Cignal
TypeDirect-broadcast satellite television
Country
Philippines
AvailabilityNationwide
HeadquartersTV5 Media Center, Reliance cor. Sheridan Sts., Mandaluyong, Metro Manila, Philippines
OwnerMediaQuest Holdings, Inc. (subsidiary of the PLDT Beneficial Trust Fund)
ParentCignal TV, Inc.
Launch date
February 1, 2009 (2009-02-01)
Picture format
DVB-S2 MPEG-4
Official website
cignal.tv

Cignal (pronounced as signal) is a Philippine satellite television and IPTV provider, owned by Cignal TV Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of the MediaQuest Holdings Inc. under the PLDT Beneficial Trust Fund.[1]

Cignal's prepaid electronic loading system is powered by Smart Communications Inc.[2] Cignal uses VideoGuard encryption system to protect its content from signal piracy. It uses the SES-7 satellite to provide optimal coverage directly to the target markets.[3]

History

Cignal Digital TV 2009 to 2013 logo

Prior to the launch, the PLDT group had already intended to establish its own satellite television service after its media arm MediaQuest Holdings sold its stake in Beyond Cable Holdings to the Lopez Group, and a failed attempt on the acquisition of Philippine Multimedia Systems, Inc. (PMSI, owner of Dream Satellite TV) from businessman and then-PLDT chairman Antonio "Tonyboy" O. Cojuangco.[4][5]

Using the satellite broadcasting franchise of Mediascape (formerly GV Broadcasting System), the new service was named Cignal and formally began its operations on February 1, 2009. PLDT spent PH₱1 billion for the rollout of the service.[6][7][8]

During its first years, Cignal transmitted its broadcast with over 20 SD channels and HD channels via NSS-11 satellite transponder service.[9]

In 2015, Cignal had reached 1 million subscribers.[10]

Satellite transponder transmission

From 2009, Cignal broadcasts on NSS-11 satellite transponder service. But since 2012, Cignal utilizes additional broadcast on the SES-7 transponder service.[11]

Satellite Band Position Frequency Polarity SR FEC Encryption System Status Coverage
SES-7 Ku Band 108.2° East 11481, 11656 and 11685 MHz Horizontal (H) 18750 3/4 Conax / VideoGuard DVB-S2 MPEG-4 Commercial broadcast Philippines
11510, 11539, 11568 and 11627 MHz 20000
11598 MHz 2/3

Competition

At present, Cignal competes in the DTH service against Global Satellite Technology Services' G Sat, formerly Sky Cable Corporation's Sky Direct was their competitor but was decommissioned on June 30, 2020, via alias cease-and-desist order.

Sports teams

See also

References

  1. ↑ Cignal ownership: http://businessmirror.com.ph/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=5503:mediaquest-moves-direct-satellite-service-offer-deadline&catid=24:companies&Itemid=59
  2. ↑ "Cignal uses Smart's loading technology". Manila Bulletin. Retrieved February 24, 2009.
  3. ↑ Cignal uses NSS-11 satellite, not Agila 2: http://businessmirror.com.ph/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=5503:mediaquest-moves-direct-satellite-service-offer-deadline&catid=24:companies&Itemid=59
  4. ↑ "PLDT OFFERS TO SELL REMAINING SKY CABLE STAKE TO LOPEZ GROUP". The Philippine Star.
  5. ↑ "PLDT sets stage for entry into satellite TV". The Philippine Star. June 22, 2006. Retrieved March 14, 2020.
  6. ↑ "PLDT to launch satellite TV service". The Philippine Star. September 14, 2008.
  7. ↑ "PLDT unit offers direct-to-home satellite TV". The Philippine Star. May 8, 2009.
  8. ↑ "PLDT unit to spend P1-B for satellite TV". ABS-CBN News. July 16, 2009.
  9. ↑ "MediaScape Launches Cignal HD on SES WORLD SKIES' NSS-11 Satellite". Business Wire. November 3, 2009.
  10. ↑ "Cignal TV celebrates 1 million subscriber base with thanksgiving party". InterAksyon.com.
  11. ↑ "MediaScape adds satellite capacity for Cignal TV in the Philippines". Digital TV News. June 20, 2012.


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