MTV's tailored-for-college student network mtvU is now set to receive technical services and support from Ascent Systems & Technology Services as set down in a multiyear contract signed by the two parties.
The service and support contract provides mtvU with comprehensive satellite technical support, as well as field service and logistics and call center services.
mtvU operates on a 24/7 basis and is the largest television network directed to the wants and needs of college students. Programming covers areas from student life to emerging music. The service is viewed in dorm rooms, student lounges, fitness centers and other college venues throughout the United States.
"mtvU broadcasts to 750 campuses and over 7.2 million college students in the U.S. To effectively manage this growing business, we needed to transition to a firm that had the advanced technical capabilities to handle all of our service requirements," said Mike Aloisi, MTV vice president of technical planning and engineering. "Ascent Media was the only company that could deliver everything we required from one central location, while having nationwide field service locations to expedite on-site support."
Content is delivered to mtvU sites via a 1.2-meter Ku-band antenna. An IRD, messaging computer and modulator are also part of the mtvU receive-site package. The mtvU/Ascent Media contract covers this downlink package as equipment installation and integration.
