MediaScape

MediaScape has added nine HD channels alongside its digital TV service to 14 million homes in the Philippines using an SES satellite. Its Cignal TV direct-to-home (DTH) offering was first launched in 2009. It now carries a bundle of the most popular HD channels addressing a wide range of interests from HBO HD, ESPN HD, Food Network HD, NBA Premium HD, National Geographic HD to History HD. These sit alongside 37 SD channels as pay-TV becomes increasingly popular in the country.

“The Filipino consumers have changed their perception of satellite TV greatly over the years,” said Annie Naval, Mediascape’s Managing Director, Sales & Marketing. “Negative perceptions of being expensive and cumbersome have been replaced with perception of quality and value for money. Proof of this is the growing base of satellite TV subscribers. Cignal was introduced only in July 2009 and today, it has close to 200,000 subscribers.

“In addition, there is a migration from analogue to digital television happening now in the Philippines, she continued. “Filipino consumers are early adaptors. They embrace evolution and technology. It is important however, that the service provides just the right value to them with a balance between the benefits and cost. We believe consumers look for quality of reception, the right mix of channels, affordability and good customer service. It’s really all about the experience.”