SatNews

Satellite Industry Intelligence Since 1983

ORBITZ — AsiaSat + Eurovision — CETel + Arabsat — DIRECTV — GIT Satellite Communications — International Launch Services — InventHelp + Clear Signal —

  • ASTRONAUT — Asia Satellite Telecommunications Co. Ltd. (AsiaSat) has been contracted by Eurovision to supply multiple transponders on AsiaSat 2 during the Beijing Olympic Games, being conducted from August 8th through the 24th. AsiaSat will play a key role in delivering Eurovision’s live TV coverage of the event in HD format to the the world. Eurovision has been using AsiaSat-2 as part of its global network since 1999 to transmit regular and ad hoc live video contribution and distribution feeds to its members and customers between Asia, Australasia, and Europe. These include the latest coverage of premier sports events such as the UEFA Champions League, top European national football leagues, Grand Slam Tennis and Motor Sports.

  • BUSINESS — Together with its strategic partner, Arabsat, CETel now offers DVB-S2 services on Arabsat-2B via C-band. This new service is designed to serve CETel’s growing customers in the Gulf region, Middle East and African (MENA) markets. DVB-S2 is the most advanced satellite transmission technique from DVB and offers 30 percent greater efficiency. This solution includes advanced forward error correction and uses more efficient modulation modes such as 8PSK, 16APSK, or 32APSK—Ruppichteroth, Germany + Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

  • CONTENT + DELIVERY — DIRECTV, Inc. has launched their DIRECTV on Demand service to customers, available at no additional charge with a DIRECTV Plus® HD DVR or R22 DVR receiver. The service offers more than 4,000 SD and HD titles, 24-hours-a-day, seven-days-a-week. The service allows customers to download the programming of their choice from the DIRECTV on Demand library to their DVRs to enjoy whenever they want. The service includes customized programmer home pages, Internet remote scheduling, free and expanded PPV titles.

  • BUSINESS —GIT Satellite Communications has been awarded a United States General Services Administration (GSA) Schedule contract, number GS-35F-0404U. This contract enables GIT to be listed on an approved GSA Schedule and to sell GIT’s equipment, services, and solutions directly to government agencies. GIT’s inclusion as a GSA Schedule Vendor allows government agencies to obtain special and approved pricing from a trusted vendor. GIT also remains committed to expanding and strengthening its government channel, recognizing this segment of the market as a key factor for achieving long-term growth—Austin, Texas

  • BUSINESS — International Launch Services has new digs… their new office location is six miles from Dulles International Airport and 25 miles from Washington D.C. in Reston, Virginia, at the Reston Town Center. Their new address is 1875 Explorer Street, Suite 700, Reston, Virginia — 20190. Their email addresses and telephone numbers remain the same. This change will be effective as of July 7th, 2008.

  • InventHelp logo INVENTION — InventHelp® represents an inventor from Bangor, Michigan, who has designed a satellite dish accessory that prevents precipitation accumulation. This invention is patented. The “Clear Signal” could eliminate loss of satellite signal and pixel breakup. The invention could enable a user to enjoy a clear satellite signal, regardless of weather conditions. The device would melt and remove accumulated precipitation from the satellite dish pick-up lens. The unit would be usable in conjunction with a variety of satellite dishes. The Clear Signal would consist of a plastic or metallic casing measuring 12-inches in height, nine inches in length, and eight inches in width. The unit would feature a fan and blower system, heating coil, and a diffuser and would be mounted onto an existing satellite dish. The diffuser would send a blast of air down the exterior of the pick-up lens, which would clear any accumulated water droplets. The heating coil would melt snow or ice particles. A 12-, 24- or 120-volt electrical wire would connect to a remote switch inside of the house, which would power the unit. For more information, telephone Dept. 04-BGN-1756 at (800) 851-6030.