The 14.5 inch Diameter Satellite TV System, the First Designed for Smaller Boats, is Expected to Be Available to European Boaters in Early 2007
The new TracVision M3 from KVH Industries (Nasdaq: KVHI) is winning fans around the world as the groundbreaking 14.5" diameter marine satellite TV system won the Marine Electronics Category in the 2006 DAME Prize competition, wowing the distinguished panel of international judges with its combination of small size, simple installation, and powerful satellite TV reception. Bestowed each year during the Marine Trade Show (METS) in Amsterdam, the Design Award METS (DAME) Prize is recognized worldwide as one of the leading competitions for marine design, technology, and accessories. This is the second major award bestowed upon the TracVision M3 in recent weeks - the U.S.-based National Marine Electronics Association also selected the TracVision M3 as the recipient of its NMEA Industry Award in the Marine Entertainment category.
"We are thrilled at the response by the prestigious members of the DAME panel to the TracVision M3, which promises to bring the excitement of live satellite TV to a huge new audience of boaters throughout Europe and elsewhere beginning in early 2007," said Mads Bjerre-Petersen, managing director of KVH Europe. "To win the highly competitive marine electronics category is a testament to the time and effort KVH put into every aspect of the TracVision M3. This new satellite TV system is powerful technology made simple, bringing together all of the features boaters have been asking for in a small, simple-to-install, easy-to-operate system that offers outstanding near-shore coverage."
Satellite television is among the most popular accessories for boaters worldwide, keeping them connected to live news, sports, and entertainment via powerful regional satellite TV services. However, due to the size requirements of these antennas, satellite TV was historically only practical for vessels 40 feet and larger. However, the TracVision M3, the world's smallest stabilized marine satellite TV system, changes all that.
The small, simple, and powerful satellite TV system is ideal for installation aboard vessels as small as 25 feet and offers everything a boater needs to enjoy their favorite local programming at sea. The international version of the TracVision M3 will include the fully stabilized antenna, a multi-satellite control unit, and a single cable for easy installation. The TracVision M3 is already available in the United States where it is equipped with an integrated 12V DIRECTV receiver. The TracVision M3's super-efficient 14.5 inch antenna offers a rugged design, precision tracking, and coverage range comparable to larger 45 cm antennas in most areas; crystal-clear proof that less is more.
Additional details regarding the European variant of the TracVision M3 will be provided at the time of product launch