4KUNIVERSE joins SES Ultra HD platform in North America

[donaldk]

4KUniverse is the latest 4K channel by Vivicast to launch on satellite operator SES' North American Ultra HD platform. 4KUNIVERSE is described as a general entertainment Ultra HD channel.

A compelling mix of documentaries, sports, movies, and TV shows aimed at Millennials and Generation-X viewers, 4KUNIVERSE will make its debut in January on the SES-1 satellite, one of three satellites (SES-1, SES-3, AMC-1 hosting North America's leading Ultra HD distribution platform at the centre of the orbital arc. 4KUNIVERSE, licensed to multiple video program distributors (MVPDs) by Vivicast Media, is the fourth Ultra HD channel in less than two months to join SES's regional Ultra HD platform, home to eight linear Ultra HD channels as of January. SES has now inked distribution deals with over 30 Ultra HD channels globally. 

4KUNIVERSE offers Ultra HD content featuring high-end entertainment series, including "Model Turned Superstar" and wine competition series "Best Bottle". Live sports content includes exclusive 4K rights to the AVP Pro Beach Volleyball Tour, while the 4KUNIVERSE movie vault features a broad range of titles, such as 80's drama "The Toy Soldiers" and the launch of crime thriller "Wolf Mother" next year. Nature documentaries on the Grand Canyon, Mount Rainier and the Hoh Rainforest showcase majestic drone aerials over popular landmarks, rounding out the offering at launch. Plans for 2017 include brand new, original Ultra HD shows for daytime and primetime audiences.

Numerous cable operators across the US are currently receiving and testing the growing line-up of SES-delivered Ultra HD channels across their systems, in preparation for the distribution of the Ultra HD content to their subscribers.

"4KUNIVERSE represents a tremendous addition to the expanding Ultra HD content choices offered over the SES Ultra HD distribution platform serving North America," said Matthew Mancinelli, Founder and CEO of 4KUNIVERSE. "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".

"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," noted Steve Corda, Vice President of Business Development in North America for SES. "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".

[donaldk]

4KUNIVERSE, the 24/7 4K general entertainment channel launched in North America by Matthew Mancinelli signed a 10-year agreement with tech company DiaDem Technologies to distribute the channel throughout China.

The wide-ranging agreement gives DiaDem Technologies exclusive distribution rights to 4KUNIVERSE in China, grants it authority to secure content approval with the Chinese government and becomes the technology backbone to launch 4KUNIVERSE’S 4K linear and 4K SVOD offering across all platforms.



“It’s refreshing that both Gordon Gu, CEO of Diadem Technologies and I share the same vision about 4K market growth, rapid deployment of fiber internet speeds and the eventual rollout of 5G mobile technology, says Founder/CEO of 4KUNIVERSE, Matthew Mancinelli. “I look forward to working together to distribute the 4KUNIVERSE channel to the millions of Chinese who currently, and will eventually, own a 4K-enabled device.”

“It’s a great opportunity to both DiaDem and 4KUNIVERSE to promote and develop the 4K market through all tech ways, from fiber, cable, satellite, wireless and coming 5G mobile, etc. Our investment on SEEi.TV, the leading live-streaming tech platform, can offer both IP and SDI signal to all individuals/OTTs and TVs, thus to keep the Max flexibility to match with the market expectation. The same vision on both technology and market development trends for 4K affords a natural partnership between our companies. I trust the 10 year exclusive partnership can bring fruitful return to both,” says Gordon Gu, CEO of DiaDem Technologies.

[donaldk]

4KUNIVERSE, the new 24/7 4K Ultra HD general entertainment channel launched by Matthew Mancinelli of global distribution company, Mance Media, announced it is teaming with Suzanne Down Productions and Cirque Berzerk Productions on LIVE and taped 4K specials in 2017. Mance Media, has picked up the international distribution rights to the specials in HD and 4K resolutions.

The majestic show, titled Cirque Berzerk, incorporates award-wining make-up artistry, set design and aerobatics for an experience not to be missed. Conceived in the grey cement sprawl of industrial downtown Los Angeles and birthed in the dust & glitter of Burning Man, Cirque Berzerk has been described by the LA Times as “the sort of phantasmagoric spectacle Tim Burton would dream up, if he quit filmmaking to join the circus”.



Cirque Berzerk’s first theatrical productions titled “Beneath” was French burlesque meets Sweeney Todd meets Cirque du Soleil and P.T. Barnum's worst nightmare, “Beneath” is a 2 hour special for the whole family to enjoy!

Cirque Berzerk Productions is currently bringing a whole new cast of characters for 4KUNIVERSE viewers, from exotic feathered bird girls to Glam Rock inspired looks from the theatrical and special event entertainment productions. Cirque Berzerk’s acrobats, dancers & innovative costumes under the direction of Suzanne Down keep Cirque Berzerk Productions the leader in contemporary circus, alternative theatre and is the go-to company for special event entertainment.

The shows will be filmed with 4K HDR cameras and will be exclusively on 4KUNIVERSE’s linear and SVOD offering.

“With 4KUNIVERSE currently LIVE on SES’s satellite covering North America, it is our focus to add the very best 4K content, empowering cable/telcos to satisfy their millions of customers who currently own a 4K TV set, says 4KUNIVERSE Founder/CEO, Matthew Mancinelli. “The Cirque Berzerk 4K specials add primetime programming that the whole family can enjoy”.

“I can’t think of a better home then 4KUNIVERSE for Cirque Berzerk & Suzanne Down productions. Our character’s movement, detailed make-up and costume design lends itself perfectly to the crystal-clear 4K video format, making it possible for audiences to feel part of the action. The 4K format will allow you to run away and join the circus!”, says producer Suzanne Down.