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{{Short description|Privately owned Pay TV network}}
{{Short description|Privately owned pay TV network}}
{{About|the old Orbit|the company's current successor|OSN}}
{{About|the old Orbit|the company's current successor|OSN}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2019}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2019}}


{{Infobox company
{{Infobox company
| name = Orbit TV
| name = Orbit Communications Company WLL
| logo = [[File:Orbitlogo.jpg|250px|Official Logo]]
| logo = [[File:Orbitlogo.jpg|250px|Official Logo]]
| fate = Merged with [[Showtime Arabia]] into [[OSN|Orbit Showtime]]
| fate = Merged with [[Showtime Arabia]] into [[OSN|Orbit Showtime]]
| type = [[Satellite television]]
| type = [[Private company|Private]]
| owner = [[Private company|Private]]ly owned by [[Mawarid Holding]] [via Digital Media Systems]
| owner = [[Mawarid Holding]]
| foundation = {{Start date and age|1994|8|10|df=yes}}
| foundation = {{start date and age|1994|8|10|df=y}}
| defunct = {{End date and age|2009|9|14|df=yes}}
| defunct = {{end date and age|2009|9|14|df=y}}
| location = [[Manama]], Bahrain
| location = [[Manama]], [[Bahrain]]
| industry = [[Telecommunication]]
| industry = [[Telecommunication]]
| genre = [[Pay television]]
| products = [[Direct broadcast satellite]] and [[Satellite Internet]]
| services = [[Direct broadcast satellite]]<br>[[Satellite Internet]]
⚫
| homepage = [http://www.orbit.net/ Official Site]
| divisions = Mediagates
⚫
| homepage = {{url|http://www.orbit.net}}
| footnotes =
| footnotes =
}}
}}


'''Orbit Communications Company''' was a privately owned [[Pay television|Pay TV]] network, operating in [[Bahrain]]. Owned by [[Saudi Arabia|Saudi Arabia{{En dash}}]]<nowiki/>based [[Mawarid Holding]] (via Digital Media Systems),<ref>{{cite web |title=Zawya - Mawarid Holding |url=http://www.zawya.com/cm/profile.cfm?companyid=1000189}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Zawya - Orbit Satellite Television and Radio Network |url=http://www.zawya.com/cm/profile.cfm/cid1001503/}}</ref> it was the first fully [[Digital data|digital]], multi-channel, multi-lingual, pay television service in the [[Middle East]] and [[North Africa]] and was also the world's first fully end to end digital TV network.<ref>{{cite web |date=1993-12-09 |title=Orbit plans TV service |url=http://www.telecompaper.com/news/orbit-plans-tv-service--13295 |url-access=registration |website=www.telecompaper.com}}</ref> Launched in 1994, it was originally situated in Tor Sapienza, Rome, Italy as the location was considered entirely suitable to build a satellite farm.{{Citation needed|date=June 2020}}<ref name="Fact Provided By Former Employee">Fact Provided By Former Employee</ref> Orbit employed around 600 employees{{When|date=June 2020}} who were largely a combination of British and Italian staff with several Arabic speaking nations also represented.{{Citation needed|date=June 2020}} Orbit broadcast in several languages around the world including [[English language|English]], [[Arabic]], [[French language|French]] and [[Filipino language|Filipino]].
'''Orbit Communications Company''' was a privately owned [[pay television]] network headquartered in [[Bahrain]]. Owned by [[Saudi Arabia|Saudi Arabia{{En dash}}]]<nowiki/>based [[Mawarid Holding]] (via Digital Media Systems),<ref>{{cite web |title=Zawya - Mawarid Holding |url=http://www.zawya.com/cm/profile.cfm?companyid=1000189}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Zawya - Orbit Satellite Television and Radio Network |url=http://www.zawya.com/cm/profile.cfm/cid1001503/}}</ref> it was the first fully [[Digital data|digital]], multi-channel, multilingual, pay television service in the [[Middle East]] and [[North Africa]] and was also the world's first fully end-to-end digital TV network.<ref>{{cite web |date=1993-12-09 |title=Orbit plans TV service |url=http://www.telecompaper.com/news/orbit-plans-tv-service--13295 |url-access=registration |website=www.telecompaper.com}}</ref> Launched in 1994, it was originally situated in Tor Sapienza, Rome, Italy as the location was considered entirely suitable to build a satellite farm.{{Citation needed|date=June 2020}}<ref name="Fact Provided By Former Employee">Fact Provided By Former Employee</ref> Orbit employed around 600 employees{{When|date=June 2020}} who were largely a combination of British and Italian staff with several Arabic speaking nations also represented.{{Citation needed|date=June 2020}} Orbit broadcast in several languages around the world including [[English language|English]], [[Arabic]], [[French language|French]] and [[Filipino language|Filipino]].


