Five hires Red Bee for Five HD playout

Broadcast operator Red Bee Media has been appointed by Five to provide playout and media management services for the new Five HD channel.

Five HD, which launched today on Sky andVirgin Media, offers a high definition simulcast of the main Five channel, including HD versions of Australian soaps, US dramas and sport.

Red Bee will now manage the distribution of Five HD, which builds on its existing deals with Five for playout of the Fiver and Five USA digital channels.

The firm also handles all Five's video on-demand services, including Demand Five and the long-form video streaming deal with YouTube UK.

"Five HD is an exciting addition to our portfolio of channels that will broadcast a wide range of high quality programmes including dramas, entertainment, movies and sport in high definition," said Five controller of operations and technology David Burge.

"Coupling with Red Bee Media and their proven expertise in this area, Five HD will deliver an even more compelling experience for our viewers."

Red Bee Media chief commercial officer Alan Wright added: "We're delighted to add the media management and distribution of Five HD to the range of operations we already provide to Five, including playout of Fiver and Five USA, and management of VOD, access and metadata services.

"HD is fast becoming the standard as media companies realise the potential of digital. Five HD adds to our portfolio of HD channels that we manage and furthers our strategic growth at the forefront of digital media management."

Red Bee, which was previously BBC Broadcast, also handles distribution for BBC HD, Channel 4 HD, E4 HD, Living HD and BBC Worldwide HD in Scandinavia
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