REAL Digital Satellite Platform coming in 2010

A new service for satellite is set for a ‘soft’ launch in February 2010, Real Digital will offer access to 200 standard and high definition free to air channels including those available on Freesat plus a selection of as-yet-unannounced pay TV channels which could bring the total to 250 at launch.

The service will initially be made available to owners of certain Fortec Star receivers including its Passion Plus and Innovation models in February requiring a software update which includes the addition of a Real Digital EPG. Subscribers will be asked to purchase a viewing card for a one-off fee of £20 but it is not known what form of encryption will be used.

Fortec Star is also manufacturing standard definition and Real Digital+ PVR receivers for the service which will be made available from April 2010.
Two more undisclosed manufacturers are also producing boxes.
Real Digital’s backers include David Henry. managing Director of Rapture TV and Information TV’s Chief Executive Fred Perkins.