Some of Orbit's Arabic channels including Bahrain TV, Al Safwa, Fann, Al Yawm, Cinema 1, Cinema 2, Mousalsalat and Mousalsalat +2 and are available throughout North and South America through [[myTV (Arabic)]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Products |url=http://www.my-tv.us/PackagesListing.aspx?pageid=29 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120225032056/http://www.my-tv.us/PackagesListing.aspx?pageid=29 |archive-date=25 February 2012 |access-date=30 April 2012}}</ref>
Some of Orbit's Arabic channels including Bahrain TV, Al Safwa, Fann, Al Yawm, Cinema 1, Cinema 2, Mousalsalat and Mousalsalat +2 and are available throughout North and South America through [[myTV (Arabic)|myTV]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Products |url=http://www.my-tv.us/PackagesListing.aspx?pageid=29 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120225032056/http://www.my-tv.us/PackagesListing.aspx?pageid=29 |archive-date=25 February 2012 |access-date=30 April 2012}}</ref>


In 2009, to better compete with growing popularity of [[free-to-air]] channels and [[Online video platform|online videos]], the company merged with [[Showtime Arabia]] to form [[OSN]].
In 2009, the company merged with [[Showtime Arabia]] to form [[OSN]], which is currently the biggest pay-TV provider in the MENA region.


== Technology ==
== Technology ==
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* '''Promotional & Free go air:'''
* '''Promotional & Free go air:'''
** Marhaba TV (it's closed)
** Marhaba TV (defunct)
** TVMAX Promo (it's closed)
** TVMAX Promo (defunct)
** Orbit Promotional Channel (before Marhaba TV) (it's closed)
** Orbit Promotional Channel (replaced by Marhaba TV)
** Orbit Express Shop (it's closed)
** Orbit Express Shop (defunct)
** Osn Promotional Channel
** OSN Promotional Channel


* '''Movies:'''
* '''Movies:'''


