Setanta Premier Sports HD channel launches on Sky platform with Globecast

Globecast has been chosen as the content delivery service provider for Premier Sports HD, the new HD channel from Setanta Sports’ UK operation Premier Sports. The channel will launch on the Sky platform on 20 July. Globecast already provides uplink and satellite capacity for existing SD channels Premier Sports and Setanta Sports Ireland, also available via the Sky platform.

The channel will be added to Globecast’s extensive HD portfolio, with the company providing the uplink and satellite capacity on Astra 2G for the new Premier Sports HD offering. The contract win follows from the renewal of the capacity contracts for the broadcaster’s Sky SD channels

Mickey O’Rourke, CEO Premier Sports said, “We’ve had a longstanding relationship stretching over 20 years with Globecast, and they already handle our two SD channels. Globecast was already familiar with our business and asking them to help us launch our HD channel was just a logical step in our relationship. HD is something that there’s a real demand for from sports fans; the expectation is that watching a game on TV is as close to being there as possible. That’s what we’re trying to deliver with the addition of Premier Sports HD.”

Juliet Bayliss: “We’ve provided uplinking and capacity for several HD channels in recent months”

Juliet Bayliss, Sales Director, Content Distribution at Globecast, added, “We’ve been working with Premier Sports/Setanta for many years now, so we’re delighted that they have chosen us to help launch the new HD channel. There’s a real demand for HD channels and we’re seeing a growing uptake amongst our client base and we’ve provided uplinking and capacity for several HD channels in the recent months.”