SPI International Channels Expand European Footprint

WARSAW: Several of SPI International’s FilmBox channels are rolling out on D-Smart in Turkey, while in the Czech Republic, its FunBox 4K/UHD has joined České Radiokomunikace’s (CRa) experimental DVB-T2@HEVC transmissions.

In Turkey, FilmBox HD, FightBox HD, DocuBox HD and Fast&FunBox HD launched on the digital platform D-Smart with Turkish subtitles or dubbing. These channels join other SPI International stations already available in Turkey, carried by several TV operators. All SPI channels are also available on FilmBox Live, an online VOD service that allows subscribers to watch live TV channels and on-demand library content via any internet-connected device.

“Our recent agreement with D-Smart is important for SPI in Turkey,” said Murat Muratoğlu, the MENA director for SPI International/FilmBox. “We are excited to have begun collaboration with such a prominent player in the Turkish market and to deliver our content to D-Smart subscribers while catering to a wide range of viewers’ interests.”

Additionally, SPI’s FunBox 4K/UHD channel, which offers a mix of native 4K documentaries, performing arts programming and extreme adventure content, joined České Radiokomunikace’s (CRa) experimental terrestrial DVB-T2@HEVC broadcast in Prague. The trial broadcast is slated to run for several months, though the total testing time is subject to change. The broadcasted content will be shown in a demo-loop and the transmissions will cover 17 percent of the Czech Republic’s population, though the broadcasting parameters may change.

“DVB-T2@HEVC test broadcasting is aimed to verify multiple transmission parameters utilized during [the] transition from DVB-T to the new 4K standard,” remarked Marcel Procházka, the director of regulatory affairs and strategy for CRa. “4K content is one of the benefits that the terrestrial platform brings in DVB-T2 and we want to be ready for the future. In cooperation with the leading consumer electronics manufacturers we want to use the experimental 4K broadcasting to validate its compatibility with 4K television sets. We are very happy to cooperate in this project with SPI International, the producer of FunBox 4K/UHD channel.”

Berk Uziyel, the executive director of SPI International/FilmBox, commented, “SPI is focusing on making as much native 4K content as possible available via this network, and we are only showing those programs that have a high production value and can deliver outstanding visual highlights for the viewers. SPI International has always been an innovative company. We were the first to bring TV viewers in CEE a movie channel in HD quality. We continue this mission with Ultra HD technology.”