US deal for UHD net 4KUniverse

A new 4K UHD channel, 4KUniverse, has take capacity on SES’s satellite platform to broadcast Ultra HD content across the US.

4KUniverse will make its debut in January on the SES-1 satellite offering a mix of documentaries, sports, movies, and TV shows aimed at millennials and Generation-X viewers.

LA-based distributor Mance Media has launched 4KUniverse, a new subscription online general entertainment channel that offers content in ultra HD, earlier this year.

The channel is being licensed to multiple cable and pay TV operators by Vivicast Media. It is the fourth Ultra HD channel in less than two months to join SES’s regional Ultra HD platform, which will be home to eight linear Ultra HD channels as of January.

SES said it has now inked distribution deals with over 30 Ultra HD channels globally.  

4KUniverse offers Ultra HD entertainment series including Model Turned Superstar and wine competition series Best Bottle.

Live sports content on the channel includes exclusive 4K rights to the AVP Pro Beach Volleyball Tour.

4KUniverse will also air movies including ‘80s drama The Toy Soldiers as well as crime thriller Wolf Mother next year.

Other content on the channel includes nature documentaries on the Grand Canyon, Mount Rainier and the Hoh. Plans for 2017 include new original Ultra HD shows for daytime and primetime audiences, according to SES.

“4KUniverse represents a tremendous addition to the expanding Ultra HD content choices offered over the SES Ultra HD distribution platform serving North America. We have been collaborating with the SES team for months, by testing with block programming on their promotional channel – all leading up to this exciting launch of our 24/7 Ultra HD channel with cable and telecom companies across the US. Our first carriage deals will be announced shortly,” said Matthew Mancinelli, Founder and CEO of 4KUniverse.

“SES’s Ultra HD distribution neighbourhood at the centre of the orbital arc has fast become North America’s leading home for Ultra HD content distribution. 4KUniverse and a host of other great Ultra HD channels are part of an exciting programming line-up that will soon be available to millions of cable, IPTV and Multiple System Operator (MSO) subscribers across the US,” said Steve Corda, vice-president of business development in North America for SES.