ASTRA 2G TO BE LAUNCHED IN MAY
The last of the three replacement satellites for the UK will be launched from the Baikonur Cosmodrome, Kazakhstan this May.
Astra 2G is identical to Astra 2E, seen here in launch preparation Astra 2G's beams will be almost identical to those of Astra 2E and 2F, which are now in service. The 2G addition is likely to be the last major shakeup of services at 28.2º, and will mark the closure of the elderly Astra 2A, which can be received in Cyprus and the Middle East. Its channels will move to the newer satellites.
Though it's unlikely that Sky will move any of its pay package to the UK beam, some brands such as Disney are known to be sensitive about overspill to mainland Europe.
The extra capacity 2G will bring may finally allow the BBC to introduce HD to all its BBC One regional variants.
No BBC channels will be broadcast on the Europe beams.
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30 DAY BBC iPLAYER
Catching up with previously-broadcast programmes on BBC iPlayer will become easier when the current 7-day time limit is increased to 30 days. The BBC Trust has also approved proposals for the new BBC Store. International users will be able to purchase BBC DVDs and to download programmes to keep permanently. The new store, to be run by BBC Worldwide, will be the replacement for the Global iPlayer. No dates for these changes have been announced.
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