i-concerts signs Eutelsat and YouTube deals

Switzerland-based live music channel i-concerts has expanded its reach after signing deals with satellite operator Eutelsat and video-sharing website YouTube.

The high-definition channel has signed an uplink deal with Eutelsat using the EuroBird 9 satellite for coverage in Europe, North Africa and the Middle East.

Launched in 2006, i-concerts has until now broadcast exclusively via digital cable and IPTV networks in France, Switzerland and Belgium. Du Telecom in the Middle East will begin broadcasting i-concerts this month, with several European operators to follow this autumn.

The channel will also launch a channel on YouTube featuring hundreds of free HD-quality concert excerpts, as well as backstage and festival footage.