* '''Arabic movies:'''
* '''Arabic movies:'''
** ART Aflam 1 (it's closed)
** ART Aflam 1 (defunct)
** ART Aflam 2 (it's closed)
** ART Aflam 2 (defunct)
** ART Cinema (it's closed)
** ART Cinema (defunct)
** Cinema 1 (after Al Oula)
** Cinema 1 (formerly Al Oula)
** Cinema 2
** Cinema 2
** Rotana Cinema
** Rotana Cinema
Line 61: Line 63:
* '''Foreign movies:'''
* '''Foreign movies:'''
** [[Star Movies]]
** [[Star Movies]]
** Super Movies (it's closed)
** Super Movies (defunct)
** Super Movies +1 (it's closed)
** Super Movies +1 (defunct)
** Cinema City (it's closed)
** Cinema City (defunct)
** Cinema City +1 (it's closed)
** Cinema City +1 (defunct)
** Cinema City +2 (it's closed)
** Cinema City +2 (defunct)
** MGM (it's closed)
** MGM (defunct)
** Xtra Movies (it's closed)
** Xtra Movies (defunct)
** Xtra Movies +2 (it's closed)
** Xtra Movies +2 (defunct)
** Cine TV (it's closed)
** Cine TV (defunct)
** Film World (it's closed)
** Film World (defunct)
** [[TNT Africa|Turner Classic Movies]]
** [[TNT Africa|Turner Classic Movies]]
** [[MBC 2 (Middle Eastern and North African TV channel)|MBC 2]]
** [[MBC 2 (Middle Eastern and North African TV channel)|MBC 2]]
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** KSA Sports 1
** KSA Sports 1
** KSA Sports 2
** KSA Sports 2
** Al Riyadiyah 1 (it's closed)
** Al Riyadiyah 1 (defunct)
** Al Riyadiyah 2 (it's closed)
** Al Riyadiyah 2 (defunct)
** Al Riyadiyah 3 (it's closed)
** Al Riyadiyah 3 (defunct)
** Al Riyadiyah 4 (it's closed)
** Al Riyadiyah 4 (defunct)
** Al Riyadiyah 5 (it's closed)
** Al Riyadiyah 5 (defunct)
** Al Riyadiyah 6 (it's closed)
** Al Riyadiyah 6 (defunct)
** Al Riyadiyah 7 (it's closed)
** Al Riyadiyah 7 (defunct)
** Al Riyadiyah 8 (it's closed)
** Al Riyadiyah 8 (defunct)
** Abu Dhabi Sports 1
** Abu Dhabi Sports 1
** Abu Dhabi Sports 2
** Abu Dhabi Sports 2
** Abu Dhabi Sports 3
** Abu Dhabi Sports 3
** Abu Dhabi Sports 4
** Abu Dhabi Sports 4
** Orbit ESPN (it's closed)
** Orbit ESPN (defunct)
** Orbit Sports (it's closed)
** Orbit Sports (defunct)
** Orbit Sports 1 (it's closed)
** Orbit Sports 1 (defunct)
** Orbit Sports 2 (it's closed)
** Orbit Sports 2 (defunct)
** Orbit Sports 3 (it's closed)
** Orbit Sports 3 (sefunct)
** Orbit Sports 4 (it's closed)
** Orbit Sports 4 (defunct)
** Orbit Sports 5 (it's closed)
** Orbit Sports 5 (defunct)
** BeIN Sports
** BeIN Sports
** BeIN Sports News
** BeIN Sports News
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* '''Kids and documentary and culture:'''
* '''Kids and documentary and culture:'''
** [[Fun Channel]] (it's closed)
** [[Fun Channel]] (defunct)
** [[Nickelodeon (Middle Eastern and North African TV channel)|Nickelodeon]]
** [[Nickelodeon (Middle Eastern and North African TV channel)|Nickelodeon]]
** [[Nick Jr. (Middle Eastern and North African TV channel)|Nick Jr.]]
** [[Nick Jr. (Middle Eastern and North African TV channel)|Nick Jr.]]
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** [[Disney Channel (European, Middle Eastern, and African TV channel)|Disney Channel]]
** [[Disney Channel (European, Middle Eastern, and African TV channel)|Disney Channel]]
** Disney Junior
** Disney Junior
** Disney XD (after Toon Disney)
** Disney XD (formerly Toon Disney)
** [[Spacetoon]]
** [[Spacetoon]]
** [[BabyTV]]
** [[BabyTV]]
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* '''News:'''
* '''News:'''
** [[OSN News|Orbit News]] (it's closed)
** [[OSN News|Orbit News]] (defunct)
** Orbit News 2 (it's closed)
** Orbit News 2 (defunct)
** [[CNBC]]
** [[CNBC]]
** [[CNN International]]
** [[CNN International]]
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** [[Al Jazeera Documentary Channel|Al Jazeera Documentary]]
** [[Al Jazeera Documentary Channel|Al Jazeera Documentary]]
** [[Fox News]]
** [[Fox News]]
** [[BBC Arabic]] (it's closed)
** [[BBC Arabic]] (defunct)
** [[BBC News (international TV channel)|BBC World News]]
** [[BBC News (international TV channel)|BBC World News]]


* '''Music:'''
* '''Music:'''
** [[MTV 00s|MTV 2000's]]
** [[MTV 00s]]
** [[MTV Live (International TV channel)|MTV Live]]
** [[MTV Live (International TV channel)|MTV Live]]
** Music Now
** Music Now
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** Rotana Clip
** Rotana Clip
** Rotana Khalijiah
** Rotana Khalijiah
** Wanasah (it's closed)
** Wanasah (defunct)


