• VOOM HD launches RUSH HD on BSkyB platform in the UK
• Arqiva provides fibre connectivity and uplinking onto Eurobird satellite

Arqiva has announced that it has been chosen by VOOM HD Networks to provide fibre connectivity and uplinking of RUSH HD - VOOM's 24/7 high-definition channel devoted to extreme sports and adrenaline action. On 7 April, the channel was launched onto BSkyB's (Sky) digital satellite platform, the UK's most popular digital pay-television service.

RUSH HD is a 24/7 HD channel, delivered in 1080i high-definition format with Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound. Its pulse-pounding programming includes adrenaline-packed competitions featuring some of the world's best athletes across a wide range of sports and one-of-a-kind expeditions into remote, uncharted territories.

The signal for the 15Mb MPEG-4 1080i format HD channel is sent via fibre from Rainbow Network Communications Broadcasting & Technology Centre in New York to Arqiva's teleport facilities in Chalfont Grove, UK, where the feed is multiplexed and uplinked onto Arqiva's Eurobird satellite capacity for broadcast on the Sky platform.

"I've had the opportunity to work with Arqiva on other channel launches and found the company extremely solution-oriented, with the customer firmly in mind at all times," said Glenn Oakley, VOOM HD Networks' Senior Vice President, Global Operations and Business Development. "In preparing the international launch of RUSH HD, we selected Arqiva not only for this strong customer service approach, but also for its working relationship with Sky and its commitment to the future of HD broadcasting."

VOOM HD Networks is the largest provider of HD content in the world, with 15 dedicated channels in the US, a global VOOM HD channel and programming distributed throughout the world. The launch of RUSH HD on Sky marks the second VOOM brand to see international distribution, and there are already plans for the channel's further expansion throughout Europe. 

John Bozza, director of sales at Arqiva's Satellite Media Solutions division, added: "We are pleased to support the penetration of VOOM HD Networks' channel brands into Europe. HD TV is a significant investment for both broadcasters and service providers but it is a high-profile growth-market to which the content of RUSH HD is perfectly matched. As the VOOM HD Network continues to grow its international presence we look forward to working very closely with them on future HD channel launches."

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