KVH Unveils Ultra-Compact TracVision M1, Making Satellite TV a Reality on Small Boats

October 30, 2008 at 7:32 AM EDT

KVH's TracVision M1 is the world's smallest and lightest in-motion satellite TV system to bring DIRECTV service to boats throughout the U.S.

MIDDLETOWN, R.I., Oct. 30 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- As KVH Industries, Inc., (Nasdaq: KVHI) unveils its new TracVision(R) M1 today at the Ft. Lauderdale International Boat Show, owners of boats as small as 20' are finding cause for celebration. Thanks to the ultra-compact TracVision M1, they join the ranks of boaters able to enjoy high-quality satellite TV aboard their vessels, making the dream of watching the big game a reality whether they are at the dock, during a big fishing trip, or cruising with the family. At only 7.5 lbs., and with a 12.5" antenna, the groundbreaking TracVision M1 is the world's smallest and lightest maritime antenna to support DIRECTV(R) service throughout the continental United States and its coastal waters. Adding to its appeal is the integrated 12V DIRECTV receiver/controller that comes with the antenna, support for multiple mounting options on powerboats and sailboats, and the antenna's single-cable installation design.

"KVH innovation repeatedly changes what is possible when it comes to satellite TV at sea. For years, industry wisdom held that you needed at least an 18" diameter antenna to enjoy satellite TV. Two years ago, we shattered that myth with our 14" TracVision M3 antenna. Now, we've set a new standard for compact design with our 12.5" TracVision M1 antenna," says Brent Bruun, vice president of business development at KVH. "Our exclusive, high-efficiency RingFire(TM) technology enables KVH and the TracVision M1 to provide the high signal gain no competing product in this antenna class can match."

The new, all-digital TracVision M1 is fully automatic, connecting boaters to more than 300 channels of standard-definition DIRECTV programming and satellite radio music. Its powerful motors are extremely quiet while still responsive enough to support rock solid in-motion tracking even aboard small vessels, which present a far more challenging dynamic environment than larger boats. The system also requires only a single cable for easy installation, even when an installation includes multiple receivers.

"The TracVision M1 brings the ease of use and outstanding reception you would expect on a yacht to small powerboats, sailboats, and boaters who are looking for an easy do-it-yourself in-motion satellite TV solution," explains Jim George, KVH's director of satellite sales. "It offers all the features these boaters want -- fantastic DIRECTV programming, a lightweight and rugged antenna, easy installation, crystal-clear reception, and the reliability of KVH's award-winning products and service. Best of all, it's an out-of-box solution -- so long as the boater has a TV onboard, the TracVision M1 includes everything necessary to enjoy DIRECTV at sea. Our Airtime Services Group will even help activate a boater's DIRECTV subscription!"

Visit http://www.tracvision.com for complete details regarding the TracVision M1 and the rest of KVH's award-winning TracVision product line.

About KVH Industries, Inc.

Middletown, RI-based KVH Industries, Inc., is a leading provider of in- motion satellite TV and communication systems, having designed, manufactured, and sold more than 150,000 mobile satellite antennas for applications on boats, RVs, trucks, buses, and automobiles. Winner of the prestigious General Motors Innovative Design Award, 2 CES Innovation Awards, 24 National Marine Electronics Association Industry Awards, the DAME Award in the Marine Electronics category, and a finalist for the Automotive News PACE Award, KVH's mission is to connect mobile customers with the same digital television entertainment, communications, and Internet services that they enjoy in their home and offices.

This release may contain certain forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements include, for example, the functionality, characteristics, quality and performance of KVH's products and technology; anticipated innovation and product development; and customer preferences, requirements and expectations. The actual results could differ materially. Factors that may cause such differences include, among others, KVH's reliance upon third-party satellites and services to support TV broadcasts to the company's mobile antennas, and those discussed in KVH's most recent Form 10-Q filed with the SEC. KVH does not assume any obligation to update its forward-looking statements to reflect new information or developments.

KVH, TracVision, and RingFire are trademarks of KVH Industries, Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective companies.

NOTE TO EDITORS: High-resolution, press-ready images of the TracVision M1 are available at http://press.kvh.com for download and editorial use.

CONTACT: Chris Watson, of KVH Industries, +1-401-845-8138, cwatson@kvh.com/