ABsat to Astra

October 1, 1997 by Mary Ellen Armstrong

Doc channel encyclopaedia is one of seven theme services in the ABsat channel package, broadcasting via the Luxemburg-based Astra satellite as of September 15. The AB D&eacutecouverte package, which includes La Chaine Histoire, AB Animaux, Automobile and Escales, was already available on Eutelsat.

Part of the Simulcrypt agreement signed with CanalSatellite in March, the move means a bigger audience for ABsat’s digital package and a more attractive programming base for CanalSatellite subscribers. The agreement allows subscribers of either CanalSatellite or ABsat to receive both packages with a single set-top box. Previously, CanalSatellite subs with dishes pointed at Astra could not get the ABsat signal.

AB D&eacutecouverte is available via ABsat for 79ff per month, but ABsat and CanalSatellite each retain control over subscriber management, marketing and promotions for their respective packages.