Focus: Broadcasting

[Via Satellite 10-31-13] SimbaNET Nigeria has upgraded its satellite network to iDirect’s Evolution platform. SimbaNET’s Evolution upgrade includes a Universal hub, iDX 3.1 software and X1 and X3 remotes. The upgrade will increase the network’s satellite capacity to support broadband applications such as VoIP, data and video as well as narrowband services like Automated Teller...

[Via Satellite 10-30-13] Dish is teaming up with Southwest Airlines to provide travelers with the opportunity to borrow an iPad 2 from its “Watch TV on the Fly” libraries. Building upon the “TV Flies Free” offering, passengers traveling between select cities can now check out an iPad 2 at their departure airport and view live...

[Via Satellite 10-29-13] Space Systems/Loral (SSL) announced that the Sirius FM 6 satellite, designed and built for Sirius XM Radio, is performing post-launch maneuvers according to plan. The satellite deployed its solar arrays late Friday evening, following a successful launch from the Baikonur Space Center in Kazakhstan aboard a Proton Breeze M launch vehicle, provided...

[Via Satellite 10-29-13] Panasonic Avionics Corporation has selected NewCom International’s new teleport in Peru to be the facility of excellence and manage its aeronautical broadband coverage in South America. This decision comes as Panasonic has decided to expand its aeronautical broadband service over Latin America. NewCom will be providing the services to enhance in-flight entertainment...

[Via Satellite 10-28-13] International Launch Services (ILS), successfully carried the Sirius FM 6 satellite, built by SSL, into orbit on an ILS Proton for Sirius XM Radio. The ILS Proton Breeze M vehicle launched from Pad 39 at the Baikonur Cosmodrome at 00:09 Oct. 26 local time (18:09 GMT and 14:09 EDT on Oct. 25). ...

[Via Satellite 10-25-13] Video consumption across non-traditional devices such as tablets, smartphones, PCs and connected PCs evolved exponentially into a global phenomenon that is not restricted to a geographic area or a limited number of service providers, according to a new Frost & Sullivan report. With pay-TV service providers offering more applications and interactive content,...

[Via Satellite 10-25-13] Fashion One, the international television network for fashion, entertainment and lifestyle, has selected Asia Broadcast Satellite (ABS) to provide broadcast services. The SD channel launched its demo broadcast services to Asia and Europe via the ABS 1 satellite C-band and Ku-band video platforms. Local feed of Fashion One is received in Europe...

[Via Satellite 10-23-13] After a recent Morgan Stanley report that predicted difficult times ahead for the FSS sector, another European investment firm, Natixis Securities, has released a report giving its thoughts on the stocks it covers: Avanti, Eutelsat, SES and Inmarsat. Eric Beaudet, a satellite equity analyst said in the research note that Natixis “remains...

[Via Satellite 10-23-13] SES has signed a renewal of its contract with Sony Entertainment Television (SET) Asia. The new agreement will enable SET Asia to serve its subscribers in the United Kingdom and Ireland at SES’ prime orbital arc of 28.2/28.5 degrees east, as well as distribute its platform to affiliates across Europe. SES serves...

[Via Satellite 10-22-13] Spacecom’s Amos 5 at 17 degrees east has won another broadcast deal in East Africa. Under the new $3.6-million contract, Spacecom will provide analog to digital migration broadcast services to an East African Digital Terrestrial Transmission (DTT) and Direct To Home (DTH) operator. The operator’s DTT distribution and DTH signal to the...