PEOPLE

Pivotal Satellite: Names Business Dev. Head

Pivotal Satellite Technologies Inc. hired Keith Lippert as its manager of sales and business development.

Prior to joining Pivotal, Lippert served in various sales and marketing positions in news, sports, corporate, medicine, education and Webcasting.

 

Wildblue: Appoints New Vice Presidents

Wildblue Communications Inc. appointed Anoosh Shahidi to vice president of business operations and Raymond Mills to vice president of technical operations. Shahidi will be responsible for Wildblue’s business operations, while Mills will be responsible for the management of all technical operations for Wildblue’s services.

Prior to his appointment at Wildblue, Shahidi held a developmental role at Comcast and its predecessor companies. Before joining Wildblue, Mills was with AT&T Broadband and Comcast Cable’s high-speed Internet services unit.

Services

Andrew: Completes IPstar Gateway System

Andrew Corp. completed Shin Satellite’s IPstar broadband satellite system Ka-band gateway earth station in Bangkok, Thailand. This satellite system provides two-way IP-based broadband services targeted to consumer and enterprise networks throughout the Asia-Pacific region with the deployment of 18 gateways in 14 countries.

The IPstar Bangkok gateway sites are equipped with two Andrew 8.1-meter Ka-band antennas, a 7.6 Ku-band high-wind pedestal mounted antenna and an Intelsat Type Approved 4.9- meter Ku-band pedestal mounted antenna.

In addition to the earth station antennas, Andrew provided and installed the RF systems, monitor and control capabilities and site diversity fiber optics that interconnect sites.

 

Loral Skynet: Introduces Occasional-Use Service

Loral Skynet is offering occasional-use services on its Telstar 10 satellite, covering Asia, Australia, parts of Europe and Africa in C-band. Likewise, it is offering occasional use in Korea, Taiwan, Macau and China, including Hong Kong, in Ku-band. Telstar 10, located at 76.5 degreesE, is equipped with 27 C-band and 24 Ku-band transponders.

Loral Skynet’s occasional-use service allows its customers to lease fractional transponders on a part-time basis. The company will expand the service to the new Telstar 18 satellite when it enters service over Asia, presently planned for this year.

 

MCI: Renames Satellite Group

MCI Satellite Solutions is the new name for the company’s satellite unit (formerly IDB Systems Group). This name change reflects the organization’s all-encompassing satellite services and its new hybrid satellite solution, VSAT networks combined with MCI’s terrestrial IP network.

MCI Satellite Solutions offers custom international satellite and fiber optic network solutions to serve customers in markets such as government, military, business enterprise, oil and gas, retail, financial services, shipping, medicine and education.

 

ND Satcom: Starts New Subsidiary

ND Satcom created ND Satcom Defence GmbH. The new subsidiary will be responsible for ND Satcom’s activities in the market for global security and enables the company to strengthen its leadership position in the European defense arena.

Contracts

Aloha Networks: Inks Deal With Andesat

Aloha Networks Inc. and Andesat Corp. signed a multi-year procurement agreement, deploying a SkyDSL Network to provide C-band and Ku-band service for Central and South America.

The multi-year agreement, valued at more than $8 million throughout three years and estimated at $1 million throughout the next 12 months, will enable Andesat to deliver SkyDSL IP networking services through its dealer network.

 

AGS: Partners With Marshall Communications To Win Contract

Americom Government Services Inc. (AGS), a wholly-owned subsidiary of SES Americom, and Marshall Communications, a provider of satellite-based telecommunications services and prime contractor, won a $25 million, four-year contract with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).

NASA will use AGS’ satellite services via Marshall, to provide Space Shuttle video feed during pre-launch, launch and re-entry. AGS will also broadcast NASA TV, which is transitioning from one analog channel to multiple digital channels.

 

Convergent Media: Renews Contract With Channel One

Convergent Media Systems signed a three-year renewal contract with Channel One Network of Primedia Inc.

Under the terms of the agreement, Convergent will provide all back-end satellite network equipment, and services and maintenance activity for Channel One’s approximately 12,000 middle, junior and high schools across the United States. This includes all equipment installation, repairs and replacement for new service and re-locations, as well as all help desk inquiries.

