Crawford Taps SES AMERICOM to Offer One-Stop Origination and Distribution Solution for the Launch of New Digital Networks
Crawford Communications Adds AMC-10 Satellite and Direct Distribution Access to All U.S. Cable Headends to its Full Suite of Satellite Delivered Network Origination Services
July 29, 2004 - Princeton, NJ - Dedicated to enabling ideas and concepts for exciting new digital channels to reach TV screens and diverse audiences throughout the U.S., SES AMERICOM, an SES GLOBAL company (Euronext Paris, Luxembourg and Frankfurt Stock Exchanges: SESG), today announced a strategic, multi-year agreement with Atlanta-based Crawford Communications designed to deliver a one-stop solution for innovative program production and broad distribution within its advanced HD-PRIMETM cable neighborhood.
By launching its digital distribution platform aboard SES AMERICOM’s state-of-the-art AMC-10 satellite, Crawford Communications, one of the largest independent post production and broadcast facilities in the country, can now provide unparalleled reach to virtually every U.S. cable household - and to even the smallest of networks. As a result, Crawford is enabling start-up and independent channels to seamlessly tap the most advanced program delivery platform together with a broad range of cutting-edge á la carte or turn-key capabilities, including master control, play-out, ad and live feed insertion, domestic and international teleport services, C- and Ku-band transportable earth stations, studio and remote video production, video editing, audio mixing, design, animation, and other post production services.
Customers of Crawford’s new, innovative solution will have their programming distributed over HD-PRIME, America’s Cable Neighborhood, which is already the chosen distribution home for a growing list of top programmers, including Viacom, Discovery Communications, E! Networks, A&E Television Networks, Hallmark Channel, iN DEMAND, Lifetime Entertainment, NBC, QVC, Scripps Networks, and The Weather Channel.
Crawford originates 32 full-time television channels and produces some of the most watched programming distributed in the U.S. and around the world for many prominent programmers. Their new digital platform will offer high-end production combined with unrivaled cable house-hold penetration to start-ups committed to delivering new content to niche and broad audiences.
"There are a lot of creative independent programmers and producers around the world and throughout the U.S. who have wonderful ideas and concepts that simply need the proven production and distribution infrastructure to reach their target audiences across America," explained Bryan McGuirk, senior vice president of domestic satellite services for SES AMERICOM. "By providing a turn-key origination, production and studio services solution aboard SES AMERICOM’s advanced HD-PRIME program delivery platform, Crawford is allowing small, independent channels to unleash their tailored programming to U.S. viewers."
"Crawford Communications is already providing network origination and other satellite, production and post production services to some of the largest, most innovative programmers in the world," said Jesse Crawford, president and founder of Crawford Communications. "By launching our new satellite distribution platform for new digital networks on SES AMERICOM’s AMC-10 satellite, Crawford Communications is now able to deliver top notch independent programming to virtually every cable household in the country."
About Crawford Communications
Crawford Communications, Inc., an Atlanta-based, privately owned company, is a leader in the electronic media services industry and has been offering domestic and international clients a full spectrum of video, film, audio and satellite services since 1981. Crawford has evolved with technology to comprise the best in film transfer, digital and HD post production, sound design and mixing, 5.1 surround sound, DVD authoring, standards conversion, streaming media/webcasting, online services, satellite transmission, television network origination and playback and transportable satellite truck services. For more information about Crawford Communications and its services, visit www.crawford.com.
The Satellites and HD-PRIMETM
AMC-10 and AMC-11 are all C-band satellites, which will operate from 135 degrees west longitude and 131 degrees west longitude respectively. The two A2100 spacecraft have been optimized for next generation programming services, including high definition channels. Each of the 24 transponders is supported by a 20 watt SSPA, delivering almost a 20% increase in power over their predecessors, Satcom C-3 and Satcom C-4. In addition, a higher level of on-board redundancy plus an in-orbit protection satellite, AMC-7, currently operating at 137 degrees west longitude, will protect the cable programming services.
About SES AMERICOM
The largest supplier of satellite services in the U.S., SES AMERICOM, Inc. is recognized as a pioneer of global satellite communications services. Established in 1973 with its first satellite circuit for the U.S. Department of Defense, the company currently operates a fleet of 16 spacecraft in orbital positions predominantly providing service throughout the Americas. As a member of the SES GLOBAL family (Euronext Paris, Luxembourg and Frankfurt Stock Exchanges: SESG), SES AMERICOM is able to provide end-to-end telecommunications solutions to any region in the world. In 2001, the company established AMERICOM Government Services, a wholly owned subsidiary dedicated to providing satellite-based communications solutions to both civilian and defense agencies of the U.S. government. In 2003, SES AMERICOM formed WORLDSAT, a wholly owned subsidiary that markets capacity on four satellites covering Asia, and the Atlantic and Pacific Ocean regions, and connecting premier regional satellite fleets. With its combined operations, SES AMERICOM serves broadcasters, cable programmers, aeronautical and maritime communications integrators, Internet service providers, mobile communications networks, government agencies, educational institutions, carriers and secure global data networks with efficient communication and content distribution solutions. SES AMERICOM key customers include ABC Radio Networks, Antrix Corporation Ltd., AT&T Alascom, British Telecom, Connexion by Boeing, Deutsche Welle, Discovery, EchoStar, Fox, Gannett, TV Guide/Gemstar, Globecomm Systems, HBO, Hughes Network Systems, JSAT, Korea Telecom, MCI, NBC, The New York Times, NHK, PaxNet, PBS, PCCW, SCC, TELE Greenland, TV Europa, TimeWarner, Unitel Hellas, Viacom, and various agencies of the U.S. government.
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For more information, contact:
Monica Morgan, SES AMERICOM + 1-609-987-4143,
Paul Sims, Sims Communications (for SES AMERICOM) +1- 678-576-6126,
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