Orbit voted top for entertainment

Celebrity Arabic entertainers from across the Middle East as well as members of the public in Lebanon and Egypt named Orbit as their favourite pay TV network.

"Being voted as the People's Number One Choice confirms that Orbit's programming strategy, driven by our subscribers requests, has proven to be a very successful strategy in the region. That's not all, the number one choice is about to get even better! Orbit promises many surprises in 2006" said Ali Ajouz, VP Marketing and Public Relations - Orbit Communications Company. "We will continue to add value in 2006 whilst maintaining our competitive edge."

Egyptian actress Aida Abdulaziz, who was questioned in the survey favoured Orbit because of its History Channel. Dr Atif Al Abd, the Head of the Public Opinion Research Centre in the Communications department in Cairo University chose Orbit because of its news coverage, saying: "Orbit's Al Yawm Channel was the best channel in 2005. The Al Qahera Al Yawm programme is always on the ball with Egypt's latest news like the change of constitution, the elections and -Sharm Al Shaikh's bombings broadcasting daily live coverage."

"The best drama channel is The Arabic Series Channel which managed to attract viewers throughout the year and especially in Ramadan through airing the best Egyptian, Syrian and Gulf series," he added.

Orbit invests heavily into securing top international programmes and implementing cutting edge technology in order to provide the best entertainment and satellite services for its audiences across the Middle East and North Africa. The satellite TV and radio network surged ahead of its competitors in the services it offers in 2005 when Orbit struck a number of key licensing agreements with America's leading studios, securing screening rights for top films, series and programmes. It also won the right to be the first in the Middle East to broadcast new blockbuster films and series including exclusive rights to the new series of Saturday Night Live and Joey; the new hit series Nip Tuck, The OC, Without a trace, Cold Case and Carnivale.

Arabic programmes lovers can also enjoy a variety of classic and new Arabic movies on Cinema 1 and Cinema 2, which offers the best movies around the clock as well as the latest Arabic series on The Arabic Series Channel.

The Orbit Network has become known for the focus it gives to sports in general, both in the Arab world and internationally on its "Arriyadiyah" and "Orbit ESPN" channels. Orbit has outshone other regional subscription and free channels in this regard with its extensive offering of sporting programmes hosted by famous sports commentators and analysts.

Orbit is the exclusive broadcaster of BBC Prime, America Plus, Cinema City, Super Movies, Super Comedy, the History Channel, Orbit ESPN, Hollywood, Orbit News, Al Yawm, Al Safwa, The Arabic Series Channel, Fann, Cinema 1, Cinema 2 and the Fun Channel/Jetix Play.

In 2005 Orbit introduced Jetix Play on the Fun Channel featuring top cartoons, while Boomerang brings classic kids animation shows from Turner Broadcasting. Super Movies, Cinema City, Super Comedy, American Plus are just few of the channels that feature the latest top rated US shows, box office hits and independent movies, as well as some of America's newest and most popular series.

The deals have given Orbit a strong competitive advantage in the region, enabling the channels to take the lead position by offering the best value for money based on the quality and extensive range of its programmes.

Orbit has built its strength across a range of audiences in the Middle East, catering for all age ranges, families, adults and different language groups. While Orbit's star-studded Western and Kid's programming brings international chart topping shows and films to the Middle East, Orbit has also achieved undisputed success in Arabic programming. In addition the broadcaster serves the region's huge expatriate Filipino community, keeping Tagalog-speaking viewers in touch with developments back home through Pinoy television from the Philippines.

The employment of cutting edge technology keeps Orbit ahead of competitors in service delivery, and under an agreement with Microsoft Orbit is set to revolutionise its customer services this year through a substantial investment in IT and Customer Service infrastructure. The deal with Microsoft will involve enhancements aimed at dramatically improving Orbit's capability and resources. Orbit is also championing the growth of Internet via Satellite Service in the GCC with the introduction of its DOCSIS based service that is set to boost broadband access.

The Orbit's decoder offers subscribers a variety of interactive services and functions including an Electronic Programme Guide, Parental Control, Choice of Audio option which allows viewers to listen to programmes that have the dual audio option in their preferred language and the ability to switch Arabic subtitling on and off.

"2005 was a year of growth for Orbit with 2006 promising to exceed last year's accomplishments. This year will see the addition of a number of new channels to our offering, more promotional campaigns offered to our subscribers with generous prizes and many more activities and surprises," concluded Mr. Ajouz.