Published: September 24, 2008
New Ka-band Technology From Intellian Technologies(R) Delivers High-Definition DIRECTV Programming at Sea
IRVINE, Calif., Sept. 24 /PRNewswire/ -- Satellite entertainment and
communications innovator Intellian Technologies(R) has unveiled yet another
first for the marine industry and the boating public -- the only marine
satellite TV systems able to receive High Definition (HD) programming
broadcast from DIRECTV's new Ka-band satellites.
"By taking the lead in marine Ka-band satellite technology development,
we're demonstrating our commitment to enhancing the lives of boaters and
advancing the industry with innovative solutions," says Intellian Technologies
President and CEO Eric Sung. "It's our goal to continuously be ahead of the
technology curve and to anticipate the needs of tomorrow's market. We want to
set the trends in marine electronics, not follow them."
The majority of DIRECTV's HD programming is now being carried on two newly
installed satellites broadcasting via Ka-band, rather than the older, more
widely used Ku-band. DIRECTV made this decision to acquire additional
bandwidth and better meet anticipated future demand for HD programming. More
than 130 channels are currently being carried on these two new Ka-band
satellites, and DIRECTV is phasing out its remaining HD channels carried on
the older Ku-band satellites. Therefore, it is expected that only a few HDTV
channels will be available on the existing Ku-band satellites in late 2008
into 2009.
This new technology makes Intellian the smart choice for mariners wishing
to view these HD channels and enjoy all their favorite DIRECTV programming at
sea -- today, as well as in the future. This new Ka-band technology will
initially be featured in two new satellite TV antenna systems from Intellian
Technologies -- designated k4 and k6. When coupled with Intellian's new
k-Series Dual Antenna Control Unit (DACU) and paired with an existing
Intellian i4 or i6 antenna, boaters can receive complete reception of all
DIRECTV programming and will be able to switch channels freely and
simultaneously amongst five satellites -- two for Ka-band and three for
Ku-Band.
Patented technologies developed by Intellian and featured on its full line
of existing satellite antenna systems play an important role in optimizing
performance at sea when tuning into Ka-band HD programming. For starters, the
Ka-band signal is broadcasted on a higher frequency and has a much narrower
beam width than the Ku-band. Much more precise tracking of the signal is
required for reliable reception of the Ka-band signal, particularly on a
moving vessel.
Fortunately, two features pioneered by Intellian Technologies and present
on the new k4 and k6 ensure that boaters enjoy clear, interruption-free
DIRECTV programming from the new Ka-band satellites. Intellian's proven Wide
Range Search (WRS) Algorithm ensures faster acquisition of the narrower
Ka-band satellite signals, and is uniquely suited to search, find and hold
Ka-band beams by jumping from side lobes to the main lobe. The company's
Dynamic Beam Tilting (DBT) uses an exclusive sub-reflector that constantly
adjusts, for superior Ka-band signal tracking that remains locked on as the
vessel moves, pitches and rolls.
Developing the marine industry's first Ka-band capable satellite system
required overcoming several technological challenges. Intellian Technologies'
vast experience and track record of innovation had the company well positioned
for breaking this new ground. The fact that Ka-band requires new technology
for the latest generation of satellites wasn't an insurmountable hurdle for
Intellian Technologies, because it was already utilizing a patented unique
technology to quickly search and reliably track satellites in an increasingly
crowded sky.
Receiving Ka-band signals in a moving vessel requires new components, but
Intellian Technologies had already developed several key components, which are
perfectly optimized for marine conditions. Intellian Technologies had also
already engineered ways to lower signal detection levels, allowing
smaller-sized dishes to receive weaker signals. This makes the new Intellian
k4 and k6 antennas very compact, with dish diameters of 17.7 and 23.6 inches,
respectively. Intellian Technologies' all-in-one dual dome system also
simplifies Ka-band reception by eliminating external boxes, multi-switches,
cables and connectors. To compensate for the fact that Ka-band signals are
far more sensitive to rain fade, Intellian Technologies uses a high precision
vacuum formed radome, designed with a special curvature to minimize signal
drop. Intellian's lightweight dome design also makes it easier to install
dual antenna systems on all styles of vessels.
For more information on the entire line of advanced Intellian Technologies
satellite systems for recreational and light commercial vessels of all sizes
-- contact Intellian Technologies USA, Inc. at Parker Irvine Business Center,
19 Hammond, Suite 509,Irvine, CA 92618. Telephone: (949) 916-4411. Or visit
http://www.intelliantech.com.
SOURCE Intellian Technologies
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