SES adds another channel to its Ultra HD line-up, with MTG’s pay-TV operator Viasat, who will launch the world’s first Ultra HD sports channel to be broadcast via satellite

LUXEMBOURG -- (BUSINESS WIRE) --

SES S.A. (NYSE Paris:SESG) (LuxX:SESG) announced today that Viasat will use SES capacity to broadcast its first Ultra HD (High Definition) channel.

The channel, called Viasat Ultra HD, will be launched after the summer in Sweden, Norway, Denmark and Finland via SES-5 at 5 degrees East.

Viasat customers equipped with Viasat’s new Ultra HD set top box (to be launched during the summer) and an Ultra HD screen will experience sports with more detail and life-like movements. The world’s first Ultra HD sports channel via satellite will broadcast a number of sport events, including selected live Champions League matches, and other content from MTG's portfolio, specially produced in Ultra HD.

With the addition of Viasat Ultra HD, SES will broadcast a total of 24 Ultra HD channels (including test channels and regional versions), representing 46% of all channels broadcast in this format via satellite worldwide. SES carries the world’s largest HD line-up with over 2,300 HD channels, transmitting 27% of all HD/Ultra HD satellite channels worldwide – by far more than any other satellite operator.

“Viasat has been relying on SES services to broadcast its approximately 230 channels for more than 20 years,” said Ferdinand Kayser, Chief Commercial Officer at SES. “As sports have always been predicted to be a key driver for Ultra HD, we are very pleased to take this important step together with Viasat to drive the next generation viewing experience forward. With more and more Ultra HD channels expected in the future, satellite will remain the optimal infrastructure to deliver this new and substantially improved viewing experience.”

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About SES

SES (NYSE Paris:SESG) (LuxX:SESG) is a world-leading satellite operator with a fleet of more than 50 geostationary satellites. The company provides satellite communications services to broadcasters, content and internet service providers, mobile and fixed network operators and business and governmental organisations worldwide.

SES stands for long-lasting business relationships, high-quality service and excellence in the satellite industry. The culturally diverse regional teams of SES are located around the globe and work closely with customers to meet their specific satellite bandwidth and service requirements.

SES holds a participation in O3b Networks, a next generation satellite network combining the reach of satellite with the speed of fibre.

Further information available at: www.ses.com.

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CONTACT:

SES
Markus Payer
Corporate Communications
Tel. +352 710 725 500
Markus.Payer@ses.com