SOURCE: EchoStar Corporation
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October 28, 2009 04:00 ET
Cyfrowy Polsat Develops High-Def With EchoStar Europe
Cyfrowy Polsat, the Leading Polish Satellite Operator and One of the Largest Digital TV Operators in Europe, Launches Two New Products Supplied by EchoStar Europe to Further Develop Its High Definition and Digital Video Recording Services
STEETON, UK--(Marketwire - October 28, 2009) - EchoStar Europe (www.echostar-europe.com), the
leading supplier of added-value, connected device solutions to the digital
TV industry, announced today that it has commenced supply of two new
products to Cyfrowy Polsat (www.cyfrowypolsat.pl), the leading Polish DTH
operator, for the development of its high definition (HD) service. The
DSB-7200 HD set-top box (STB) has already been made available to Polish
consumers and the DVR-7400 HD digital video recorder (DVR) has now been
launched on the Cyfrowy Polsat service, providing consumers with the
benefit of a personalised digital TV experience, coupled with high quality
HD pictures.
"As the leading satellite operator in Poland, it is important that we are
able to deliver an advanced portfolio of services to enable us to attract
new customers and satisfy existing subscribers -- we see HD and DVR as
being instrumental to this goal", commented Dominik Libicki, CEO of Cyfrowy
Polsat. "We have been working with EchoStar Europe for a number of years
and they continue to support us with high quality, cost effective products
to enable us to launch new services and stay ahead of the competition".
The DSB-7200 HD is the latest solution from EchoStar Europe and has been
specifically developed for digital satellite TV operators who wish to offer
a platform that is optimised for future service development. The STB
enables the reception of both standard definition and HD services,
broadcast in MPEG-2 and MPEG-4/advanced video coding (AVC) formats. It
includes an electronic program guide (EPG), parental lock and a user
friendly 'channel search and sort' function to simplify cataloguing of
chosen events.
Added-value features of the new platform include a USB and an Ethernet port
to support future high-bandwidth two-way services. The flexible on-board
tuner is compatible with DVB-S, DVB-S2, MPEG-2 and MPEG-4 video standards
and operates with the DiSEqC™ protocol. This latest product is equipped
with an optical digital audio output enabling the transmission of surround
sound and provides a secure connection to an audio amplifier. The unit is
being supplied through Cyfrowy Polsat's network of retailers for lease.
In addition, Cyfrowy Polsat is now offering its customers the benefits of a
fully integrated HD-DVR, the DVR-7400 HD. This state-of the art unit is
enriched with a second HD tuner and a 320GB hard drive. In addition to
having access to channels in high quality HD, consumers will also be able
to record programmes, pause live television and watch one programme whilst
recording another, to create a convenient and personalised television
experience.
"We are delighted to expand our cooperation with Cyfrowy Polsat in
supplying them with two new high definition products", commented Rick
Smith, VP Sales and Marketing, EchoStar Europe. "As with any other market,
high definition offers the consumer the opportunity to get the most out of
their television viewing experience and the addition of digital video
recording creates the ultimate in convenience. We feel that this is an
exciting time for Polish consumers and strongly believe that this new
service will be highly successful".
EchoStar's SlingLoaded™ 900 Series DVR won 'Best Consumer Premises
Technology' in Cable and Satellite International's Product of the Year
Awards 2009.
About EchoStar Europe
EchoStar Europe (www.echostar-europe.com) is dedicated to enabling cable,
IPTV, satellite and terrestrial operators to optimise network revenues by
delivering added-value connected device solutions, services and
applications. Through a comprehensive product range, including STBs, DVRs,
home networking and place-shifting technology, our solutions enable the
provision of state-of-the-art and cost effective entertainment services.
The company combines best-in-class engineering, VIP account management,
supply chain, manufacturing and customer service into one dedicated and
experienced team, to provide customers with innovative technology solutions
that enable new revenue opportunities and reduce operational costs.
EchoStar Europe is headquartered in Steeton, UK with European based
operations in Almelo, Holland, Kharkov, Ukraine and Madrid, Spain. EchoStar
Europe is a business unit of EchoStar Technologies L.L.C.
(www.echostar.com), an operating entity of the publicly traded EchoStar
Corporation (NASDAQ: SATS).
EchoStar has shipped over 70m+ connected devices to digital TV operators
around the world and secured a number of industry awards and market firsts
for its technology.
Go beyond the box.
About Cyfrowy Polsat
Cyfrowy Polsat is the largest, per subscriber number, paid DTH satellite
platform in Poland. As at the end of June 2009 Cyfrowy Polsat had a total
of 2.8 m subscribers, i.e. about 24% more than in the corresponding period
of 2008.
Cyfrowy Polsat enables its subscribers to view 76 Polish language channels,
including HD channels -- Polsat HD, Polsat Sport HD, HBO HD, Eurosport HD,
MTVNHD and Discovery HD.
Cyfrowy Polsat was the first satellite digital TV provider to offer a hard
disc enabled set-top boxes with pausing and recording capabilities. In
November 2007 it launched its own production of digital set-top boxes.
Utilizing a strong brand and large subscriber base, on 8 September 2008,
the platform began providing telecommunication services as a MVNO.
Since 6 May 2008, the company has been listed on the Warsaw Stock Exchange.
Polaris Finance is the largest shareholder in Cyfrowy Polsat holding 60.73%
of shares. The Company has significantly improved its financial results. In
2008, the consolidated revenues were PLN 1,134 m, or 42% more compared to
the corresponding period of the previous year. The EBITDA (operating profit
increased by depreciation) increased by 110% to PLN 348m in the period, and
the net profit totaled PLN 269m, or about 137% more than in the previous
year.
More information available at: www.cyfrowypolsat.pl