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MEASAT-3/3a HD platform tips 50
MUMBAI: Good news for HD lovers. MEASAT Satellite Systems Sdn. Bhd. (MEASAT) has announced that the MEASAT-3/3a platform has become the first Asian C-Band satellite platform to exceed 50 high definition (HD) channels, confirming the maturing of the HD content business in Asia.
MEASAT started offering HD distribution services on the MEASAT-3 satellite in July 2007. Working with a select group of channels, technology partners and uplink providers, MEASAT developed a flexible solution for the launch and distribution of HD channels across the Asia-Pacific region. The services were expanded in
2009 with the launch of the collocated MEASAT-3a satellite. This strategy, underpinned by significant financial and technological investments and an innovative business model, helped develop the HD segment in Asia to what it is today.
“In 2007, MEASAT had already developed the long-term vision to introduce tailor-made HD solutions to the Asian market,” said Encompass managing director Deepakjit Singh. “Encompass is now using the MEASAT MCPC platform at 91.5°E to distribute 20 premium HD channels across Asia.”
“MEASAT had the vision and foresight to propose a partnership business model with leading teleports and MCPC platforms in which the Asian HD segment would be promoted jointly. This innovative approach has led to Globecast Asia distributing 12 top HD channels across Asia.” added Globecast Asia senior VP sales Yew Weng Soo.
“The coverage provided by RRsat’s MCPC platform on MEASAT-3/3a at 91.5°E extends across 102 countries across Asia, from Japan to Africa,” added RRsat chief commercial officer Lior Rival. “This coverage is an essential factor in RRsat’s decision to choose MEASAT as our Asian HD distribution partner for 10 high quality HD channels. This premium platform is an important part of our value-added media services portfolio that enables our customers to reach more places, in more ways on more devices.”
“In collaboration with our partners we developed an innovative business model to help ‘jump start’ the Asian HD segment” said MEASAT CEO Paul Brown-Kenyon. “Through this collaboration, we announced the first Asian regional C-Band distribution of an HD channel in 2007. We are delighted to be able to celebrate the maturing of the HD segment with the announcement of the 50 HD channels on our platform this week. We continue to work with our partners and our customers to ensure that our services are tailored for channel operators, and the MEASAT-3/3a satellites are the key HD location for Asian HD content.”
Today MEASAT works with the industry’s leading uplink providers, including Encompass Digital Media (Encompass), Globecast and RRsat America – Global Communications Network Inc (RRsat) with an HD video distribution solution tailor-made for the Asian market. In addition to the channels distributed by the uplink partners, the satellite also supports HD channels uplinked by the channel operator.
NEW DELHI: Hamdard Laboratories gathered a cross-section of India’s achievers in New Delhi on Friday, handing out the Hakeem Abdul Hameed Excellence Awards to figures who have left their mark across healthcare, education, sport, public service and the arts.
The ceremony, attended by minister of state for defence Sanjay Seth and senior officials from the ministry of Ayush, celebrated individuals whose work blends professional success with a sense of public purpose. It was as much a roll call of achievement as it was a reminder that influence is not measured only in profits or podiums, but in people reached and lives improved.
Among the headline awardees was Alakh Pandey, founder and chief executive of PhysicsWallah, recognised for turning affordable digital learning into a mass movement. On the sporting front, Arjuna Awardee and kabaddi player Sakshi Puniya was honoured for her contribution to the game and for pushing women’s participation onto bigger stages.
The cultural spotlight fell on veteran lyricist and poet Santosh Anand, whose songs have echoed across generations of Hindi cinema. At 97, Anand accepted the honour with characteristic humility, reflecting on a life shaped by perseverance and hope.
Healthcare honours spanned both modern and traditional systems. Manoj N. Nesari was recognised for strengthening Ayurveda’s place in national and global health frameworks. Padma shri Mohammed Abdul Waheed was honoured for his research-backed work in Unani medicine, while padma shri Mohsin Wali received recognition for his long-standing contribution to patient-centred care.
Education and social development also featured prominently. Padma shri Zahir Ishaq Kazi was honoured for decades of work in education, while former Meghalaya superintendent of Police T. C. Chacko was recognised for public service. Goonj founder Anshu Gupta received an award for his dignity-centred rural development initiatives, and the Hunar Shakti Foundation was honoured for empowering women and young girls through skill development.
The Lifetime Achievement Award went to former IAS officer Shailaja Chandra for her long career in public healthcare and governance, particularly in the traditional systems under Ayush.
Speaking at the event, Hamdard chairman Abdul Majeed said the awards were a tribute to those who combine excellence with empathy. “These awardees reflect Hakeem Sahib’s belief that healthcare, education and public service must ultimately serve humanity,” he said.
Minister Seth struck a forward-looking note, saying India’s young population gives the country a unique opportunity to become a global destination for learning, health and wellness by 2047.
The ceremony also featured the trailer launch of Unani Ki Kahaani, an upcoming documentary starring actor Jim Sarbh, set to premiere on Discovery on 11 February.
Instituted in memory of Unani scholar and educationist Hakeem Abdul Hameed, the awards have grown into a national platform that celebrates those building a more inclusive and resilient India. For one evening at least, the spotlight was not just on success, but on service with substance.
