The BSB Story
Launched officially in April 1990, British Satellite Broadcasting (BSB) was the UK's officially sanctioned satellite television provider. Broadcasting from the Marcopolo satellites, it entered a fierce commercial war with Rupert Murdoch's Sky Television, leading to a dramatic merger in November 1990.
D-MAC & The Squarial
Unlike Sky's PAL system, BSB utilized the highly advanced D-MAC broadcasting standard, offering superior picture and sound quality. Subscribers received signals via the iconic, diamond-shaped "Squarial" antenna rather than a traditional dish.
The Original Five Channels
- The Movie Channel: Premium Hollywood cinema.
- Galaxy: Entertainment, comedy, and children's programming.
- The Power Station: Music, youth culture, and rock television.
- The Sports Channel: Live coverage and dedicated sports analysis.
- Now: Arts, current affairs, and cultural documentaries.