Entertainment channel set for launch aboard leading Ultra HD platform in North America

LUXEMBOURG - Monday, December 5th 2016 [ME NewsWire]

(BUSINESS WIRE)-- SES S.A. (Euronext Paris:SESG) (LuxX:SESG) today announced 4KUNIVERSE, a general entertainment Ultra HD channel, is the latest in a series of networks to join its fast-growing Ultra HD line-up being delivered to cable operators and other television platforms across North America.

A compelling mix of documentaries, sports, movies, and TV shows aimed at Millennials and Generation-X viewers, 4KUNIVERSE will make its debut in January on the SES-1 satellite, one of three satellites (SES-1, SES-3, AMC-18) hosting North America’s leading Ultra HD distribution platform at the centre of the orbital arc. 4KUNIVERSE, licensed to multiple video program distributors (MVPDs) by Vivicast Media, is the fourth Ultra HD channel in less than two months to join SES’s regional Ultra HD platform, home to eight linear Ultra HD channels as of January. SES has now inked distribution deals with over 30 Ultra HD channels globally.

4KUNIVERSE offers Ultra HD content featuring high-end entertainment series, including “Model Turned Superstar” and wine competition series “Best Bottle”. Live sports content includes exclusive 4K rights to the AVP Pro Beach Volleyball Tour, while the 4KUNIVERSE movie vault features a broad range of titles, such as 80’s drama “The Toy Soldiers” and the launch of crime thriller “Wolf Mother” next year. Nature documentaries on the Grand Canyon, Mount Rainier and the Hoh Rainforest showcase majestic drone aerials over popular landmarks, rounding out the offering at launch. Plans for 2017 include brand new, original Ultra HD shows for daytime and primetime audiences.

Numerous cable operators across the US are currently receiving and testing the growing line-up of SES-delivered Ultra HD channels across their systems, in preparation for the distribution of the Ultra HD content to their subscribers.

“4KUNIVERSE represents a tremendous addition to the expanding Ultra HD content choices offered over the SES Ultra HD distribution platform serving North America,” said Matthew Mancinelli, Founder and CEO of 4KUNIVERSE. “We have been collaborating with the SES team for months, by testing with block programming on their promotional channel – all leading up to this exciting launch of our 24/7 Ultra HD channel with cable and telecom companies across the US. Our first carriage deals will be announced shortly.”

“SES’s Ultra HD distribution neighbourhood at the centre of the orbital arc has fast become North America’s leading home for Ultra HD content distribution,” noted Steve Corda, Vice President of Business Development in North America for SES. “4KUNIVERSE and a host of other great Ultra HD channels are part of an exciting programming line-up that will soon be available to millions of cable, IPTV and Multiple System Operator (MSO) subscribers across the US.”

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About SES

SES (Euronext Paris:SESG) (LuxX:SESG) is the world-leading satellite operator, with more than 50 geostationary satellites (GEO) and, through its subsidiary O3b Networks, 12 medium Earth orbit satellites (MEO). Focusing on value-added, end-to-end solutions in four key market verticals (Video, Enterprise, Mobility and Government), SES provides satellite communications services to broadcasters, content and internet service providers, and mobile and fixed network operators, as well as business and governmental organizations worldwide. SES's fleet includes the ASTRA satellite system, which has the largest Direct-to-Home (DTH) reach in Europe. Through its ownership of O3b Networks, SES significantly enhances existing data capabilities, and is the first satellite provider to deliver a differentiated and scalable GEO-MEO offering worldwide. Another SES subsidiary, MX1, is a leading media service provider and offers a full suite of innovative digital video and media services.

Further information available at: www.ses.com

About 4KUNIVERSE

4KUNIVERSE is the first general entertainment Ultra HD channel offering picturesque TV series, action-packed movies, informative documentaries, live sports and primetime programming in stunning 4K resolution.

Further information available at: www.4kuniversenow.com

About Vivicast Media

Vivicast Media is a leading source of the finest quality 4K programming and 24/7 linear networks. As a forward-thinking media company, Vivicast was one of the first companies to offer linear content geared toward the OTT market and has shown that same commitment to 4K/Ultra HD. Vivicast Media is a one-stop source of the very best 4K content the entertainment business has to offer.

Further information available at: www.vivicast.com

Contacts

SES

Markus Payer

Corporate Communications

Tel. +352 710 725 500

Markus.Payer@ses.com

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