People

BOEING: Selects Head Of Satellite Manufacturing Business

Boeing selected Dave Ryan to lead Boeing Satellite Systems as the vice president and general manager. Ryan succeeds Randy Brinkley, who announced his intent to leave the company on June 1, 2003.

Ryan was most recently vice president and deputy general manager of Space Intelligence Systems.

 

COASTAL SATELLITE: Hires Head Of Production Services

Coastal Satellite Inc. (CSI) a provider of satellite uplink and production services, appointed Mitchell Lane as the head of studio and production services. In addition to promoting and managing the on-site studio, Lane will oversee CSI’s pursuit of the growing internal, visual communications market.

 

DNE: Appoints Director Of Sales

DNE Technologies Inc., a provider of voice/data solutions, appointed William Berger director of sales. He will be responsible for product sales in the U.S. government market, including the Defense Department, NSA, Homeland Security and Emergency Response services.

Berger joins DNE Technologies from Encore Networks, where he was director of business development.

 

INTELSAT: Promotes Potarazu

Ramu Potarazu, president and COO of Intelsat Global Service Corp., was promoted to president and COO, Intelsat (Bermuda) Ltd. in March. He will head Intelsat’s global sales and marketing efforts.

In his position with Intelsat Global Sales and Marketing Ltd., Potarazu will assume responsibilities for the direction of business development, marketing, broadband programs and establishing new strategic business units for voice and data, video and government services. As President and COO of Intelsat Ltd., he will also be responsible for directing Intelsat’s corporate strategy.

 

NEWPOINT: Names Sales Director

Newpoint Technologies Inc. named Chris Faletra director of sales. In this role, he will oversee a large segment of the sales efforts for Newpoint, including commercial earth station/teleport, government, broadcast, telecommunications and Internet/VDSL markets.

Faletra’s most recent positions were sales engineer and senior applications engineer for Almeric Networks.

 

ORBITAL SCIENCES: Strengthens Space Systems Team

Orbital Sciences Corp. named John "Jack" Danko executive vice president and general manager of the company’s Space Systems Group (SSG). Danko previously served as deputy general manager of SSG since 1999 and, before that, as the head of the company’s Technical Services Division. Prior to joining Orbital, Danko worked at RCA’s AstroElectronics Division and at OAO Corp.

 

SBCA: Appoints Communications Director

Robert Udowitz joined The Satellite Broadcasting and Communications Association (SBCA) as director of communications. Udowitz will serve as SBCA’s primary spokesperson and will oversee all communications activities for the association.

Prior to joining SBCA, Udowitz served as the corporate public relations manager for American Management Systems.

Services

EUROPE ONLINE: Extends Its Network

Europe Online is extending its mass-consumer broadband Internet, E-DSL and multimedia service onto the Eutelsat satellite system, thus making it one of the service providers on Europe’s two satellite systems, Eutelsat and Astra.

 

GLOBECAST: Launches New Platform

Globecast launched its new proprietary digital DTH platform on the Eutelsat Hot Bird satellite via its digital teleport and broadcast center in London. This new platform will add to Globecast’s five existing Hot Bird platforms (one via London and four via Paris), expanding Globecast’s direct-to-home broadcast capacity throughout Europe.

 

INTELSAT: Invests In OVS Services

Intelsat introduced Occasional Video Solutions (OVS), an end-to-end service that offers a one-stop-shop for video needs.

OVS are tailored to meet the needs for either ad hoc, special event or scheduled video feeds by utilizing Intelsat’s fleet of satellites in combination with a terrestrial infrastructure and worldwide presence. Intelsat also designed and constructed a dedicated Video Operations Center, which handles bookings, inquiries, monitoring and other video service requests 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

 

SIRIUS: Arrives At Dealerships Nationwide

Sirius Satellite Radio is now available at all Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep dealerships across the continental United States. The Chrysler Group is offering Sirius Satellite Radio as both a dealer and factory-installed feature.

Contracts

EMS TECHNOLOGIES: Delivers Satcom Solution To Police

EMS Technologies Inc. provided the New Mexico State Police with 60 packet data terminals (PDT-100), EMS’s wireless two-way data communication radio that supports GPS tracking.

The PDT-100 operates over Mobile Satellite Ventures’ geostationary MSAT 1 satellite to enable police officers to quickly check drivers’ license plates and make stolen vehicle inquiries from their patrol cars anywhere in the state.

 

FUTRON: Joins Forces With Spectrum

Futron Corp. and Spectrum Strategy Consultants/Spectrum Latin America formed a partnership for the provision of enhanced business services to the satellite industry.

This partnership agreement will provide clients worldwide ready access to Futron’s market research and forecasting abilities, along with Spectrum’s strategy solutions.

 

GLOBECAST: Chosen By GOL TV

Globecast began supplying all-soccer channel GOL TV with program origination, production studios, satellite uplink and capacity on AMC 1.

A subsidiary of Uruguay-based Tenfield S.A., GOL TV is an all-soccer programming network in the United States, broadcast in Spanish and distributed via satellite to cable and satellite providers across the United States.

