Monday, April 19, 2010

KVH Introduces New Low Cost, Fiber Optic Gyro-Based CG-5100 Inertial Measurement Unit


MIDDLETOWN, R.I., April 1, 2010 --GPS technology is critical for many sophisticated vehicular applications like unmanned research vehicles and stabilized optics, and is typically built into the design of such vehicles. However, many of these applications also demand precision motion-sensing capabilities and backup navigation that is dependable in dynamic conditions or when GPS is unavailable. To meet these needs, KVH Industries, Inc., (Nasdaq: KVHI) today introduced its new CG-5100 Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU).

This versatile, low-cost solution is well suited for stabilization, navigation, and autonomous vehicle applications thanks to its precision position, velocity, and attitude sensing capabilities. Through its seamless integration of two reliable navigation components - highly accurate KVH fiber optic gyros (FOGs) and industry-proven MEMS accelerometers - the CG-5100 offers a groundbreaking low-cost, small form factor solution for inertial measurement within a single, compact enclosure.

"The CG-5100's affordability makes precision motion sensing, navigation, and GPS augmentation available to an incredibly broad array of commercial applications," explains Jay Napoli, KVH's vice president for FOG/OEM sales. "Its components are packaged together for flexible installation in situations where space is at a premium. The CG-5100 is the perfect solution for unmanned ground, aerial, and underwater vehicles that will rely on its capabilities as a high-quality sensor as well as a reliable backup for when GPS is interrupted or unavailable."

KVH's CG-5100 is a low drift, solid state, Fiber Optic Stabilization Gyro -based commercial off the shelf (COTS) solution ideally suited for critical sensing applications and GPS-integrated navigation programs. This strap-down inertial subsystem offers outstanding reliability and accurate 6-degrees-of-freedom measurement. The CG-5100 achieves its excellent performance by employing proprietary algorithms to a fully combined digital gyro and accelerometer output, enabling the system to characterize and correct for the effects of temperature and misalignment. It also offers the end user a convenient and easy-to-adapt output in a fully digital, user-selectable RS-232/RS-422 format.

The CG-5100 is KVH's second commercial single-enclosure measurement and navigation solution. For applications that need both GPS and FOG-based IMU capabilities, the CNS-5000 GPS/IMU is a perfect choice. The CNS-5000 combines a FOG-based IMU with NovAtel's OEMV3 precision GPS receiver technology to optimize raw data and provide a highly reliable position, velocity, and attitude solution for applications like seaport management, surveying, and precision agriculture.

Please visit www.fiberopticgyro.com for more information about the CG-5100 and KVH's other FOG products.

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

KVH Makes it Easy for Boaters to Upgrade to TracVision HD7 with New Spring Promotion

TracVision Owners Can Get up to $2,000 when Trading in their Current Marine TracVision for the New TracVision HD7, the Ultimate DIRECTV HD Solution for Boats

KVH Industries, Inc., redefined marine entertainment with the introduction of the revolutionary new TracVision® HD7, the only compact maritime satellite TV antenna to simultaneously track three Ka- and Ku-band DIRECTV® satellites and offer a high-definition DIRECTV experience just like at home. Now, KVH is making it easy for loyal TracVision customers to upgrade to this ultimate HDTV solution while getting as much as $2,000 cash back when they trade in an older marine TracVision satellite TV system. The “Trade Up to HDTV” promotion lasts through June 30, 2010.

“It’s important to us to ensure that KVH products are always a great value for our customers,” says Jim George, KVH’s director of satellite sales. “An increasing number of boat owners want to enjoy the same DIRECTV HDTV on their boats that they have at home. Thanks to the TracVision HD7’s unique ability to track DIRECTV’s Ka-band and Ku-band satellites at the same time within a compact dome, we’re able to offer a solution to enjoy premier entertainment that less capable systems just can’t match. We’re extremely happy to show our longtime customers how much we appreciate their business by making it as easy and affordable as possible to trade up to the TracVision HD7. Plus, the offer runs straight through June 30, and who wouldn’t want to give their parent or spouse a new TracVision for Mother’s or Father’s Day?”

KVH’s TracVision HD7 is a breakthrough in maritime satellite TV design. Its patent-pending TriAD™ antenna technology simultaneously receives signals from all three primary DIRECTV satellites, tracks those satellites even as the boat cruises at high speeds and through rough seas, and offers a DIRECTV HD experience just like at home, including full support for Digital Video Recorders (DVRs) on boats. The TracVision HD7 also includes KVH’s new IP-enabled antenna control unit (ACU), which is equipped with an Ethernet connection for onboard networks, a built-in WiFi interface, and a USB port to make system setup and management as easy as opening a web browser and maintenance as simple as plugging in a USB thumb drive. For the most convenient connection to the TracVision HD7 satellite TV system, however, users simply download KVH’s free TracVision iPhone® application from Apple’s iTunes App Store and use it to check satellite TV signal strength, switch to secondary satellites, download and automatically install antenna software updates, and send information directly to KVH technical support.

