SES AMERICOM EXPANDS HD-PRIME, PROVIDES CABLE OPERATORS WITH ACCESS TO FUTURE HD PROGRAMMING
-SES AMERICOM taps Patriot Antenna Systems to produce and deliver triple-feed dishes for the simultaneous reception of 3 satellites on one antenna-
PRINCETON, NJ -
Aug 21, 2006
With consumer demand for high definition television
accelerating, SES AMERICOM, an SES GLOBAL
company (Euronext Paris and Luxembourg stock
exchanges: SESG), today announced that Comcast,
Bresnan Communications, Brighthouse Networks, and
Metrocast are among the first group of domestic U.S.
cable MSOs to participate in an innovative triple-feed
antenna program, offering access to the next
generation of HD channels.
By installing a free triple-feed antenna, produced and
delivered by Patriot Antenna Systems, MSOs will be
able to receive quality programming over three SES
AMERICOM satellites. Cable operators, many who
already get programming from SES AMERICOM’s
Americom2Cable neighborhood (AMC-1 at 101
degrees WL and AMC-4 at 103 degrees WL), will be
well positioned to access the next wave of HD
content carried on AMC-18 (at 105 degrees WL).
The newest addition to SES AMERICOM’s HD-PRIME
neighborhood is scheduled to be operational early
next year following a planned launch this fall.
“Our first two HD-PRIME satellites are nearing
capacity, as leading programmers rely heavily on
AMC-10 and AMC-11 to launch cable subscriber
favorites and brand new programming in HD,” said
Bryan McGuirk, president of media solutions for SES
AMERICOM. “Our triple-feed antenna program
ensures that HD programmers have a place, in AMC-
18, to cost-effectively grow their HD programming
distribution for years to come.”
Using advanced production methods, Patriot Antenna
Systems manufactures an array of satellite reflectors
from stretch formed aluminum, a process that
generates highly accurate antenna surfaces,
designed for high performance programming reception
for the cable headend and Broadcast markets.
Depending on the geographic location of their U.S.
headends, operators will be equipped with a 3.8
meter, 4.5 meter or 5.0 meter PATRIOT antenna
fitted with the triple-feed receiving assembly.
“Our quality controlled and timely production
processes enables Patriot to meet the high
performance and minimized interference demands of
cable operators across the U.S. as they prepare their
cable headends for additional television
programming,” said Steve Pokornicki, Director of
Sales and Marketing for Patriot Antenna
Systems. “We look forward to working with SES
AMERICOM, as it enables cable operators of all sizes
to readily meet the growing subscriber demand for
HDTV programming.”
The HD-PRIMETM Satellites
AMC-10 and AMC-11 are all C-band satellites, which
operate from 135 and 131 degrees west longitude,
respectively. The two A2100 spacecraft, built by
Lockheed Martin Commercial Space Systems, have
been optimized for next-generation programming
services, including high-definition channels. Each of
the 24 transponders is supported by a 20 watt SSPA,
delivering almost a 20% increase in power over their
predecessors. In addition, a higher level of on-board
redundancy plus an in-orbit satellite protect the
cable programming services. A third HD-PRIME
satellite, AMC-18, another all C-band satellite, is
scheduled for launch later this year.
Learn more...
About PATRIOT ANTENNA SYSTEMS
Manufacturing a large array of antenna systems that
exceed 40 different sizes in the Broadcast, Cable,
Military Satcom, VSAT, DTH, Educational, B2B and
Broadband markets. Patriot manufactures and
distributes a wide array of antennas and RF
equipment that includes LNBs, cable, mounting
structures, feed assemblies and control systems for
motorization. Patriot utilizes the most advanced
manufacturing capabilities in the industry and
produces the full line of Patriot antennas in its over
300,000 sq. foot facility in Albion, Michigan. Patriot
has manufactured over 1 million antennas since its
inception as an antenna manufacturer and has
offices in Michigan, Nebraska, Idaho, California and
Buenos Aires, Argentina.
About SES AMERICOM
The largest supplier of satellite services in the U.S.,
SES AMERICOM is recognized as a pioneer of global
satellite communications services. Celebrating the
30th anniversary of the launch of its first satellite,
the company today operates a fleet of 18 spacecraft
in orbital positions predominantly providing service
throughout the Americas. As a member of the SES
GLOBAL family, SES AMERICOM is able to provide end-
to-end telecommunications solutions to any region of
the world via a fleet of 43 satellites. In addition,
AMERICOM Government Services, a wholly owned
subsidiary, is dedicated to providing satellite-based
communications solutions to both civilian and defense
agencies of the U.S. government. With its combined
operations, SES AMERICOM serves broadcasters,
cable programmers, aeronautical and maritime
communications integrators, Internet service
providers, mobile communications networks,
government agencies, educational institutions,
carriers and secure global data networks with
efficient communication and content distribution
solutions.
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Patriot Antenna Systems
Steve Pokornicki
Director of Sales & Marketing
phone:
517.629.5990
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SES-Americom
Monica Morgan
phone:
609-987-4143
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