GOL TV’s network origination is managed by Globecast at its Digital Broadcast Center and International Teleport in Miami. Services include 24/7 master control, digital tape and server playback, satellite uplink and digital satellite space on AMC 1, as well as downlink of programming content and soccer matches.

 

ILC: Selected To Control Network

ILC’s Maxview network control software was again selected by Nebraska Educational Telecommunications (NET) to expand the monitoring, management and control of its network.

NET currently employs Maxview to automate the control of its satellite system and will now use the software to monitor and control nine terrestrial broadcast transmitter sites located throughout the state of Nebraska.

 

INTELSAT: Signs Deal With TV Globo

Intelsat signed a 10-year contract with TV Globo Ltd. to distribute its international news and entertainment programming to cable and DTH operators throughout the Americas over the Intelsat 805 satellite at 304.5 degrees E.

In addition to satellite capacity, Intelsat is providing full-time turnaround services through its newly acquired Riverside teleport near Los Angeles.

TV Globo will use the Intelsat 805 to distribute its "Globo" national network signal to more than 110 television stations in Brazil, and its "TV Globo Internacional" programming service throughout Latin America and to North America and Europe.

 

IRDETO: Expands Satellite Programming

Irdeto Access’ M-Crypt conditional access system was selected by the North American division of ABS-CBN International (ABS-CBNI) to expand the number of programming channels it broadcasts in the United States and Canada.

ABS-CBNI relies on Irdeto M-Crypt to protect its direct-to-home, satellite-based content, which includes three television channels and two radio channels.

 

MTN: Signs Three-Year Agreement

Maritime Telecommunications Network (MTN), a provider of satellite-based communications, networking and other services to the cruise and offshore oil and gas industries, signed a three-year lease agreement with worldwide oil and gas drilling contractor GlobalSantaFe Corporate Services Inc. to install satellite communications facilities onboard nine offshore drilling rigs.

Under the agreement, financial terms of which were not disclosed, MTN will provide GlobalSantaFe with equipment and services enabling its personnel on the nine rigs to enjoy worldwide communications coverage using VSAT services, including C-and Ku-band.

 

ND SATCOM: Earns Contract From Intelsat

ND Satcom was awarded a contract by Intelsat for a turnkey delivery of five C-band standard A antenna systems, one Ku-band standard C antenna system and all associated equipment for Intelsat’s east coast teleport in the United States.

ND Satcom was chosen as prime contractor with responsibility for the complete installation, integration and testing of the antenna and the RF equipment. The contract also includes an option for additional antenna systems for the site.

 

NEW SKIES: Teams Up With Intelsat

New Skies Satellites N.V. and Intelsat Global Sales and Marketing Ltd., teamed up to use their existing orbital and satellite resources at a single orbital location to expand their respective commercial service offerings to the Americas, Europe, Africa and the Middle East.

Under the terms of the agreement, New Skies will allow use of its C-band frequency rights at 340 degrees E, where the hybrid Intelsat 603 satellite is currently providing Ku- band services. In return, each company will separately market the satellite’s C-band capacity for the delivery of video, Internet and data services throughout the Atlantic Ocean region, sharing revenues from C-band operations.

 

POLARSAT: Launches New Satellite Company

Polarsat, a new, privately-held company focused on the manufacture of satellite communications equipment, purchased the assets and product lines of the former broadband division of NSI Global Inc.

The firm raised $9 million from three major investors active in the satellite communications industry and retained key former NSI employees to ensure a smooth transition and startup.

 

QUINTECH: Selected By DirecTV

Quintech Electronics and Communications Inc. deployed two SRM 2150/16×32 L-band (950-2150 MHz) RF matrix routing systems and two SRM 0070/32×8 intermediate frequency (70 MHz IF) RF matrix routing systems for use in signal monitoring in DirecTV’s spotbeam uplink and downlink satellite network. The routers will be integrated into DirecTV’s broadcast centers across the United States, which are designed to deliver local "must carry" broadcast signals.

 

SATELLITE 2004: To Participate In International Buyer Program

SATELLITE 2004, set for March 2-5, 2004, was selected as one of only 32 North American events for the U.S. Commercial Services International Buyer program sponsored by the U.S. Commerce Department.

SATELLITE 2004 exhibitors will now have the ability to meet pre-screened international buyers who will be matched with their products and services. The International Buyer Program enhances the exhibitor’s participation by coordinating the recruitment of qualified international buyers, agents and distributors. The program also benefits the international delegates at SATELLITE 2004 by providing matchmaking services to fit their organization’s needs.

 

SED SYSTEMS: Wins Contract With ESA

SED systems was awarded a major contract from the European Space Agency following an international competition.

Under the terms of the $33 million contract, SED will provide a 35-meter deep space antenna system in Europe. The system will enable X-band transmit and receive and Ka-band receive capability, with the possibility of future upgrade to Ka-band transmission. ESA’s network is being augmented by adding deep space antenna systems to support such programs as Rosetta, Mars Express, Bepi Columbo and Gaia.

