Eutelsat will use new technology developed by Enensys to further deploy ultra high-definition (UHD/4K) signals in France ahead of two major sporting events, the companies announced this week.
The move comes as two of the country’s main broadcasters, France 2 and France 3, readies the start of UHD transmissions in time for both the Paris Olympic Games and the European Football Championships.
Eutelsat uses DVB-SIS, or Single Illumination Systems, to deliver UHD broadcasts to homes, cable head ends and satellite systems across France. Enensys offers a solution called OneBeam, which allows Eutelsat and other satellite broadcasters to pool resources in order to serve pay television platforms and direct-to-home customers alike.
“We are honoured to have been chosen by France Télévisions for the first launch of a public UHD channel and for the first deployment of the DVB-SIS standard in France,” Laurence Delphy, the General Manager of Eutelsat’s Video Business Unit, said in a statement, referring to the parent organization that operates France 2 and France 3.
Delphy continued: “By integrating Enensys’ OneBeam solution, we can take a mutualized approach to our distribution strategy, feeding terrestrial and satellite networks from a single source. As a result, all viewers on French territory can enjoy 4K-quality programming, no matter where they are.”
“We are delighted to contribute to the modernization of DTT in France, and to enable Eutelsat to optimize their satellite distribution network,” Régis Le Roux, the founder and CEO of Enensys Technologies, said on Tuesday. “Our OneBeam solution has been deployed internationally for 10 years, and we’re proud to install it in France for the transition to Ultra HD. Thanks to this solution, second-generation DTT networks can be deployed more quickly and at a lower cost, with a clear improvement in the viewer experience.”
Last November, France Télévisions first affirmed its intention to work with Eutelsat to deploy UHD television broadcasts in the country, with its first two UHD channels set to launch in early 2024.
“With 4K standards, France Télévisions is delighted to be able to bring our France 2 and France 3 channels to our viewers with exceptional picture and sound quality,” Jacquez Donat-Bouillud, the head of distribution for France Télévisions, said in a statement. “Eutelsat has provided us with an innovative and competitive solution for feeding terrestrial and satellite networks. Eutelsat’s technical expertise and quality of services were decisive for us.”
France Télévisions will become the second broadcaster to offer UHD television transmissions when the two channels go live in a few months. Canal Plus, the country’s largest commercial broadcaster, has offered UHD broadcasts for some time.
