Arqiva to Launch Shared Multiplex Service on AMC-10 Reaching 100% of US Cable Headends

LAS VEGAS, April 11, 2011 /PRNewswire/ --

• Access to a potential 100 million US homes via AMC-10 HD Prime™

• Dedicated mux at Arqiva's LA teleport using DVB-S2 and MPEG-4

• Reach extends to UK, European, Middle Eastern and Asian Networks

Arqiva, the communications infrastructure and media services company, announced today it will be launching a new DVB-S2, MPEG-4 shared multiplex satellite platform (mux) from its Los Angeles teleport, enabling broadcasters and cable programmers unrivalled access to 100 percent of US cable headends.  This new cable distribution platform will ride on SES World Skies' AMC-10 satellite located at 135 degrees west and will be powered by Cisco's latest generation MPEG-4 encoding technology. Reaching a potential 100 million US homes, the service will go live in third quarter 2011.

"Arqiva's US cable mux initiative is designed to meet existing and future customer demand for HD and 3D. With our communications infrastructure, seamless architecture and investment in technology, we can deliver the coveted North American domestic cable market. Not only will US networks have potential blanket cable access to all 50 states in HD and 3D, UK, European, Middle Eastern and Asian networks can effectively deliver their content to the same audience, vastly expanding their reach," said Jon Kirchner, EVP, GM, Arqiva Broadcast & Media.

By managing the encoding, multiplexing and delivery to AMC-10, Arqiva ensures that its customers have the latest in advanced C-band digital transmission services to US cable headends. Arqiva will also be providing conditional access management for the Integrated Receiver Decoders (IRDs).  In addition, the Los Angeles teleport will have a 24/7 dedicated phone and email support help desk for IRD management.

AMC-10  is home to one of the world's largest cable neighborhoods.  With 24 C-band, 36 MHz transponders, AMC-10 covers North America, including Canada, Mexico, the United States and the Caribbean.

About AMC-10

AMC-10 is home to HD-PRIME™, America's Cable Neighborhood, which provides unmatched access to cable headends throughout the United States. The satellite has been designed to provide advanced C-band digital transmission service. AMC-10 offers fully protected distribution of cable television programming both regionally and nationally. AMC-10 serves the world's leading media and entertainment companies as well as some of the most innovative businesses.

About Arqiva

Arqiva, the communications infrastructure and media services company, operates at the heart of the broadcast, satellite and mobile communications markets.   The company is at the forefront of network solutions and services in the digital world. Arqiva provides much of the infrastructure behind television, radio, satellite and wireless communications in the UK and has a significant presence in Ireland, mainland Europe and the USA. Customers include major broadcasters such as the BBC, ITV, BSkyB and the independent radio groups, major telco providers including the UK's five mobile network operators, and the emergency services.

www.arqiva.com <http://www.arqiva.com>

SOURCE Arqiva