* '''Series and lifestyle:'''
* '''Series and lifestyle:'''
** Al Safwa (after Al Thania)
** Al Safwa (formerly Al Thania)
** Al Yawm (after Al Thalitha)
** Al Yawm (formerly Al Thalitha)
** Fann
** Fann
** ART Hekayat (it's closed)
** ART Hekayat (defunct)
** ART Hekayat 2 (it's closed)
** ART Hekayat 2 (defunct)
** Arabic Series Channel
** Arabic Series Channel
** Arabic Series Channel +4 (it's closed)
** Arabic Series Channel +4 (defunct)
** Arabic Series Channel +2
** Arabic Series Channel +2
** Super Comedy (it's closed)
** Super Comedy (defunct)
** Super Comedy +2 (it's closed)
** Super Comedy +2 (defunct)
** America Plus (it's closed)
** America Plus (defunct)
** America Plus +2 (it's closed)
** America Plus +2 (defunct)
** [[Star World]]
** [[Star World]]
** [[E!]]
** [[E!]]
** The Hollywood Channel (It's closed)
** The Hollywood Channel (defunct)
** Hollywood Star! (It's closed)
** Hollywood Star! (defunct)
** [[FashionTV#Middle East & North Africa|Fashion TV]] (it's closed)
** [[FashionTV#Middle East & North Africa|Fashion TV]] (defunct)
** [[TLC (TV network)#International|TLC]]
** [[TLC (TV network)#International|TLC]]
** [[BBC Prime]]
** [[BBC Prime]]
Line 191: Line 193:
** Bahrain International
** Bahrain International
** [[Bahrain Lawal]]
** [[Bahrain Lawal]]
** Bahrain Quran Kareem Channel (It's closed)
** Bahrain Quran Kareem Channel (defunct)
** [[Al Saudiya|Saudi TV]]
** [[Al Saudiya|Saudi TV]]
** [[Saudi Broadcasting Authority|SBC]]
** [[Saudi Broadcasting Authority|SBC]]
Line 197: Line 199:
** [[Qatar Television|Qatar TV]]
** [[Qatar Television|Qatar TV]]
** [[Alrayyan TV|AlRayyan TV]]
** [[Alrayyan TV|AlRayyan TV]]
** [[TV5Monde#Middle East and North Africa|TV5Monde Maghreb Orient]]
** [[TV5Monde#Middle East and North Africa|TV5Monde Maghreb-Orient]]


* '''Pay per view:'''
* '''Pay-per-view:'''
** TVMAX 1 (it's closed)
** TVMAX 1 (defunct)
** TVMAX 2 (it's closed)
** TVMAX 2 (defunct)
** TVMAX 3 (it's closed)
** TVMAX 3 (defunct)
** TVMAX Sports 1 (it's closed)
** TVMAX Sports 1 (defunct)
** TVMAX Sports 2 (it's closed)
** TVMAX Sports 2 (defunct)
** TVMAX Sports 3 (it's closed)
** TVMAX Sports 3 (defunct)
** Showtime TVMAX (5 channels) (it's closed)
** Showtime TVMAX (5 channels) (defunct)
** OSN On Demand (after Show On Demand)
** OSN On Demand (formerly Show On Demand)


* '''Pinoy:'''
* '''Pinoy:'''
** NBN Pinoy News (it's closed)
** NBN Pinoy News (defunct)
** PBO - Pinoy Box Office (it's closed)
** PBO: Pinoy Box Office (defunct)
** [[GMA Pinoy TV]] (it's closed)
** [[GMA Pinoy TV]] (defunct)
** [[GMA Life TV]] (it's closed)
** [[GMA Life TV]] (defunct)
** Hollywood Star! (it's closed)
** Hollywood Star! (defunct)


* '''Lebanese:'''
* '''Lebanese:'''
** [[Lebanese Broadcasting Corporation International|LBCI]] (it's closed)
** [[Lebanese Broadcasting Corporation International|LBCI]] (defunct)
** [[Télé Liban|Tele Liban]] (it's closed)
** [[Télé Liban|Tele Liban]] (defunct)
** Aghani Aghani TV (it's closed)
** Aghani Aghani TV (defunct)
** [[MTV (Lebanon)|MTV One Lebanon]] (it's closed)
** [[MTV (Lebanon)|MTV One Lebanon]] (defunct)
** '''Alfa channels before:'''
** Al Thalitha (before Al Yawm)
⚫
** Al Oula (before Cinema 1)
⚫
** Al Thania (before Al Safwa)
** Music Now
⚫
** The Series Channel
** Al Qanat Al musiqeya


** '''Alfa channels after:'''
** '''Alfa:'''
** Al Yawm
** Al Thalitha (replaced by Al Yawm)
⚫
** Al Oula (replaced by Cinema 1)
** Al Safwa
⚫
** Al Thania (replaced by Al Safwa)
** Music Now
** The Series Channel
** The Series Channel
** The Series Channel +4 (it's closed)
** The Series Channel +2
** The Series Channel +2
⚫
** The Series Channel +4 (defunct)
** Cinema 1
** Cinema 1
** Cinema 2
** Cinema 2
** Fann
** Fann
** [[:ar:ميوزيك ناو|Music Now]]


