks the ‘Nederlandse Opera Amsterdam’ will put Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s Cosi Fan Tutte, le Nozze di Figaro and Don Giovanni on stage. The operas will be broadcast on HD2 and EXQI:
- Le Nozze di Figaro: 24th December;
- Cosi Fan Tutte: 31st December;
- Don Giovanni: 7th January.

New Year’s Concert from the Vienna Opera House

Euro1080 will broadcast the New Year’s Concert in Vienna live on HD2 to the whole of Europe except Germany and Austria. Throughout Europe several cinemas will organise cinecasts, where people will be able to enjoy via HD2 digital cinema images combined with superb surround sound.

For the fifth time in a row, Alfacam, Euro1080’s sister-company, will record it in High Definition and will mix the audio live in 5.1 surround sound. Alfacam covers the event with two OB vehicles, two assistance trucks, one audio vehicle and 20 HDTV camera systems.

Jean-Michel Jarre's Concert in Saharan Desert on HD1

Alfacam, Euro1080’s sister company, recorded the ‘Water for Life’ Concert, which took place in the Sahara Desert near Merzouga, Morocco. UNESCO ambassador Jean- Michel Jarre performed together with the Symphonic Orchestra of Rabat and some local musicians to draw attention to the issue of water availability and quality. The concert was recorded in full HD with 14 cameras. Euro1080 will broadcast the concert on HD1 and EXQI shortly.

Sports

Flanders Volley Gala

HD1 will broadcast the 26th Flanders Volley Gala – Alcatel Trophy on HD1. This tournament brings together the world’s best volleyball teams.

International Jumping Mechelen

At the International Jumping in Mechelen the cream of the horse riders crop will gather for an incredible athletic display combining speed, manoeuvrability and power. Their performances can be seen on HD1..
.
European Championship Curling 2006 – Basel

This year’s European Curling Championships took place in Switzerland, a country with a long curling tradition. Already 150 years ago the first stones were being pushed across the ice in the Engadine and the Bernese Oberland. Today, Switzerland ranks among the most important curling nations after Canada and Scotland.

Curling, which is sometimes referred to as ‘chess on ice’, is about placing the stone in teamwork, with precision and skill at the strategically most favourable spot, neither age nor background or gender count.

Watch the players’ powers of concentration and of observation on HD1 in December and January.