Animax kicks off in Germany via W2

[Analoguesat]

US television operator Sony Pictures Television International (SPTI) has introduced into the German market Animax, its thematic channel for fans of Japanese animated series. The pay-TV service, targeting viewers between 14 and 29, is available on a number of Germany’s leading cable networks and also via the IPTV package Alice homeTV on the ADSL broadband networks of the Telecom Italia subsidiary HanseNet.

Broadcasting round-the-clock, Animax, like its sister service AXN, is fed to distribution partners via Eutelsat's W2 satellite. Encrypted in Powervu, programmes are broadcast in German and include thriller, action, adventure, horror, fantasy, romance, comedy and science fiction. The launch in Germany leads the channel’s market introduction in Europe. SPTI has also announced that negotiations are at an advanced stage with several parties in the UK, Germany, Italy, Spain and France for Animax service launches and more information will be provided over the coming months.


Eutelsat press release

[BGonaSTICK]

SPTI Networks Germany, a subsidiary of Sony Pictures Entertainment, has concluded a contract on distribution of its programs with Premiere Star. The two channels AXN and ANIMAX will be broadcast on the new satellite platform starting this September. Only launched this June, ANIMAX, the only German channel devoted to Japanese-style animated films, will become available nationwide via satellite for the first time. AXN, a digital channel launched in 2004, will provide Premiere Star customers with a diverse mix of action, blockbusters, series, and magazine programs.

Premiere Star Managing Director Wolfram Winter: “We look forward to working with Sony Pictures and to having a strong partner with such in-depth media and film experience and expertise. AXN and ANIMAX add a dash of action and anime to the already colorful, fresh mix on Premiere Star. Come September, we’ll be able to offer our customers a unique and diverse selection of programming they won’t find anywhere else.”

Dr. Robert Niemann, General Manager of SPTI Networks Germany: “Premiere’s decision to include our channels in its new range of programming testifies to the appeal and success of our AXN and ANIMAX brands. Its distribution via Premiere Star will allow AXN to continue its strong growth path by further increasing its subscriber numbers. The response by anime and manga fans to ANIMAX has been overwhelming – and they’re sure to be thrilled by the good news that the channel will soon be available all over Germany as part of an attractive satellite programming mix.”

Source: Premiere