* '''Radio:'''
* '''Radio:'''
** Monawa't (it's closed)
** Monawa't (defunct)
** Tarabiya't (it's closed)
** Tarabiya't (defunct)
** Khalijya't (it's closed)
** Khalijya't (defunct)
** BBC World Media Service (it's closed)
** BBC World Media Service (defunct)
** Radio Rotana
** Radio Rotana
** GMA DZBB
** GMA DZBB
Line 269: Line 265:


* '''Free-to-air:'''
* '''Free-to-air:'''
Up to 500 and more Free-to-air television and radio channels (including [[Arabsat]], [[Nilesat]], [[Hotbird]]... {{En dash}} based on type of connection).
Up to 500 and more Free-to-air television and radio channels (including [[Arabsat]], [[Nilesat]] and [[Hotbird]], based on type of connection).


== Orbit ESPN's disappearance ==
== Orbit ESPN removal ==
On 1 April 2008,<ref>{{cite web |title=Newlywed in Dubai - Year 2: Where the Hell is Orbit ESPN?!? |url=http://newlywedindubai.com/year2/2008/04/where-hell-is-orbit-espn.html}}</ref> after being on the air since 1994,<ref>[http://www.ameinfo.com/29104.html Orbit and ESPN International renew programming distribution agreement] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080415081545/http://www.ameinfo.com/29104.html |date=2008-04-15}}</ref> [[Orbit ESPN]] disappeared from the Orbit lineup. This left Orbit without coverage of the [[National Collegiate Athletic Association|NCAA]], [[Major League Baseball]], the [[National Basketball Association]], the [[National Hockey League]], [[Major League Soccer]], the [[National Football League]], [[NASCAR]], [[IndyCar Series]], major golf and tennis tournaments, and the premier action sports franchise in the world, ESPN's [[X Games]].
On 1 April 2008,<ref>{{cite web |title=Newlywed in Dubai - Year 2: Where the Hell is Orbit ESPN?!? |url=http://newlywedindubai.com/year2/2008/04/where-hell-is-orbit-espn.html}}</ref> after being on the air since 1994,<ref>[http://www.ameinfo.com/29104.html Orbit and ESPN International renew programming distribution agreement] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080415081545/http://www.ameinfo.com/29104.html |date=2008-04-15}}</ref> [[Orbit ESPN]] was dropped from the Orbit lineup. This left Orbit without coverage of the [[National Collegiate Athletic Association|NCAA]], [[Major League Baseball]], the [[National Basketball Association]], the [[National Hockey League]], [[Major League Soccer]], the [[National Football League]], [[NASCAR]], [[IndyCar Series]], major golf and tennis tournaments or ESPN's action sports franchise, [[X Games]].


[[Fox Sports (Middle Eastern TV channel)|Fox Sports]] replaced [[Orbit ESPN]] on 13 January 2009.
[[Fox Sports (Middle Eastern TV channel)|Fox Sports]] replaced [[Orbit ESPN]] on 13 January 2009.


One of the reasons that break the contract with ESPN is the severe financial problems happened at that time, since 1999-2000 the production graph line has been moved down. In 2009, a major delay in paying salaries for orbit employees in Egypt, Lebanon and KSA for more than 4 months.
One of the reasons that break the contract with ESPN is the severe financial problems happened at that time, since 1999-2000 the production graph line has been moved down. In 2009, a major delay in paying salaries for orbit employees in Egypt, Lebanon and KSA for more than four months.{{Citation needed|date=December 2024}}


== BBC Arabic television ==
== BBC Arabic television ==
Line 294: Line 290:


