VOOM HD Networks Selects Arqiva To Expand RUSH HD Into Europe

Arqiva has announced that it has been chosen by VOOM HD Networks to provide fibre connectivity and uplinking of RUSH HD - VOOM's 24/7 high-definition channel devoted to extreme sports and adrenaline action.
The channel was launched onto BSkyB's (Sky) digital satellite platform, the UK's most popular digital pay television service.
RUSH HD is a 24/7 HD channel, delivered in 1080i high-definition format with Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound. Its programming includes adrenaline-packed competitions featuring some of the world's best athletes across a wide range of sports and one-of-a-kind expeditions into remote, uncharted territories.
The signal for the 15Mb MPEG-4 1080i format HD channel is sent via fibre from Rainbow Network Communications Broadcasting & Technology Centre in New York to Arqiva's teleport facilities in Chalfont Grove, UK, where the feed is multiplexed and uplinked onto Arqiva's Eurobird satellite capacity for broadcast on the Sky platform.
Glenn Oakley, VOOM HD Networks' Senior Vice President, Global Operations and Business Development, said: "I've had the opportunity to work with Arqiva on other channel launches and found the company extremely solution-oriented, with the customer firmly in mind at all times. In preparing the international launch of RUSH HD, we selected Arqiva not only for this strong customer service approach, but also for its working relationship with Sky and its commitment to the future of HD broadcasting."
VOOM HD Networks is one of the largest providers of HD content in the world, with 15 dedicated channels in the US, a global VOOM HD channel and programming distributed throughout the world. The launch of RUSH HD on Sky marks the second VOOM brand to see international distribution, and there are already plans for the channel's further expansion throughout Europe.
John Bozza, Director of Sales at Arqiva's Satellite Media Solutions division, added: "We are pleased to support the penetration of VOOM HD Networks' channel brands into Europe. HD TV is a significant investment for both broadcasters and service providers, but it is a high-profile growth-market to which the content of RUSH HD is perfectly matched. As the VOOM HD Network continues to grow its international presence we look forward to working very closely with them on future HD channel launches."
Further information is available at: www.voom.com.
Arqiva provides much of the infrastructure behind television, radio and wireless communications in the UK and has a growing presence in Ireland, mainland Europe and the USA. Major customers include ITV, Channel 4, Five, the BBC and BSkyB.
The company has its headquarters in Hampshire, with other major UK offices in London, Buckinghamshire and Yorkshire.
Further information is available at: www.arqiva.com.
(KMcA/JM)