SES Astra and Samsung Electronics announced they will jointly promote 3D television to the market.

Under the terms of the agreement, Samsung will support SES Astra with 3-D television content for its new 3-D demo channel to be launched on Tuesday. The demo channel will be broadcast free-to-air via Astra's orbital position 23.5 degrees East, and is intended to help retailers promote 3-D television to end-consumers at the point of sale.

Ferdinand Kayser, president and chief executive officer of SES Astra, said: "The new Astra 3-D demo channel demonstrates the huge advantages of satellite for the transmission of high-quality 3-D TV signals, and the leading role of SES Astra in driving innovations in broadcasting technology. We are proud to partner with Samsung, and we are confident that 3-D television will become the next driver for the home entertainment market."

SH Shin, president and chief executive officer of Samsung Electronics Europe, added: "As the first manufacturer to bring 3-D television to the consumer market, Samsung is at the forefront of 3-D innovation. By partnering with SES Astra, Samsung will be the first manufacturer to demonstrate live streamed 3-D content through this free promotional channel, and can showcase the full capability of its innovation in 3-D technology.

SES Astra is the leading Direct-to-Home satellite system in Europe. The satellite fleet currently comprises 15 satellites.

Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd. is a global leader in semiconductor, telecommunication, digital media and digital convergence technologies with 2009 consolidated sales of $116.8 billion. It employs approximately 188,000 people in 185 offices across 65 countries and consists of eight independently operated business units.