== Showtime Arabia merger ==
== Showtime Arabia merger ==
On 12 July 2009, ''[[Showtime Arabia]]'' and ''Orbit Communications Company'' announced a merger that created the “biggest Pay-TV platform” in the [[Middle East]] and [[North Africa]].<ref name="chiba">{{cite journal |author=Chiba |first=Yushi |date=February 2012 |title=A Comparative Study on the Pan-Arab Media Strategies: The Cases of Egypt and Saudi Arabia |url=http://www.asafas.kyoto-u.ac.jp/kias/pdf/kb5_1and2/07chiba.pdf |url-status=dead |journal=Kyoto Bulletin of Islamic Area Studies |volume=5 |issue=1&2 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304025724/http://www.asafas.kyoto-u.ac.jp/kias/pdf/kb5_1and2/07chiba.pdf |archive-date=4 March 2016 |access-date=13 February 2014}}</ref>
On 12 July 2009, [[Showtime Arabia]] and Orbit Communications Company announced a merger that created the “biggest Pay-TV platform” in the [[Middle East]] and [[North Africa]].<ref name="chiba">{{cite journal |author=Chiba |first=Yushi |date=February 2012 |title=A Comparative Study on the Pan-Arab Media Strategies: The Cases of Egypt and Saudi Arabia |url=http://www.asafas.kyoto-u.ac.jp/kias/pdf/kb5_1and2/07chiba.pdf |url-status=dead |journal=Kyoto Bulletin of Islamic Area Studies |volume=5 |issue=1&2 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304025724/http://www.asafas.kyoto-u.ac.jp/kias/pdf/kb5_1and2/07chiba.pdf |archive-date=4 March 2016 |access-date=13 February 2014}}</ref>


The newly formed company, which is called OSN,<ref name=chiba/> is an equal partnership that would offer 70 exclusive channels featuring new [[Film|movies]], [[Sport|sports]], [[Television show|series]], [[Arabic]] content and international shows.
The newly formed company, which is called OSN,<ref name=chiba/> is an equal partnership that would offer 70 exclusive channels featuring new [[Film|movies]], [[Sport|sports]], [[Television show|series]], [[Arabic]] content and international shows.


New customers can subscribe to packages featuring [[Showtime Arabia|Showtime Arabia's]] and ''Orbit Communications Company'''s programs, while existing subscribers will be able to either retain or upgrade their content. The company will offer [[High-definition television|HD]] channels, [[video on demand]] and other [[Interactive television|interactive]] services.
New customers can subscribe to packages featuring Showtime Arabia and Orbit's programs, while existing subscribers will be able to either retain or upgrade their content. The company will offer [[High-definition television|HD]] channels, [[video on demand]] and other [[Interactive television|interactive]] services.


== References ==
== References ==
Line 306: Line 302:


== External links ==
== External links ==
* [http://www.orbit.net/ Official Site] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171218121841/http://www.orbit.net/ |date=18 December 2017}}
* {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171218121841/http://www.orbit.net/ |date=18 December 2017|title=Official website}}
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vSk7M7fUreQ 1994 Promotion]
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vSk7M7fUreQ 1994 Promotion]


Latest revision as of 15:40, 10 December 2024

This article is about the old Orbit. For the company's current successor, see OSN.

Orbit Communications Company WLL
Company typePrivate
IndustryTelecommunication
GenrePay television
Founded10 August 1994; 30 years ago (1994-08-10)
Defunct14 September 2009; 15 years ago (2009-09-14)
FateMerged with Showtime Arabia into Orbit Showtime
HeadquartersManama, Bahrain
ServicesDirect broadcast satellite
Satellite Internet
OwnerMawarid Holding
DivisionsMediagates
Websitewww.orbit.net

Orbit Communications Company was a privately owned pay television network headquartered in Bahrain. Owned by Saudi Arabia–based Mawarid Holding (via Digital Media Systems),[1][2] it was the first fully digital, multi-channel, multilingual, pay television service in the Middle East and North Africa and was also the world's first fully end-to-end digital TV network.[3] Launched in 1994, it was originally situated in Tor Sapienza, Rome, Italy as the location was considered entirely suitable to build a satellite farm.[citation needed][4] Orbit employed around 600 employees[when?] who were largely a combination of British and Italian staff with several Arabic speaking nations also represented.[citation needed] Orbit broadcast in several languages around the world including English, Arabic, French and Filipino.

Some of Orbit's Arabic channels including Bahrain TV, Al Safwa, Fann, Al Yawm, Cinema 1, Cinema 2, Mousalsalat and Mousalsalat +2 and are available throughout North and South America through myTV.[5]

In 2009, to better compete with growing popularity of free-to-air channels and online videos, the company merged with Showtime Arabia to form OSN.

Technology

[edit]

Orbit had launched four multi-function interactive decoders:

This allowed the following features:

  • 2-level parental control (Channel & Rating).
  • 7-day bilingual electronic program guide.
  • 22 radio channels of music & news & entertainment.
  • Arabic subtitles & multi-lingual audio on selected channels.

