Arabsat, a leading global satellite operator and the primary provider of satellite services across the Arab world, has partnered with Grass Valley, the technology leader in live production solutions, to launch a new suite of cloud-based broadcast services. Powered by Grass Valley AMPP OS (Agile Media Processing Platform), the new Playout X offering introduces a scalable, cloud-native media platform designed to meet the evolving needs of broadcasters across the Middle East, Africa, and beyond.
This strategic collaboration, formalized at CABSAT 2024, marks a significant milestone in Arabsat’s digital transformation journey. Traditionally reliant on on-premises infrastructure, Arabsat has stepped up its video distribution with a state-of-the-art cloud-based architecture—offering clients more flexibility, faster deployment, and enhanced operational efficiency.
The Playout X suite features three tailored service tiers:
- TV Pinnacle Package – A premium playout option with multiple live sources with switching capabilities, advanced graphics and subtitling, Dolby support, and full operator assistance.
- Advanced Package – A balanced solution with essential live capabilities, native graphics, and operator support.
- TV Starter Package – A streamlined entry-level tier focused on core broadcast needs.
“At Arabsat, we are committed to staying ahead of industry demands and delivering cutting-edge media services to our customers,” said Eng. Alhamedi Alanezi, CEO & President of Arabsat. “By leveraging Grass Valley AMPP, we’re enabling a new generation of agile, multitenant, cloud-based services that support our video customers’ growth and innovation across the region.”
AMPP, Grass Valley’s cloud-native platform, was selected for its scalability, secure multitenancy features, and seamless integration into Arabsat’s private cloud. Together, the two companies have completed extensive technical validation, customizing AMPP to meet Arabsat’s operational standards and security requirements while ensuring high-quality broadcast delivery.
“This collaboration with Arabsat is a major step forward for Grass Valley in the MENA region,” said Jon Wilson, CEO at Grass Valley. “Arabsat’s vision aligns perfectly with AMPP’s strengths—offering broadcasters the flexibility, performance, and reliability needed to succeed in today’s fast-evolving media landscape.”
As Arabsat begins commercial rollout following CABSAT 2025, broadcasters across the region will benefit from faster service launches, lower hardware infrastructure dependency, and seamless access to next-generation broadcast capabilities—all from a trusted regional provider.
Grass Valley and Arabsat will be jointly showcasing their partnership at CABSAT 2025.
Visit Arabsat Booth S2-D10 in Hall 2 to see live demonstrations of the new Playout X services powered by GV AMPP and explore how to seamlessly schedule, program, and brand your channels from anywhere, using file-based content and live feeds
Visit Grass Valley at Booth S1-H10, where the company will showcase ground-breaking camera-to-consumer solutions that blend live production, network infrastructure, playout, and remote production into a seamless, efficient ecosystem—highlighting the power of an integrated end-to-end workflow built on AMPP.
