“The fact that Spain’s first HD channel broadcasts via ASTRA proves that our satellites are the technology of choice for high definition,” says Luis Sahun, Managing Director ASTRA Marketing Ibérica. “We are proud that Sogecable, being a pioneer in the Spanish HDTV market, has chosen ASTRA to broadcast Canal+ HD.”

After the launch of Canal+ HD, SES ASTRA will begin to transmit 29 HD channels. This will amount to Europe’s most extensive choice of HD channels from leading broadcasters who include BSkyB, BBC, Discovery, National Geographic, CANAL+, M6, TF1 and Premiere. By end of 2010, SES ASTRA plans to offer 100 HD channels.