Channel lineup

[edit]
  • Promotional & Free go air:
    • Marhaba TV (defunct)
    • TVMAX Promo (defunct)
    • Orbit Promotional Channel (replaced by Marhaba TV)
    • Orbit Express Shop (defunct)
    • OSN Promotional Channel
  • Movies:
  • Arabic movies:
    • ART Aflam 1 (defunct)
    • ART Aflam 2 (defunct)
    • ART Cinema (defunct)
    • Cinema 1 (formerly Al Oula)
    • Cinema 2
    • Rotana Cinema
    • Rotana Comedy
    • Rotana Classic
  • Foreign movies:
    • Star Movies
    • Super Movies (defunct)
    • Super Movies +1 (defunct)
    • Cinema City (defunct)
    • Cinema City +1 (defunct)
    • Cinema City +2 (defunct)
    • MGM (defunct)
    • Xtra Movies (defunct)
    • Xtra Movies +2 (defunct)
    • Cine TV (defunct)
    • Film World (defunct)
    • Turner Classic Movies
    • MBC 2
    • MBC Max
    • MBC Action
  • Sports:
    • Edge Sport
    • Bahrain Sports 1
    • Bahrain Sports 2
    • KSA Sports 1
    • KSA Sports 2
    • Al Riyadiyah 1 (defunct)
    • Al Riyadiyah 2 (defunct)
    • Al Riyadiyah 3 (defunct)
    • Al Riyadiyah 4 (defunct)
    • Al Riyadiyah 5 (defunct)
    • Al Riyadiyah 6 (defunct)
    • Al Riyadiyah 7 (defunct)
    • Al Riyadiyah 8 (defunct)
    • Abu Dhabi Sports 1
    • Abu Dhabi Sports 2
    • Abu Dhabi Sports 3
    • Abu Dhabi Sports 4
    • Orbit ESPN (defunct)
    • Orbit Sports (defunct)
    • Orbit Sports 1 (defunct)
    • Orbit Sports 2 (defunct)
    • Orbit Sports 3 (sefunct)
    • Orbit Sports 4 (defunct)
    • Orbit Sports 5 (defunct)
    • BeIN Sports
    • BeIN Sports News
    • BeIN Sports NBA
    • BeIN Sports Premium
  • Music:
    • MTV 00s
    • MTV Live
    • Music Now
    • Fann
    • Rotana Music
    • Rotana Clip
    • Rotana Khalijiah
    • Wanasah (defunct)
  • Pay-per-view:
    • TVMAX 1 (defunct)
    • TVMAX 2 (defunct)
    • TVMAX 3 (defunct)
    • TVMAX Sports 1 (defunct)
    • TVMAX Sports 2 (defunct)
    • TVMAX Sports 3 (defunct)
    • Showtime TVMAX (5 channels) (defunct)
    • OSN On Demand (formerly Show On Demand)
  • Pinoy:
    • NBN Pinoy News (defunct)
    • PBO: Pinoy Box Office (defunct)
    • GMA Pinoy TV (defunct)
    • GMA Life TV (defunct)
    • Hollywood Star! (defunct)
    • Alfa:
    • Al Thalitha (replaced by Al Yawm)
    • Al Oula (replaced by Cinema 1)
    • Al Thania (replaced by Al Safwa)
    • The Series Channel
    • The Series Channel +2
    • The Series Channel +4 (defunct)
    • Cinema 1
    • Cinema 2
    • Fann
    • Music Now
  • Radio:
    • Monawa't (defunct)
    • Tarabiya't (defunct)
    • Khalijya't (defunct)
    • BBC World Media Service (defunct)
    • Radio Rotana
    • GMA DZBB
    • Radio Mosaic
    • BBC World Service Arabic
    • BBC World Service English
    • Monte Carlo Doualiya
    • Al Jazeera Radio
    • Sky News Arabic
    • GMA DZBB
    • DWLS FM
    • Radio Bahrain Arabic
    • Radio Bahrain English
    • AFN Bahrain FM
    • BFBS Bahrain
    • The Voice Of Ummah
    • BBC Radio 3
    • BBC Radio 4
    • MBC FM
    • Panorama FM
    • Al Arabiya FM
    • Mood FM
    • Quran Kareem FM
  • Free-to-air:

Up to 500 and more Free-to-air television and radio channels (including Arabsat, Nilesat and Hotbird, based on type of connection).

