From
http://www.bangkokpost.com/business/economics/252162/mcot-to-air-hd-satellite-tvMCOT Plc, the listed broadcaster of Modernine TV, has rented a new K-Band satellite transponder on Thaicom 5, aiming to provide up to 10 satellite television channels in both standard and high-definition (HD) video.
President Tanawat Wansom said the company had spent 150 million baht renting the K-Band system transponder since midyear as part of a plan to enhance its new-media business in addition to the C-Band transponder it uses now.
Via the new transponder, MCOT plans to broadcast its own channels in HD and will also rent out space on its satellite to other broadcasters.
"Around half of Thai households have already acquired K-Band satellite dishes," said Mr Tanawat. "However, there is still no broadcaster that offers HD channels. This is a market opportunity for us."MCOT will begin airing satellite HD channels in the current third quarter. The number of total channels in the transponder is still under discussion. It could range from six channels in HD to more than 10 channels in a hybrid standard and HD system.
MCOT said second-quarter revenue rose 18% compared with the same period last year to 1.52 billion baht, while net profit jumped 32% to 504 million during the period.
Television business revenue rose 25% to 1.03 billion baht, thanks to growing revenue from advertising during the election campaign and other seasonal programmes. Other revenue drivers were the new-media business and an increase in airtime fees earlier this year.
The radio business grew a slight 0.5% year-on-year to 227 million baht.
MCOT says that although the third quarter will be the lowest season of the year for the media industry, the company has prepared several activities and events to boost revenue during the period.
Moreover, the company will receive additional concession fees of 405 million baht from BEC World Plc in the third quarter to help maintain revenue and profit during the low season.
MCOT plans to increase airtime fees in October in line with inflation. The company said it would raise the fee again early next year when the new programme schedule comes out.
Mr Tanawat said MCOT would begin its 50-rai land development project in the second half of this year. At the moment, the board has approved an initial investment budget of 40 million baht to develop an exhibition hall as the first phase of the project.
MCOT shares closed yesterday on the SET at 30.50 baht, up 25 satang, in trade worth 55.1 million baht.
อสมท ก็ไม่น้อยหน้า จะเปิดช่อง HD 6 ช่อง และ SD อีก 4 ช่อง รวม 10 ช่อง ระบบ KU Band ในไตรมาส 3 ปีนี้เช่นกัน ก็คงจะได้ดูช่อง HD หลายๆช่องในปีนี้ คาดว่าเครื่อง HD คงคึกคักและขายดี จนขาดตลาดแน่นอน
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