 

Eutelsat: Signs Lifetime Contract With RSCC

Eutelsat signed a contract with the Russian Satellite Communications Co. (RSCC) for the lifetime lease of 12 Ku-band transponders on the RSCC’s Express AM22 satellite.

The agreement with the RSCC enables Eutelsat to access high-power Ku-band capacity on the Express AM22 satellite, which provides services to Europe, Africa, the Middle East and central Asia.

 

Globecast: Delivers Italian Channel

Globecast is delivering Telepace to Europe via its platform on Hot Bird and to North America via its Globecast WorldTV (Telstar 5) platform.

Globecast is providing Telepace with an end-to-end solution including transmission and uplink as well as space capacity on its proprietary platforms. Globecast receives Telepace’s signal in Rome where it is transferred to the Paris technical operations center for uplink to Globecast’s digital platform on Hot Bird. The channel is simultaneously fed via fiber to Globecast’s Los Angeles gateway for uplink to Globecast WorldTV on Telstar 5.

 

Hughes Network Services: Receives Three New Contracts

Hughes Network Systems Inc. (HNS) won three new contracts valued in excess of $34 million from GTECH Corp., a provider of transaction processing systems and services to the lottery industry.

Under the terms of the contracts, HNS will deliver and install two new Direcway hubs, one located in Austin, TX, and the other in West Greenwich, RI, plus supply 12,000 additional DW4020 satellite terminals, along with associated hub and satellite services.

 

Intelsat: Completes Loral Acquisition

Intelsat Ltd. completed its acquisition of the North American satellites and related customer contracts of Loral Space and Communications Corp.

Upon the closing, Intelsat paid $961.1 million in cash for the assets acquired under the purchase agreement with Loral. In connection with the closing, and related to the failure last year of the Telstar 4 satellite, Intelsat was assigned Loral’s rights to receive insurance proceeds (net of currently expected warranty payments) of up to $140 million, which would further reduce the total consideration for these assets.

Communications operations and customer support will now be managed by Intelsat, with support from Loral for a six-month transition period. Command and control of the Intelsat Americas satellites will be transitioned to Intelsat’s satellite control center throughout the next 12 to 18 months.

 

International Datacasting: Wins Order From Hearst-Argyle

International Datacasting won an order from Hearst-Argyle Television to provide infrastructure for delivery of syndicated digital television programming and news to Hearst- Argyle stations across the United States. The system includes IDC’s SuperFlex DVB satellite multicasting system and the Datacast XD content delivery and management system.

Under this contract, IDC’s Datacast XD will deliver content from a central location to servers for ABC, NBC, CBS and UPN in all 27 TV stations of the Hearst-Argyle group.

 

Irdeto Access: Chosen By SES Americom

SES Americom chose Irdeto Access’ content protection technology to secure the distribution of programming and enterprise services aboard SES’ AMC 4 satellite.

SES Americom integrated the Irdeto M-Crypt conditional access system into its Woodbine, MD-based customer transmission center.

 

MSV: Equips Connecticut Dept. Of Public Health

Mobile Satellite Ventures’ (MSV) dispatch radio system is being deployed by the Connecticut Department of Public Health (CT-DPH) as part of a satellite-based emergency communications system.

The system, coined "Medsat" by CT-DPH, is funded through the state’s Center for Disease Control and Prevention Public Health Bioterrorism Preparedness and Response grant. Medsat connects the CT-DPH command post to all 32 CT-based hospitals, the State of Connecticut Emergency Operations Center and the Connecticut Hospital Association.

 

Norsat: Wins U.S. Govt. Contracts

Norsat International Inc. reported that two separate U.S. government agencies have purchased Norsat Newslink portable satellite terminals valued at $1.46 million for immediate delivery to Iraq and Afghanistan.

The U.S. Defense Department (DoD) purchased multiple Norsat Newslinks for its new Digital Video and Imagery Distribution System (DVIDS). The DVIDS initiative will serve as the DoD’s own news service in Iraq and Afghanistan. The Army is equipping several mobile public affairs detachments with the Norsat Newslink 3200 satellite terminal.

The same U.S. government agency that bought two systems in November 2003 purchased an additional Norsat Newslink terminal. This latest purchase will add to the agency’s existing communications operations in Iraq.

 

Panamsat: Helps Launch New Channel

Herring Broadcasting Inc. selected Panamsat Corp.’s Galaxy 13 to provide satellite delivery of its Wealth TV channel to cable and DBS providers throughout North America.

