Egyptian satellite operator Nilesat has installed video acquisition, encoding and digital content management technology from Cisco. The new digital contribution system between Nilesat and the state broadcaster, the Egyptian Radio and Television Union (ERTU), now carries 32 TV channels and 40 radio stations, to be broadcast across the Middle East via satellite. The Nilesat DVB centre also now processes over 150 private TV and radio channels using Cisco video solutions.

RapidTVNews reports that during last month’s CabSat show, a scheme was agreed between major local broadcasters to see mainstream HDTV content made available. “Dream Channel is playing out an HD demo channel, and we're transmitting it in high-def. Also Showtime Arabia, ART and Egypt TV are co-operating on a promo channel as a pilot project," says Salah Hamza, Nilesat’s chief engineer.