KVH HDTV Is On Trac And Goes Global

[SatNews] It has been called the most sophisticated marine satellite TV system available with a digitally programmable multi-beam.

KVH Industries, Inc., (Nasdaq: KVHI) will unveil its new 1-meter TracVision® HD11 marine satellite TV system at the PSP Southampton Boat Show on September 16. The world’s first truly global satellite HDTV system, the TracVision HD11 includes a unique four-axis stabilized design that tracks satellites on the horizon, even in distant latitudes, as well as directly overhead. It is also the first marine satellite TV system to offer a digitally programmable Universal World LNB compatible with all direct-to-home satellite TV services and HDTV programming, along with a library of more than 100 available satellites, and KVH’s exclusive TriAD™  technology for simultaneous reception of Ka- and Ku-band satellite broadcasts from DIRECTV in North America.

 “Whether it’s installed on a yacht or a commercial vessel, the TracVision HD11 provides the most versatile and convenient satellite TV experience available thanks to rock-solid tracking regardless of sea conditions as well as support for Ka- and Ku-band services using our TriAD antenna design,” says Martin Kits van Heyningen, KVH’s chief executive officer. “However, it is the system’s seamless switching from service to service that will come as the greatest surprise for vessel captains, owners, and crews. Thanks to our groundbreaking new Universal World LNB, the TracVision HD11 is compatible with satellite TV services worldwide, allowing users to switch seamlessly between services without the laborious and costly process of swapping out hardware and updating software in each new region. The TracVision HD11’s exclusive, digitally programmable LNB, the first of its kind in the maritime industry, automatically reconfigures itself to match each of the more than 100 satellites contained in the integrated worldwide TV satellite library.”

“KVH’s balanced approach of simplicity and sophistication sets the TracVision HD11 apart from competing systems,” observes Brent C. Bruun, KVH’s senior vice president of global sales and business development. “Enjoying entertainment at sea should be easy, seamless, and fun. That’s why the TracVision HD11 also includes our Internet Protocol (IP) Antenna Control Unit (ACU). With its Ethernet connection and built-in Wi-Fi interface, system setup and operation is as simple as opening a web browser. Simpler still are our exclusive KVH TracVision iPad®, iPhone®, and iPod touch® apps. Boaters can use these free apps to switch satellites, customize the satellite library, set up a convenient list of their favorite satellites, manage dual antenna installations, check signal strength, download and automatically install antenna software updates, contact KVH directly with questions, and much more. It doesn’t get any easier!”

With outstanding signal gain, the TracVision HD11 also brings satellite TV programming even as vessels travel toward the limits of satellite coverage in Europe, Asia, the Middle East, the Americas, and elsewhere, including DIRECTV’s North American HDTV service. The system includes a range of additional convenient features, including:

• all-new four-axis (three-axis plus skew) pedestal design with robotic direct drive that is both stronger and tracks better than competing products
• greatest range of motion (-25° to +120°) of any maritime satellite TV system
• advanced RF7 satellite identification, fully integrated DVB-S2 compatibility, and dual tuners which make the TracVision HD11 the smartest satellite TV system at sea, capable of updating itself when service providers make changes to their satellite parameters
• lighter design with the same mounting pattern as legacy 1 meter satellite TV systems to make upgrading easy
• full support for unlimited onboard receivers and DVRs
• integrated GPS and NMEA 0183-compatibility for even faster satellite acquisition as well as keyhole satellite tracking along the Equator
• integrated GSM Remote Support Module for diagnostics and satellite library updates

Along with these features, the TracVision HD11 offers several options to meet the unique needs of any yacht or commercial vessel:

• KVH RF SmartSwitch – The innovative KVH SmartSwitch enables switching between banks of receivers from different regions with just a button push! Plus, for vessels with the need for dual-dome installations, the SmartSwitch automatically switches to the antenna with the best signal for the chosen satellite.
• KVH IP AutoSwitch – Because not all channels are on the same satellite (especially in European waters), the IP AutoSwitch provides simple, automatic switching between DiSEqC 1.0-compatible satellites when you change channels. In addition, the IP AutoSwitch enables a captain or owner to choose which receiver on board is the master that controls the antenna.

“The TracVision HD11 is the next generation of satellite entertainment at sea and the world’s first truly global satellite TV system with full support for HDTV entertainment,” concludes Mr. Kits van Heyningen. “Finally, you can enjoy the satellite TV entertainment you desire using the satellite TV antenna your vessel deserves. Designed with the modern vessel and advanced satellite technology in mind, this sleek, powerful, and easy-to-use 1 meter satellite TV system leaves every other system in its wake.”

KVH dealers and distributors worldwide are now accepting orders for the TracVision HD11, which will ship later in 2011.