MIPCOM Spotlight: SPI International

CANNES: The priority for SPI International during MIPCOM is to promote its new projects involving 4K Ultra HD technology.

SPI International, in cooperation with Eutelsat’s Hot Bird, recently launched a free-to-air satellite demo version of FunBox 4K/Ultra HD, a native 4K television channel. The encrypted, commercial version of this channel is planned for launch in December. “We are planning an extensive number of meetings and presentations regarding FunBox 4K/Ultra HD in Cannes to follow up on various leads with platforms that have already expressed interest in carrying the new channel,” says Berk Uziyel, the director of new media for SPI International. “We are very open to discussing with new potential clients how they could enrich their existing TV offer by introducing our state-of-the art Ultra HD channel and thus give them a competitive edge.”

Uziyel adds that there are a number of channels from the SPI International bouquet that are available in territories such as MEA. These include the movie channel FilmBox; FilmBox Arthouse, showcasing independent, arthouse cinema pieces; FightBox, featuring fighting sports such as mixed martial arts and kickboxing; and DocuBox, airing documentary features. Also available in the region are FashionBox, dedicated to fashion; Fast’nFunBox, an extreme-sports channel; 360TuneBox, a music network; and MadScreenBox, an interactive offering for gamers. Uziyel says that there are discussions about launching a local African channel, but that it is too soon to reveal any more details.