Hong Kong’s largest telecommunications provider, PCCW, selected VideoTele.com’s Astria content processor solution for delivering DVD-quality TV channels over its broadband network. PCCW’s network supports one of the largest deployments of DSL lines in the world, with a broadband retail customer base of 480,000 subscribers. VideoTele.com’s Astria content processor accommodates both analog and digital broadcast video from multiple sources in a variety of formats. It provides real-time processing and conditioning of all the audio and video content for distribution over any ATM, IP, or RF broadband network. Financial terms were not disclosed.
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- In August 2003, Hong Kong’s PCCW Limited unveiled a new pay-TV service delivered over its broadband ADSL network using IP multicast technology. PCCW currently has a broadband customer base of 480,000 subscribers. The new Broadband TV service will carry feature films, regional and international news, documentaries, music, sports, health, fashion, travel and children’s programming. Content agreements have been signed with 23 major channels. PCCW said it is network is capable of delivering DVD-quality video to all locations in Hong Kong. At the customer home, digital decoder set-top box is connected via Ethernet cable to the ADSL modem. PCCW is using encryption for its Broadband TV service. A Conditional Access Unit at the core of the network ensures secure access to the system, protects content from piracy and allows customers to subscribe to channels online. PCCW has applied for a patent for its secure access technology. PCCW will promote the new Broadband TV service through an advertising campaign as well as through its 21 retail outlets throughout Hong Kong. PCCW is also featuring a flexible pricing model at rates of HKG$15 to HKG$35 per month per channel selected. Channels can be added or dropped using on-screen menus and the remote control. PCCW is targetting 20,000 subscriber sign-ups per month for Broadband TV.