New DVB-Compatible TracVision G4 A Technology Milestone For KVH Two-way Internet Use in Europe
Two-way Internet Use in Europe "Works Perfectly"
Middletown, RI, February 11, 2000 TracVision® G4, the new KVH Industries, Inc., system for identifying and tracking Digital Video Broadcasting (DVB) satellite signals, will make its first appearance in North America on February 17 at the Miami International Boat Show in Florida. This latest innovation in KVHs marine mobile satellite television product line represents an important milestone in the companys drive to provide both global television access and mobile two-way Internet capabilities.
TracVision G4 is the first single-antenna system designed to receive and decode signals from a range of DVB-compatible and DSS satellites and transponders, and then automatically identify, acquire and track the one selected by a mobile user. DVB is the international standard for digital satellite transmission, and TracVision G4 can deliver programming from a range of DVB-compatible television satellites worldwide. In North America, users can select DIRECTV®, the DISH Network or Expressvu and TracVision G4 will lock on to the correct satellite. A change of mind, the push of a button, and TracVision G4 automatically acquires and tracks the users new selection.
On the open seas or at dock, mariners now need only a TracVision G4 to select from the DVB-compatible and DSS services in North America and such European services as Astra 1, Astra 2, Hotbird, Hispasat, Thor and Sirius. Users also may expand their TracVision G4 library with two additional DVB satellite services of their choice, giving them unsurpassed flexibility in high-quality digital TV, data and music services.
"We designed TracVision G4 to fill an unmet need for television and high-speed Internet access, irrespective of where a boat or ship may be sailing, as long as it is within the spotbeam of the desired satellite," said Jim Dodez, vice president of marketing. "In combining a fully compatible, built-in DVB/DIRECTV tuner and easy-to-use interface with our sensor technology, KVH has created a system that is unsurpassed in todays market for satellite TV reception at sea."
Stabilization is critical to maintaining satellite contact in marine applications where the platform often is subjected to continual pitch, roll and yaw. KVHs TracVision products have demonstrated the ability to provide continual reception even in rough seas, which makes the TracVision G4 ideal for a wide range of vessels, from high-speed powerboats to large luxury yachts and commercial vessels. The TracVision G4 radome is only 19.6 inches high and 19.3 inches in diameter (50 cm x 49 cm), which is the same size as the KVH Tracphone® 50 mini-M satellite telephone.
KVH Industries utilizes its proprietary fiber optic, auto calibration and sensor technologies to produce navigation and mobile satellite communications systems for commercial, military, and marine applications. The company was founded in 1982 and has headquarters in Middletown, RI, USA, with offices in Illinois, Florida, and Hoersholm, Denmark.
This press release contains certain forward looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties and the actual results could differ materially. Factors that might cause such differences include, but are not limited to, design delays and defects and satellite capabilities. This release should be read in conjunction with the companys Annual Report on Form 10K dated March 24, 1999, and available from the companys Corporate Communications Department.
| Contact: | Alice Andrews Director, Corporate Communications tel: 401-847-3327 fax: 401-849-0045 |