Please visit http://kvh.com/trac_offer/marine.asp for complete details on the “Trade Up to HDTV” promotion as well as other promotions.

Tuesday, February 23, 2010

KVH opens new Singapore Office


MIDDLETOWN, R.I. - In a move designed to support the global rollout of its mini-VSAT Broadband(sm) high-speed communications network, KVH Industries, Inc., (Nasdaq: KVHI) today announced plans to open its newest office in Singapore. Centered in a major hub for commercial shipping, KVH Singapore will enable the company to support the growing demand for KVH's mini-VSAT Broadband and TracVision® satellite TV systems and services for the Asia region's extensive maritime market.

"We look forward to adding KVH Singapore to our worldwide sales and support network. Increasingly, our broadband Internet, telephone and satellite TV solutions are proving to be the tools of choice for commercial maritime operators seeking to enhance their ship operations, boost crew morale and retention, and help meet regulatory requirements more efficiently. With 13 of the world's 20 busiest ports in the region, KVH Singapore will allow us to pursue these significant new sales opportunities as effectively and efficiently as possible," explained Martin Kits van Heyningen, KVH's chief executive officer.

Of particular interest to commercial fleets is KVH's mini-VSAT Broadband service, along with the KVH TracPhone® V7 antenna, which comprise the first end-to-end 24-inch (60 cm) VSAT antenna, service, and support package available for maritime communications. Together, KVH and ViaSat are currently providing two-way mobile broadcast services from eight secure teleports around the globe utilizing eight beams on seven of the world's most powerful communications satellites. The resulting seamless network offers voice service and Internet access as fast as 512 Kbps (upload) and 2 Mbps (download) at fixed monthly rates.

Visit http://www.minivsat.com for additional details regarding the TracPhone V7 and mini-VSAT Broadband service and coverage as well as case studies of customers who have successfully solved critical maritime communications challenges thanks to the compact and affordable mini-VSAT Broadband solution.

Note to Editors: High-resolution, press-ready images of KVH's satellite communication and satellite television systems are available at http://press.kvh.com for download and editorial use.

Monday, January 25, 2010

KVH: "Big Growth Potential"

In a recent article on KipLinger.com, KVH is recognized as a company that is about to make big moves!

"Next on my list is KVH Industries (KVHI), a small company with big growth potential. At its November 6 price of $11, the stock’s market capitalization was just $154 million.

KVH has three main businesses. First, it provides TV and Internet service to recreational vehicles and pleasure boats. In the first quarter of 2009, sales in its land mobile products segment plunged 77% from the year-earlier quarter. There are signs, though, that that business is bottoming.

More promising is KVH’s role as a leading supplier of fiber-optic gyroscopes (FOGs) to the military. FOGs allow gunners in assault vehicles to stay beneath the turret while aiming their .50-caliber weapons with sniper-like accuracy. That helps cut down on casualties stemming from roadside bombings. KVH chief executive Martin Kits van Heyningen thinks his firm could win a contract to provide all of the FOGs for a program that authorizes construction of 19,500 new enhanced combat vehicles, a deal that would be worth $175 million.

Another important driver of growth is KVH’s TracPhone V7 broadband systems for commercial ships. The company has sold more than 500 systems, but the potential market is 100,000 vessels. More important is that KVH also provides broadband service, which means recurring revenues. By the first quarter of 2010, KVH will offer ships global coverage. Aaron Edelheit, who runs a Los Angeles-based hedge fund, says that if KVH “gets 5,000 ships, this is a $40 to $60 stock.” ~ Andrew Feinberg

Friday, December 18, 2009

Low-profile in-motion satellite TV system for RVs with low-clearance requirements

Leave the DVDs at home when traveling in your RV, truck, or bus. Instead enjoy more than 300 channels of DIRECTV service on the open road. Ideal for in-motion applications and vehicles with height restrictions, the ultra-low-profile TracVision A7 sets a new standard for fun on the road with live DIRECTV programming right on your RV’s video screens.*

All-new for 2007, the TracVision A7 has multi-satellite capability providing the broadest selection of DIRECTV programming available on the go! Don’t miss that big game, traffic report, or breaking local news story again. Traveling has never been this much fun. It’s true…the best seat in the house is now in your RV!

Highlights:
- In-motion reception of local programming along with more than 300 channels of DIRECTV satellite
- TV programming and 70+ channels of XM Satellite Radio
- 5-inch high, patented dome available in either a high-gloss black or silver automotive-grade dome
- Compatible with virtually all standard factory-installed and aftermarket video systems, including those with S-video inputs
- Includes exclusive compact 12V DIRECTV receiver that retains the program guide for the fastest start-up available.
- Easy system control thanks to onscreen messaging and a backlit RF/IR remote control that allows you to change channels even if you can't see the receiver