Wealth TV will uplink directly from Herring Broadcasting’s headquarters and broadcasting studio located in San Diego, CA, to Galaxy 13. The on-site uplink of Wealth TV provides direct control and avoids possible signal integrity loss associated with compression and sending the signal over long distances via fiber.

 

SES Americom: Signs Long-Term Deal With NBC

SES Americom signed a multi-year, multiple transponder agreement with NBC for C-band service on SES Americom’s HD-Prime cable neighborhood to be located on AMC 10 and AMC 11.

Scheduled for launch and operation this year, the AMC 10 and AMC 11 will be used for the distribution of most of NBC Cable’s networks including Bravo, Bravo HD+, CNBC, CNBC World, MSNBC, Telemundo for cable and mun2.

 

Spacenet: Inks Deal With New Edge Networks

Spacenet Inc. signed a wholesale agreement with New Edge Networks that allows the company to offer Spacenet’s Connexstar satellite service as its newest broadband service offering.

Connexstar provides commercial-grade, always-on broadband connectivity to multi-site enterprises. The service supports a range of business applications, including high-speed credit authorization, in-store licensed music, distance learning, content multicasting and secure private networking services.

New Edge Networks will offer Connexstar throughout the United States and Canada and will bill and collect from its customers. Spacenet will provide, install and maintain broadband satellite systems on behalf of New Edge.

 

Tachyon Networks: Partners With Comsat

Comsat International (Comsat) and Tachyon Networks Inc. (Tachyon) formed a strategic partnership that will allow Comsat to leverage Tachyon’s network infrastructure to offer high-speed broadband satellite services to large enterprises in Mexico and portions of Central America and the Caribbean.

The Comsat service went live in Mexico in January, with Tachyon locating a gateway hub at Comsat’s Mexico City teleport; Comsat will provide sales, network and service management for the region.

 

Telenor: Signs Agreement With Spacecom

Telenor Satellite Services and Spacecom Satellite Communications Services Ltd. of Ramet Gan, Israel, signed a three-year service agreement.

Under the terms of the agreement, Telenor will offer advanced communications services via Spacecom’s Amos 2 satellite, including delivery of VSAT networks and high-power broadband services suitable for Internet service and content providers.

Telenor’s Southbury, CT, teleport facility will serve as the primary U.S. hub and one-stop-shop for these services. The company constructed a new antenna to support Spacecom business in the United States.

 

US Monolithics: Supplies Transceivers To Wildblue

US Monolithics and Viasat Inc. signed a contract whereby US Monolithics will be the exclusive supplier of outdoor satellite transceiver electronics to Viasat for Wildblue Communications Inc.

For Wildblue, US Monolithics plans to supply a 3-watt linear output power transceiver operating at transmit frequencies of 29.5 to 30.0 GHz and receive frequencies of 19.7 to 20.2 GHz, integrated into a single package.

Technology

Codem Systems: Introduces Antenna Control System

Codem Systems Inc. released a modular, touch screen antenna control unit (ACU) workstation to complement its suite of antenna control products. The ACU workstation includes the antenna control features traditionally provided in a Codem controller along with an ergonomic touch screen interface plus integrated Web cam and VoIP intercom.

These features allow a remote user to maintain real-time observation of the antenna and establish a voice intercom link with the local ground station personnel without the need for separate video or phone networks. (Codem Systems Inc., 7 Executive Park Dr., Merrimack, NH 03054; Tel: 603/429-0111; Fax: 603/429-0155; Web: http://www.codem.com)

 

Comtech EF Data: Debuts L-band Satellite Modem

Comtech EF Data Corp. released the CDM-570L satellite modem. According to the company, this modem features data rates from 2.4 kbs to 5 Mbs, fast acquisition, second generation turbo product coding and modulation techniques.

Designed for enterprise applications, this offering optimizes satellite communications and introduces advanced features, while providing interfaces and options to meet different network environments.

The CDM-570L enables both local and remote configuration and management, offers a built-in redundancy controller plus supports a special feature to control the distant end of a satellite link using Comtech EF Data’s proprietary overhead channel. (Comtech EF Data, 2114 W. 7th St., Tempe, AZ 85281; Tel: 480/333-2200; Fax: 480/333-2540; Web: http://www.comtechefdata.com)

 

e2v Technologies: Develops New Amplifier

e2v Technologies developed the Stellarcool–a range of 400-watt amplifiers.

