New KVH TracVision G8 Offers Extended Range and Advanced Design for Satellite TV
MIDDLETOWN, R.I., Feb 13, 2003 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX/ --
Breakthrough Antenna System Provides Satellite TV Coverage throughout Caribbean
KVH Industries (Nasdaq: KVHI), the world's leading manufacturer of marine satellite TV antennas, introduced the newest member of its TracVision product line -- the TracVision G8 -- at the 2003 Miami International Boat Show today. Equipped with an ultra-efficient 32" (82 cm) carbon fiber antenna, fiber optic gyro (FOG) stabilization, all housed in a dome more than 35% smaller than other competing satellite TV antennas, TracVision G8 is the most advanced maritime satellite television antenna available. Its integrated Digital Video Broadcasting (DVB) technology enables TracVision G8 to positively identify and receive programming from all modern TV satellites. The antenna is also fully compatible with KVH's TracNet 2.0 Mobile High-speed Internet System, enabling mariners to enjoy the TV entertainment and Internet information they desire whether at anchor or underway on open seas.
"The introduction of TracVision G8 as KVH's flagship product consolidates our position as the premier supplier of maritime satellite TV systems, enabling us to support larger yachts and commercial vessels with larger cruising areas while rounding out a product portfolio that already offers the market share-leading 18- and 24-inch antennas for recreational vessels," explained Ian Palmer, KVH vice president of satellite sales. "TracVision G8 is a perfect complement to KVH's family of Tracphone global satellite communications systems, including our Tracphone F77 global satellite communication system. KVH is the only company offering matched domes that contain a complete communications and entertainment solution for high-end leisure and commercial vessels."
Thanks to its unique mechanical architecture, the TracVision G8's powerful antenna is housed in a dome that is 35% smaller than other systems of similar reception strength. While compact, the system also has a wide range of motion, enabling the antenna to track satellites continuously, even when the vessel is traveling in heavy seas at far northern or southern latitudes where the satellites are very low on the horizon. To extend the antenna's range, TracVision G8 uses a next-generation carbon fiber reflector, an extremely efficient design that results in higher signal strength and greater coverage area. As a result, vessels can receive satellite TV further offshore and throughout the Caribbean, which was previously beyond the range of 32" antennas. TracVision G8 can provide access to programming from all modern satellite services, including the DIRECTV, DISH Network, ExpressVu and DIRECTV Latin America services in North and Latin America, and European services, such as Astra, Hotbird, Hispasat, Nilesat, Arabsat, Sirius, Optus, and Thor. This combination of advanced features ensures unsurpassed system performance from a state-of-the-art antenna that is both lightweight and extremely robust.
To ensure uninterrupted reception of the satellite TV signal and provide the best possible picture and sound quality, TracVision G8 uses a state-of- the-art tracking system that employs KVH FOGs and a built-in GPS tracking subsystem. KVH's FOGs, which have been used extensively in military satellite communication systems, enable the TracVision G8 to track to within 0.1 degrees in azimuth and elevation, as well as provide fully automatic skew control for European linearly polarized satellites. The TracVision G8 uses its built-in GPS to calculate the precise azimuth and elevation to the satellite from the vessel's current location, ensuring the shortest possible satellite acquisition time. TracVision G8 is also easy to use, with satellite selection carried out via the plain language Master Control Unit (MCU). The MCU also monitors satellite codes and frequencies, automatically updating the antenna's satellite library as needed.
Adding to TracVision G8's versatility is its compatibility with KVH's TracNet 2.0 Mobile High-speed Internet System. As a result, vessels equipped with TracVision G8 and TracNet 2.0 can stay connected to the World Wide Web and e-mail via broadband Internet-via-Satellite services in both Europe and North America. Users can access news, financial information, up-to-date weather and nautical charts, corporate networks, and e-mail at speeds reaching 400 Kbps in North America and 512 Kbps in European waters.
For complete details about TracVision G8 and KVH's complete line of satellite TV and Internet systems, visit the company's award-winning web site at www.KVH.com.
KVH Industries, Inc., designs and manufactures products that enable mobile communication, navigation, and precision pointing through the use of its proprietary mobile satellite antenna and fiber optic technologies. The company is developing next-generation systems with greater precision, durability, and versatility for communications, navigation, and industrial applications. An ISO 9001-registered company, KVH has headquarters in Middletown, Rhode Island, with a fiber optic manufacturing facility in Tinley Park, Illinois, and a European sales, marketing, and support office in Hoersholm, Denmark.
KVH Industries Contact:
Chris Watson, Communications Coordinator
401-847-3327
cwatson@kvh.com
Investor Relations Contact:
Phil Davidson or Jolinda Taylor
FD Morgen-Walke
617-747-3600
SOURCE KVH Industries, Inc.
CONTACT: Chris Watson, Communications Coordinator for KVH Industries,
Inc., +1-401-847-3327, cwatson@kvh.com; or Phil Davidson or Jolinda Taylor,
both for FD Morgen-Walke, +1-617-747-3600 |
