Broadcast satellite blasts into space

A new broadcasting satellite for Sirius XM Radio has launched aboard a Proton rocket, from Kazakhstan, beginning a nine-hour journey to a high-altitude transfer orbit stretching 22 000 miles above Earth, states Space.com.

The Sirius FM5 satellite is the company's fourth spacecraft.

The next satellite launch is scheduled for early August with the AsiaSat 5 communications satellite. That mission will be followed by the launch of Canada's Nimiq 5 spacecraft in early fall.

ION Media Networks is offering mobile high-definition digital TV (DTV) streams in New York and Washington through its local stations, says Broadcasting and Cable.

The mobile DTV signals in Washington are being broadcast as part of an initiative supporting the Open Mobile Video Coalition, a group of over 800 broadcast television stations working to develop mobile DTV's business prospects.

ION Media Networks CEO Brandon Burgess, notes: “Mobile DTV may prove to be the most significant in the long run, allowing broadcasters to think beyond the living room and bring live television and real-time information to consumers wherever they may be.”

FilmOn.com, a company that provides live high-definition broadcast TV over mobile phones and laptops, has secured EUR50 million of funding over three years, reports Interactive Investor.

The funding stems from investment group Global Emerging Markets (GEM). FilmOn.com is testing its HD broadcasting service, which is expected to roll out in July.

FilmOn.com founder Alki David, says: "This is great news for FilmOn.com as GEM has invested in over 260 companies in over 45 countries.”