Stellarcool is currently available in C- and Ku-band frequencies. Amplifiers covering DBS and X-bands are planned for introduction by mid-2004. Stellarcool amplifiers can operate at 50 degreesC in direct sunlight, removing the need for amplifier shields on flyaway, truck- or ground-based systems.

e2v’s amplifiers are available in standard or custom configurations, covering frequencies from 5.85 GHz to 31 GHz and powers from 95-watts to 180-watts. Stellarcool extends this range to provide output power up to 400-watts. (e2v Technologies, 106 Waterhouse Lane, Chelmsford, Essex, CM1 2QU, United Kingdom; Tel: +44 1245 493 493; Fax: +44 1245 492 492; Web: http://www.e2vtechnologies.com)

 

Foxcom: Expands Product Line

Foxcom, a division of OnePath Networks, introduced the System 951, C-band RF optical interfacility link. The System 951 provides full support for C-band; uplink frequencies from 5.80 to 6.650 GHz and downlink frequencies from 3.40 to 4.20 GHz and meets Intelsat Standard A requirements.

Foxcom’s fiber optic technology reduces the attenuation, slope, phase shift and group delay. The C-band’s link lasers produce negligible chirp and optical distortion. Manual gain at the transmitter and receiver site allow for system optimization according to the application. As with all Foxcom interfacility fiber optic links, LEDs, back panel alarms and monitors are provided indicating system health and interfacing with third-party M&C systems. (Foxcom Inc., 600 College Rd. East, Suite 3400, Princeton, NJ 08540; Tel: 609/514-1800; Fax: 609/514-1881; Web: http://www.foxcom.com)

 

ILC: Launches Total Control Solution

Network control software developer ILC released Maxview CMS–a carrier monitoring system (CMS) that operates both as a stand-alone system or as a fully integrated component of a satellite monitor and control system.

Satellite, broadcast and cable service providers can use Maxview CMS to automatically regulate noise levels, signal-to-noise ratios and power levels of a carrier. By detecting the interference typically caused by transmit signals outside their designated frequency, Maxview CMS will also help satellite service providers achieve service availability targets, according to ILC. (ILC, One Capital City Plaza, Suite 1000, Atlanta, GA 30326; Tel: 404/504-7400; Fax: 404/504-7401; Web: http://www.ilc.com)

 

Mentat: Releases SkyX With SCPS Transport Protocol

Mentat Inc. released the military standard SCPS (Space Communications Protocol Standards) transport protocol within its SkyX Gateway products for optimized data transfer over satellite. The availability of SCPS within the SkyX Gateway brings Mentat’s IP acceleration system to military satellite networks that specify the use of this protocol.

According to Mentat, the SkyX Gateway makes possible terrestrial-like performance over satellite links. It accelerates e-mail, Web downloads, file transfers and other TCP/IP applications while remaining transparent to end users. (Mentat, 1145 Gayley Ave., Suite 315, Los Angeles, CA 90024; Tel: 310/208-2650; Fax: 310/208-3724; Web: http://www.mentat.com)

 

NDS: Introduces Mobile DRM Solution

NDS, a News Corp. company, launched its mobile DRM solution based on its broadcast conditional access Videoguard, which keeps content secure and offers operators flexibility in packaging their content.

The solution uses key NDS technologies for content protection, encryption, rights management, metadata and personalization. (NDS Group plc, One London Rd., Staines, Middlesex, United Kingdom TW18 4EX; Tel: +44 20 8476 8000; Fax: +44 20 8476 8100; Web: http://www.nds.com)

 

ND Satcom: Debuts New Software

ND Satcom released its new software version 5.31 for its SkyWAN product family. Besides full mesh network topologies this new software allows set-up of star and hybrid VSAT networks. This new software development furthermore facilitates static and dynamic IP routing as well as embedded TCP acceleration. (ND Satcom AG, An der B31, 88090 Immenstaad, Germany; Tel: +49 7545 9390; Fax: +49 7545 939 8780; Web: http://www.ndsatcom.com)

 

New Skies Satellites: Presents New Software Tool

New Skies Satellites NV launched a new software tool that will provide New Skies IPsys customers flexibility and control on managing their products, according to the company.

