Hong Kong – Asia Broadcast Satellite (ABS) and FOX International Channels Philippines Corporation (FIC) announced that they have signed a multi-year and multi-million dollar contract agreement for MCPC services, playout and satellite capacity on ABS-1 and ABS-2 satellites. This service will start second half of 2013 on ABS-1 satellite and will transition to ABS-2 after it is launched later this year.

ABS has made a significant investment on the ground infrastructure and in the installation of digital television playout facilities in Subic Bay, Philippines as well as Hong Kong. ABS is able to support FIC’s playout requirements with the most advanced automation systems, playout servers, encoders, multiplexing and encryption systems in the industry. The Subic Bay facility was enhanced with its services specifically tailored to support FIC’s Philippines operations. FIC signals will be relayed to ABS’ Subic Bay teleport where the channels will be uplinked to ABS-1 satellite.

FIC believes in customising channels for local audiences, and localising its playout for its channels and feeds in the Philippines is in line with that strategy.

“Asia is not one market but rather a diverse region with many countries, each with their own tastes and preferences when it comes to TV viewing,” says Jude Turcuato, General Manager of FOX International Channels Philippines.  “Through this partnership with ABS I’m pleased that we can now further tailor our channels to suit Filipino viewers and service them even better.”

“ABS is very excited to collaborate with FIC, Asia’s leading pay-TV operator with our premier Asian platform at 75°E on ABS-1 and with pre-commitments on ABS-2. Philippines is an emerging broadcasting market in South East Asia and we see there will be more players looking at developing localised feed for the Philippines for their channels,” said Tom Choi, CEO of ABS. “With our local presence here in the Philippines, the Subic Bay teleport is well positioned to serve customers with a richer portfolio of innovated solutions that will help them to access satellite capacity and customised tailored solutions. Our strong value proposition and excellent coverage make ABS an ideal choice for HD and SD channel operators.”