Dubai, April 19th 2009: Al Arabiya recently launched its High Definition live Internet stream free to its viewers around the world for an excellent viewing experience.

Developed and operated by arvato mobile, the service offers the first of its kind in the region, standard Flash stream in combination with an automatically adjusting HD-stream.

The "Adaptive Bit Rate Technology" dynamically changes bitrates based on the individual Internet-connection and therefore ensures that end users always get the best possible streaming experience. In the same instance, the Al Arabiya HD-Stream still runs smoothly when standard streams would normally buffer or break.

 "This feature is  extremely helpful as it enables us to provide the best picture quality to high speed internet users around the world and in parallel helps Al Arabiya to overcome problems caused by limited broadband Internet access which is still a common issue for the MENA region. The high number of unique users clearly shows the success of our high quality- and user-friendly concept. " said Nasser Alsarami, Head of Media at Al Arabiya.

"We are very proud to provide the live streaming services to Al Arabiya, therefore enabling millions of Arabs around the world to watch the news channel live on the Internet", said Ingo Lalla, Vice President IPTV & Platform Services at arvato mobile. "Without any additional investments we can even increase the live-stream up to broadcast quality which gives Al Arabiya the ability to adjust the service when internet speed and  - as a result - viewers' demand in picture quality will grow further", he added.

Additionally the Instant-Catch-up Service offers users the option of scrolling back up to 24hours, watching contents they have previously missed. 

The service has been tested in a pilot phase over the past 4 months during which a tremendous user adoption rate coupled with hundreds of thousands of streams each month could be recognized.

-Ends-

About Al Arabiya
Al Arabiya news channel, a 24/7 free-to-air news and current affairs satellite outlet, was launched in 2003 and soon became the news source of choice for Arabs seeking credible news and information about the Middle East and the world beyond. Al Arabiya's reputation for sober and balance reporting now extends beyond its natural geographic and cultural domain, i.e. the Middle East. A number of renowned international news organisations and research institutes interested in the Arab and Islamic worlds regularly monitor Al Arabiya.

Al Arabiya runs an extensive global network of correspondents and reporters to provide its audiences with the latest updates, scoops, interviews, and exclusives. With nearly 30 offices around the world and large-scale presence in several key countries such as Iraq, Palestine, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Lebanon, Jordan, and Yemen, Al Arabiya enjoys a competitive edge in providing on-the-ground, first hand coverage of major events of relevance to its audience and the world at large.

Al Arabiya's charter embodies an independent editorial policy based on providing its viewers with a speedy news service and balanced analysis that is thoughtfully accurate, comprehensive and objective. 

For further information, please contact:
Joyce Baz
MBC PR
Tel: + 971 4 391 999 ext 2790
Email: Joyce.Baz@mbc.net

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