SatNews

Satellite Industry Intelligence Since 1983

ORBITS: News Briefs…

  • Compact Communications From Thuraya
    ThurayaModule
    The ThurayaModule compact satellite modem (Photo: Thuraya)     Based on “ThurayaModule”, Thuraya Satellite Telecommunications Company and several of their technology partners are working on some new, specialized communications applications. These products are already being tested by some US and European folk in the vehicle tracking, maritime fleet management and military surveillance arenas. ThurayaModule is a compact satellite modem supporting circuit switch voice, data/fax, SMS, GPS and GmPRS. The modem is within the company’s GEN-II series that operates on Thuraya’s network. And it’s a first, as it is based on data transmission—Abu Dhabi, UAE—August 27, 2007


  • Globe Rides SeaWave & Rydex Into New Roles
    With direct employee technicians in more than 30 ports around the world, Globe Wireless increased their business role in the global maritime communications and IT systems world by completing their acquisition of SeaWave & Rydex. This means the company now provides their services to more than 8,000 ships and over 500 ship operators plying the oceans and ports across the world. Current SeaWave and Ryder customers can expect the continued support of those products, but now with enhanced support and service capabilities—Palm Bay, Florida—August 23, 2007


  • Googling and Oogling Space
    SkyGoogle
    When you “Google” it, this could mean obtaining some awesome imagery from space, such as the photos as captured by the Hubble Space Telescope. The new offering from Google is called Sky in Google Earth, the new complimentary service to their Google Earth section. You could cross the night sky… or enjoy your choice of category from colliding galaxies to the Eagle Nebula. Additionally, whatever you select, links to various database assemblies of Hubble info will also be yours. The Sky in Google Earth is possible through a partnership with the Hubble’s home base, the Space Telescope Science Institute. To access, simply select “Switch to Sky” from the drop-down menu in Google Earth itself. Enjoy!


  • DCS Maxes Out With Scopus
    There’s an expansion afoot for the third largest cable and DTH operator in Romania. Digital Cable Systems (DCS) selected Scopus Video Networks (NASDAQ: COP) digital broadcast platforms for their DTH service (MAX-TV). The new system from Scopus is composed of IVG-7100 Intelligent Video Gateway platforms, IRD-2900 Integrated Receiver Decoders, statistically multiplexed encoder systems, plus the all-important Network Management System software. The ASI/IP-based IVG platform also offers advanced video processing capabilities, such as Joint Transrating, grooming, and bit-rate shaping for better bandwidth utilization. MAX-TV was launched on July 1st in 2005 and is a satellite reception system for various subscription-based channel. There are 50 channels on two transponders from Sirius 2 and one on Eutelsat W2—Tel Aviv, Israel—August 23, 2007


  • Pleasantly Board
    Last Thursday the 23rd, Thrane & Thrane A/S conducted an extraordinary general meeting at the company’s corporate office in Lyngby, Denmark. With 25.9 percent of the company’s share capital present for this meeting, the Board of Directors elected Corporate Officer Jim Hagemann Snabe, SAP Group AG, as the newest member of the board.