Orbit ESPN removal

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On 1 April 2008,[6] after being on the air since 1994,[7] Orbit ESPN was dropped from the Orbit lineup. This left Orbit without coverage of the NCAA, Major League Baseball, the National Basketball Association, the National Hockey League, Major League Soccer, the National Football League, NASCAR, IndyCar Series, major golf and tennis tournaments or ESPN's action sports franchise, X Games.

Fox Sports replaced Orbit ESPN on 13 January 2009.

One of the reasons that break the contract with ESPN is the severe financial problems happened at that time, since 1999-2000 the production graph line has been moved down. In 2009, a major delay in paying salaries for orbit employees in Egypt, Lebanon and KSA for more than four months.[citation needed]

BBC Arabic television

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BBC Arabic Television was originally transmitted via Orbit from 1994 until April 21, 1996, when it was taken off air by Orbit after the channel broadcast an episode of the BBC Panorama program critical of the Saudi Arabian government. Many of the BBC Arabic Television staff then went to work for Al Jazeera.[8] The BBC has since relaunched the channel autonomously in 2008.

Orbit packages

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(The Following Packages are Orbit's Main Packages) (Packages May differ from Country to Another)

  • Super Mega: Super Mega includes all Arabic and Western Orbit TV channels. Plus, 22 Radio channels and 4 TV MAX channels.
  • Super Prime: Super Prime includes only Orbits' Western channels, plus NBA TV, Al Riyadiyah, Music Now, MTV Arabia. Plus, 22 Radio channels and 4 TV MAX channels.
  • Alfa: Includes all Orbits' Arabic channels, plus CNN International and Music Now. Plus, 22 Radio channels and 4 TV MAX channels.
  • Family: The best in Family entertainment: Al Safwa, Al Yawm, Fann, Music Now, Arabic Series Channel, MTV Arabia, Fun Channel, Cartoon Network, Boomerang, Playhouse Disney, Toon Disney, Disney Channel, Spacetoon, Nickelodeon, The History Channel, Animal Planet, Discovery Science, CNN International, Bloomberg Television, Euronews, CNN International, Al Riyadiyah, NBA TV, Hollywood Channel (Zone Club), BBC Prime, Super Comedy, Discovery Travel & Living, 4 TV MAX channels. Plus, 22 Radio channels.
  • Pinoy Plus: The best in Filipino programming: GMA Pinoy TV, NBN Pinoy News, GMA Life TV. Plus, Cartoon Network, Disney Channel, MGM Movies, Discovery Science, Animal Planet, Hollywood Channel (Zone Club), Fashion TV, Music Now, Trace TV, MTV Arabia, CNN International, NBA TV, 22 Radio channels and 4 TV MAX channels.
  • Kids: The package includes the best in kids entertainment, documentary channels and sports channels: Fun Channel, Playhouse Disney, Toon Disney, Disney Channel, Spacetoon, Nickelodeon, Cartoon Network, Boomerang, Discovery Science, Animal Planet, The History Channel, NBA TV. Plus, 22 Radio channels and 4 TV MAX channels. (Kids package is only available as a second subscription only).

Showtime Arabia merger

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On 12 July 2009, Showtime Arabia and Orbit Communications Company announced a merger that created the “biggest Pay-TV platform” in the Middle East and North Africa.[9]

The newly formed company, which is called OSN,[9] is an equal partnership that would offer 70 exclusive channels featuring new movies, sports, series, Arabic content and international shows.

New customers can subscribe to packages featuring Showtime Arabia and Orbit's programs, while existing subscribers will be able to either retain or upgrade their content. The company will offer HD channels, video on demand and other interactive services.

References

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  1. ^ "Zawya - Mawarid Holding".
  2. ^ "Zawya - Orbit Satellite Television and Radio Network".
  3. ^ "Orbit plans TV service". www.telecompaper.com. 9 December 1993.
  4. ^ Fact Provided By Former Employee
  5. ^ "Products". Archived from the original on 25 February 2012. Retrieved 30 April 2012.
  6. ^ "Newlywed in Dubai - Year 2: Where the Hell is Orbit ESPN?!?".
  7. ^ Orbit and ESPN International renew programming distribution agreement Archived 2008-04-15 at the Wayback Machine
  8. ^ "Al Jazeera's BBC origins".
  9. ^ a b Chiba, Yushi (February 2012). "A Comparative Study on the Pan-Arab Media Strategies: The Cases of Egypt and Saudi Arabia" (PDF). Kyoto Bulletin of Islamic Area Studies. 5 (1&2). Archived from the original (PDF) on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 13 February 2014.
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