Marriage of KVH's TracVision and GyroTrac Promises to Set Standard for Stable TV at Sea
February 12, 1999 09:06 AM
MIDDLETOWN, R.I.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 12, 1999--KVH Industries, Inc. KVHI has brought together its best-selling stabilized antenna and its most-advanced marine gyro sensor to produce an ultra-quiet mobile TV system that is the smallest in the industry. TracVision(R) 3 is the offspring of a match between two NMEA award-winning KVH designs, TracVision II and the company's Azimuth(R) Digital Gyro Compass system.
Of several new features, the most important is the integration of Azimuth(R) GyroTrac(TM), an earth-referenced gyro sensor that permits TracVision 3 to acquire and reacquire satellite signals even in heavy sea conditions. KVH recently introduced GyroTrac as the successor to the company's Azimuth Digital Gyro Compass, which the National Marine Electronics Association (NMEA) named the Best Gyro Compass of 1998. As a result of its software compatibility with NMEA standard outputs, GyroTrac can interface with virtually all other on-board navigation systems, including autopilots and radar, in addition to providing the earth-referenced attitude and azimuth data required to point the TracVision 3 antenna accurately. GyroTrac also interfaces with GPS to calculate True North.
"TracVision 3 represents the merger of two core KVH technologies, gyro sensors and unique robotic pointing mechanisms, where our innovation consistently leads to significant advances in marine satellite broadcast and communication products," said Martin Kits van Heyningen, president and CEO. "We believe that the features and quality built into this newest member of our communications family establishes an industry standard and that the navigation enhancement will make it even more popular than TracVision II."
TracVision II has been the most popular in-motion satellite television system ever in the marine market. During its first year on the market it earned the prestigious 1998 NMEA Product Award for Best Satellite Television System. Like its predecessor, TracVision 3 features a 19" diameter dome, the smallest in the market, and is completely compatible with DIRECTV(R), the DISH(TM) Network, and all leading brands of receivers for DBS signal reception off the shores of North America. Dual LNB outputs allow users to watch as many different channels as they have receivers and also to access, through either a TV or computer, broadcast services for weather information, financial data and news.
TracVision 3's new Whisper Drive(TM) provides quiet, reliable performance in all sea conditions and a unique digital data link with the satellite signal receiver provides automatic satellite tracking. An LCD user interface allows mariners to monitor signal status based on feedback from the direct broadcast satellite (DBS) receiver unit as well as the robotic pedestal.
KVH offers a version of TracVision 3 that is designed for moderate sea conditions and uses an integrated rate gyro to track antenna movement in lieu of the external GyroTrac unit that can maintain satellite contact in virtually any open-water environment. The integrated gyro system provides the same DBS services as TracVision 3 with GyroTrac, and is designed to be fully compatible with GyroTrac so an upgrade to the any-weather, all-conditions system can be made at the user's discretion. An established, widespread network of dealers supports both TracVision 3 systems and KVH offers the best warranty in the industry.
KVH Industries, Inc. manufactures and markets digital navigation systems and mobile satellite communication products for use in commercial, military and marine applications. The company's headquarters are in Middletown, Rhode Island, and its other offices are in Hoersholm, Denmark, Tinley Park, Illinois, and St. Petersburg, Florida.
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