• Management of a multiplex platform dedicated to seven DTT channels
• Fibre delivery to the Eiffel tower transmitter
• Five-year contract with 24/7 service operation and maintenance

Arqiva has secured a new contract with French broadcaster Multi7 to manage its multiplex platform delivering a new Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) service announced by French regulator CSA in Paris in March. From its Paris teleport Arqiva manages encoding, multiplexing and signal switching before delivering the content by dedicated fibre to the broadcast transmitter on top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris.

Arqiva currently manages over 30 multiplex platforms in the UK and France and has used its expertise to support the transmission of Multi7's TV channels. Arqiva's solution is based on robust and proven technology which guarantees the stability and reliability needed to manage the simultaneous delivery of large volumes of content.

With four commercial channels (Cap 24, IDF1, NRJ Paris, Demain TV) and three associated channels (Télé Bocal, BDM TV, CINAPS TV), Multi 7 is the first DTT multiplex of its kind authorised by the CSA. Its goal is to promote the local news and the cultural, scientific, technological and multi-ethnic diversity of the Ile de France region - France's most populated area with 11.6 million inhabitants. Each channel contributes to the daily programming defined by the CSA according to specific content and target audience.

Grégory Samak, Multi7 Président, commented: "Arqiva is helping to introduce Multi7 and the free DTT offering in the Ile de France area. Their team monitors our platform 24/7, ensuring programme and data synchronisation on a daily basis and implementing live configuration when needed. Arqiva has not only provided a quality technical solution but they have also demonstrated a high level of understanding of the commercial channels comprising the multiplex as well as the associated services which work on a very tight budget. The solution provided by Arqiva has met the TV channels' expectation in terms of quality versus pricing."

Denis Chambon, general manager of Arqiva in France, added: "This multiplex of local channels in the Ile de France region represents a strong initial entry into the French DTT market which we look forward to building on with similar projects in the future. Along with our proven expertise in managing multiplex platforms, our 24/7 Paris operational centre is a key asset in this area which helps to differentiate Arqiva from our competitors."

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