Branded IPsys Netbuilder, the software allows customers to autonomously manage their own DVB services in real-time, adding or removing sites and changing bandwidth allocations. Customers can even set up sub-accounts to give their end customers similar managed platform capabilities. (New Skies Satellites NV, Rooseveltplantsoen 4, 2517 KR The Hague, The Netherlands; Tel: +31 70 306 4100; Fax: +31 70 306 4101; Web: http://www.newskies.com)

 

Polarsat: Launches New Product Line

Polarsat launched the Nanook satellite communications system. According to the company, this cost-effective, multiservice broadband access product line surpasses price and performance levels of many competing broadband access systems. (Polarsat, 18, 105 Trans Canada Hwy., H9J 3Z4; Tel: 514/694-2244; Fax: 514/694-5288; Web: http://www.polarsat.com)

 

Tandberg: Introduces New Receivers

Tandberg Television introduced two flexible, high-performance receivers. Targeting both standard and high definition markets, both receivers offer enhanced means of reducing operational costs and protecting valuable content through a variety of new solutions, the company says.

The TT1280 professional HD receiver is designed for studio contribution, network distribution, mobile applications and digital cinema applications and offers high-quality HD decoding in a one-rack unit.

This is complemented by the new TT1221, an integrated receiver/decoder for MPEG-2 standard definition systems that includes a GPS feature for tracking the receiver’s geographical position. (Tandberg Television Ltd., Strategic Park, Comines Way, Hedge End, Southampton, United Kingdom, SO30 4DA; Tel: +44 23 8048 4000; Fax: +44 23 8048 4003; Web: http://www.tandbergtv.com)

 

Terrasat: Offers Intelligent Block Upconverter

Terrasat Communications launched IBUC–the Intelligent Block Upconverter. The IBUC adds new user interfaces including TCP/IP with an embedded Web page. A full set of built-in diagnostics assists the user with installation and terminal analysis. The IBUC features internal AGC/ALC functions for more demanding applications. It also includes the switching logic and drivers within the RF unit.

The IBUC will initially be available in standard C- and Ku-bands. Expansion to extended C- and Ku-bands, plus X-band will follow. (Terrasat Communications Inc., 235 Vineyard Ct., Morgan Hill, CA 95037; Tel: 408/782-5911; Fax: 408/782-5912; Web: http://www.terrasatinc.com)

 

Thales: Unveils DTV Security Platform

Thales Broadcast and Multimedia unveiled ThalesCrypt, a new DTV Security Service Platform designed to protect contribution links. ThalesCrypt is an end-to-end solution for digital content security with the ability to adapt to any satellite, cable, terrestrial or broadband network. Thales’ new Security Service Platform addresses all aspects of content delivery and security, including advanced scrambling, content reception and de-encryption.

The platform can be used for contribution network security, over-scrambling and DSNG/live events security applications. (Thales Broadcast and Multimedia, 104 Feeding Hills Rd., Southwick, MA 01077; Tel: 413/998-1100; Web: http://www.thales-bm.com)

 

Tripoint Global: Introduces Satcom-On-The Move

Tripoint Global Communications introduced an "on-the move" RF terminal capable of high-bandwidth voice and data communications over satellite.

The full motion, remote control terminal, designed and built by Tripoint Global’s VertexRSI product line, is ruggedized for use by military forces and designed to be mounted on a wide variety of tactical vehicles. (Tripoint Global Communications, P.O. Box 850, 1500 Prodelin Dr., Newton, NC 28658; Tel: 828/464-4141; Fax: 828/464-4147; Web: http://www.tripointglobal.com)

 

Udcast: Launches UDgateway-VPN

UDcast launched the UDgateway-VPN (Virtual Private Network), a product enabling high performance site-to-site IPsec-based VPN for satellite and hybrid networks.

Udcast’s UDgateway-VPN allows enterprises without terrestrial broadband access or whose remote offices have no access, to fully communicate and benefit from IP applications using satellite technology. (UDcast, B.P. 355, 2455, route des Dolines, 06906 Sophia Antipolis cedex, France; Tel: +33 4 9300 1660; Fax: +33 4 9300 1661; Web: http://www.udcast.com)