Isla, Juice channels acquire satellite uplinks

Beginning March 4, two new cable channels – Isla, dedicated to broadcasting advocacies, and Juice, to urban youth lifestyles – can be viewed directly by viewers anywhere in the country through the power of satellite communications and convergence technologies.

This, by virtue of an agreement for nationwide coverage and distribution of Isla and Juice Channels inked last Feb. 20 between The Advocacy Channel Inc. (TACI), CCI Asia Television and the Philippine Multi-Media System Inc. (PMSI).

TACI is the operator of Isla, while CCI Asia TV, creator of Lakbay TV, is the operator of Juice. PMSI, a leading digital broadcast service provider, is the owner of Dream Broadcasting System, a type of technology similar to cable but is wireless and boundless.

Under the agreement, PMSI will beam Isla and Juice via satellite, thus making it possible for them to be shown nationally and internationally.

The Dream technology, which comes with a satellite dish and an integrated receiver decoder, will also enable viewers to access the two channels wherever and whenever they are. Its satellite uplink has a footprint in 80 countries. including Oceania, the whole of China and the Middle East.

At present, Juice is showing in Metro Manila on Destiny Channel 47. Isla is showing on Home Cable 68 and in the cities of Puerto Princesa, Cagayan de Oro, Gingoog, Naga and Cebu.

By March 4, Isla will also be shown on Destiny Channel 55. On the same day, Isla will air on Dream Channel 16 while Juice will air on Dream Channel 14.

This is the first-ever deal where that a telecoms company like PMSI has forged with new cable TV channel operators. Isla was launched only on Dec. 29, 2001, while Juice was launched last Feb. 14. Normally, it takes months, even a year or so, before satellite unplinks are provided to new channels.

The deal attests to the confidence that Isla and Juice have been able to generate with their unique quality programming, TACI and CCI Asia TV officials said.

A third contract will allow PMSI to sell Isla and Juice to other cable operators nationwide, which have not yet signed up with either TACI or CCI Asia TV.