SES Is In Dutch… And Belgium…

SES ASTRA has launched a new HD bouquet on ASTRA, targeting the Dutch and Belgian markets. As of this month, Dutch satellite TV provider, CanalDigitaal, and Belgian sister company, TV Vlaanderen, broadcast their new HDTV package via the ASTRA satellites at the 23.5° E orbital position. The two transponder capacity was already contracted to the broadcasters in September of last year. With the addition of the CanalDigitaal/TV Vlaanderen High Definition offering, there are now 34 HD channels transmitted via the ASTRA and SIRIUS satellites. The initial offering includes the documentary channels, Discovery HD and National Geographic HD, as well as the Dutch-based classical music and opera channel Brava HDTV. The launch of additional HD channels is planned for the near future. Furthermore, CanalDigitaal concluded an agreement with Dutch public broadcaster, NOS, for the HD transmission of the European Soccer Championship 2008 and the Olympic Games via ASTRA 23.5° E—Betzdorf, Luxembourg