Penthouse contracts additional 3D capacity on Astra

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SES Astra has announced that it has signed a capacity agreement with Penthouse Digital Media Productions for a second Penthouse 3D channel on Astra at 23.5 degrees East for the encrypted distribution to TV platform providers across Europe.

Penthouse 3D is the first worldwide 3D adult channel, broadcasting 100% native 3D content. A first 3D channel from Penthouse started on Astra 23.5 degrees East in March this year. In the meantime, Penthouse has concluded distribution agreements for its 3D channels with French IPTV provider Free and Turkish DTH provider digit*rk, while further agreements are expected shortly.

Ferdinand Kayser, chief commercial officer of SES, said in a statement: “We are very pleased with the signing of the second Penthouse 3D channel on Astra, confirming our leading position in the 3D television market. Furthermore, it is another boost for the development of ASTRA 23.5 East as Europe’s fastest growing neighbourhood for both Direct-To-Home and Direct-to-Cable distribution.”

“We are excited about adding another channel to the Penthouse 3D line-up on Astra,” said Marc Bell, CEO of FriendFinder Networks, owner of Penthouse Digital Media Productions. “Working with SES Astra fits very well with our ambition to be the leader in technology and we will continue to provide consumers with a variety of options of new content on the world’s best platforms.”

Including the two Penthouse 3D channels, Astra currently distributes seven 3D channels via its satellites. Other channels include Sky 3D channels for respectively the UK and Germany, Canal+ 3D in France, Viasat 3D in Scandinavia and Brava3D. In addition, SES Astra has launched a 3D demo channel featuring high quality 3D for the retail market.