 

VERESTAR: Provides European Gateway

Verestar Inc. was chosen by Connexion By Boeing as its European gateway for ground station services. The two-year agreement with Verestar is for transmission services over multiple Ku-band satellites, in addition to terrestrial connectivity, Internet access and network services for Connexion by Boeing’s European coverage.

Technology

BOEING: Introduces C-band Amplifier

Boeing Electron Dynamic Devices Inc. developed a lightweight, high efficiency, C-band traveling wave tube (TWT) for satellite downlink applications. Designated as 8555Hx, this TWT is fully space qualified and offers up to 71 percent overall efficiency, according to Boeing.

The new 8555Hx TWT is capable of covering the full 800 MHz extended C-band frequency range. Designed to operate at saturated RF output power levels from 25 to 80 watts with minimal adjustment, the TWT is optimized for best performance in the 45 to 65 watt power range. (Boeing Electron Dynamic Devices, P.O. Box 92919, Los Angeles, CA 90009; Tel: 310/364-6363; Web: http://www.boeing.com/satellite.com)

 

FRONTLINE: Rolls Out New Broadcast Van

Frontline Communications introduced its new ENG-350 HT (High Top) raised roof broadcast van.

An all aluminum raised roof structure was designed by Frontline’s engineers to provide the combination of interior space, structural integrity and light weight that makes this one of the best ENG vans in the business. Features include a new modular rack design with the full 19" wide rack units, a centrally ducted air conditioning system, and the most interior headroom available anywhere, according to the company. The HT can be configured for ENG, Digital Satellite (DSNG) or as a combination ENG/DSNG. (Frontline Communications, 12770 44th St. North, Clearwater, FL 33762; Tel: 727/573-0400; Web: http://www.frontlinecomm.com)

 

KROMOS: Releases L-band iP3 Gateway

Kromos Communications Inc. released the L-band iP3 gateway platform. The iP3 gateway is a two-way satellite IP transport solution for IP data, voice and video traffic. It offers a combination of hardware and software features to provide satellite based point-to-point, star-hub and hub-less mesh networks.

The L-band iP3 gateway is carrier-grade integrated terminal capable of providing data rates from 64 kbs to 15 Mbs in symmetric as well as asymmetric mode. The L-band system supports IF frequency from 950 to 1700 MHz, enabling transmission over multiple transponders. (Kromos Communications Inc., 47835 Westinghouse Dr., Fremont, CA 94539; Tel: 510/492- 4272; Fax: 510/657-9484; Web: http://www.kromos.com)

 

MENTAT: Previews SkyX Version 4.0

Mentat’s SkyX Gateway version 4.0 adds Pre-Fetch functionality for faster downloads of Web content over satellite links.

The new Web Pre-Fetch functionality further enhances the performance of HTTP transfers over the satellite link by pro-actively retrieving embedded objects on a Web page along with the requested HTML page. The SkyX system delivers the Web objects to the client side of the satellite link where they can be served locally when requested by the browser, avoiding the satellite delay. (Mentat Inc., 1145 Gayley Ave., Suite 315, Los Angeles, CA 90024; Tel: 310/208-2650; Fax: 310/208-3724; Web: http://www.mentat.com)

 

NEWPOINT: Newpoint Unveils M&C Technology

Newpoint Technologies Inc. unveiled its new Compass Creator, an application that will build an M&C graphical user interface at the touch of a button, according to Newpoint.

Once configured in the system, Creator builds device detail pages, builds overview pages and configures the database, thereby reducing the time associated with creating an M&C system. (Newpoint Technologies Inc., 13 Red Roof Lane, Salem, NH 03079; Tel: 603/898-1110; Fax: 603/770-0425; Web: http://www.newpointtech.com)

 

PATRIOT ANTENNA: Debuts New BUCs

Patriot Antenna Systems is introducing new 1.5 watt and 2 watt block upconverters (BUCs) designed by U.S. Monolithics. Patriot will bundle the BUCs with its new line of transmit 75 cm, 90 cm, 1.0, 1.2, 1.8, and 2.4-meter VSAT antennas.

Patriot will stock a large quantity of these bundled systems comprised of antenna, BUC and LNB, in its Albion, MI, factory. Patriot will also offer a variety of mounts and installation accessory options to complement the base packages. (Patriot Antenna Systems, 704 North Clark St., Albion, MI, 49224; Tel: 517/629-5990; Web: http://www.sepatriot.com)

 

TANDBERG: Develops DSNG Solution

Tandberg Television will introduce a state-of-the-art digital satellite newsgathering (DSNG) technology developed in cooperation with Raytheon and Vocality International this month. The new system is a fully integrated 2U digital flyaway, capable of bi-directional transmission of audio, video and data feed from a remote transmission site. It also provides two-way phone, data and IP communications between the satellite downlink and remote transmit site. (Tandberg Television Inc., 12633 Challenger Pkwy., Suite 250, Orlando, FL 32826; Tel: 407/380-7055; Fax: 407/380-6691; Web: http://www.tandbergtv.com)