16/Apr/2007
New York
Zonemedia Scores Carriage for Channel on the Orbit platform VOOM HD, First High-Definition Channel in Region, Fronts Orbit's HD Drive
Reaching a new milestone in its continued efforts to meet the growing global demand for high-quality, high-definition (HD) programming, VOOM HD Networks has inked a carriage agreement with Orbit Communications Company, Ltd. to launch its VOOM HD channel in the Middle East. The agreement, brokered by - international broadcaster and distributor of thematic channels Zonemedia, heralds VOOM HD as the first high-definition channel in the region and spearheads Orbit's drive and leadership in HD deployment.
The announcement was made today by Samir Abdulhadi, President & Chief Executive Officer, Orbit Communications Company; Glenn Oakley, Senior Vice President, Global Operations and Business Development for VOOM HD Networks; and Louise Cottrell, Zonemedia's Commercial Sales Director.
"VOOM HD is the ideal collaborator for introducing HD programming to our growing viewership," said Abdulhadi. "With its reputation for stellar HD production and the great diversity of programming in its extensive catalogue, VOOM presents a compelling, high-quality offering."
"Orbit, as the leading satellite provider in the Middle East, can bring the VOOM HD channel to the widest possible audience in the region," said Oakley. "We are honored that Orbit has selected VOOM HD as the channel to introduce and drive its high-definition deployment throughout the Middle East, and we look forward to working with them and Zonemedia on this very important launch."
Added Zonemedia's Cottrell: "Teaming the leading satellite provider in the Middle East with the world's leading high-definition channel and HD programming provider is definitely a recipe for success. We're proud to have helped make this happen.
Orbit, the premiere Pay-TV satellite platform in the Middle East and North Africa, will use its leadership position in the region to launch VOOM HD in April, as the Middle East's first and only HD channel. VOOM HD will be available to viewers in the Middle East and North African region and exclusively in the GCC."
VOOM HD available as a 24/7 feed, delivered in 1080i format high-definition with Dolby Digital 5.1 audio delivering six channels of surround sound, will offer its diverse collection of HD programming on such topics as adventure travel, fashion, luxury lifestyle, art, live concerts, action sports and video gaming. Since initiating its global expansion effort in October 2005, the VOOM HD brand has seen exponential growth in the international marketplace. More than 500 programming hours have been sold into more than 50 countries. The global VOOM HD channel has launched in Scandinavia, Estonia, Latvia and Hong Kong, and will soon launch in Singapore. VOOM HD has also been deployed in Canada on three branded channels operated by High Fidelity TV, and Skylife's SkyHD deployed a daily primetime VOOM HD branded programming block on Korea's first and only HD programming service last September.
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