Eutelsat adds two new UHD TV channels to Hotbird line-up

Satellite operator Eutelsat has added two new UHD TV channels to the line-up of services available via its Hotbird platform at the 13° East orbital slot.

Fashion TV’s new UHD TV channels, FTV UHD, and 4K travel channel Travelxp 4K will air from the position, having concluded mutli-year contracts with Eutelsat that will enable them to reach cable and IPTV networks across Europe, the Middle East and North Africa.

FTV UYHD debuted on the platform just before Christmas, while Travelxp 4K will start broadcasting this month.

Both channels are encoded in HEVC with 10-bit colour depth, at 50 frames per second.

Travelxp 4K will broadcast in 10-bit REC 2020 colour space using the Hybrid Log Gamma (HLG) HDR TV technology developed by the BBC and NHK. The HLG system enables SDR displays to decode HDR content.

“Since the launch of our first fashion-themed channel on a Eutelsat satellite in 1997 we have developed a unique and comprehensive brand with high-quality broadcasting at its core. We made the leap to High Definition ten years after the launch of our first digital channel on Eutelsat’s fleet. Today, we are excited to pursue our commitment to the highest quality of broadcasting standards through an Ultra HD channel offering Eutelsat’s Hotbird homes exceptional images of the latest fashion events from around the world. Eutelsat is our fashionable and lucky Hotbird,” said FTV UHD CEO Michel Adam Lisowski.

“Travelxp 4K is all about bringing the world to homes in stunning resolution. 10 bit REC 2020 with HLG, HDR will make the viewing experience more immersive and vivid. It’s not just about more pixels in 4K but better pixels. We are proud to reinforce our partnership with Eutelsat and to benefit from their vast knowledge of the Ultra HD broadcasting chain. Joining the Hotbird neighbourhood and gaining access to a unique and ethnically diverse population pool is a natural step for us that will fast-track penetration of Travelxp 4K into homes across Europe, North Africa and the Middle East,” said Travelxp 4K CEO Prashant Chothani.