Tag Archive for: CruiseSAT

Digital Video Systems Extends Multiyear Contract with Telesat

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Deal includes a second satellite and upgrade to all-HD content — especially sports — on cruise ships

MIRAMAR, Florida (Feb. 1, 2022) – Digital Video Systems (DVS), a maritime systems integration and telecommunications provider, and Telesat, a leading global satellite operator, have extended their multi-year contract for satellite coverage in the United States and Canada. The agreement includes the addition of a second satellite, which enables DVS to provide all content in high definition (HD) format while enhancing quality and adding channels.

TelesatDVS currently provides its innovative CRUISESAT platform to major cruise lines including Carnival Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean International, MSC Cruises and Celebrity Cruises and is currently installed on more than 50 cruise ships. DVS delivers high-definition news, entertainment, cultural programming and a full lineup of sports — including live events — to the maritime market via its CRUISESAT platform. With satellite coverage from the Arctic to the Antarctic, DVS now covers the Middle East, Europe, Africa and the Atlantic Ocean region.

“We are excited about our new capacity with Telesat and entering into a new long-term, expanded agreement,” said Charles Sackermann, president of Digital Video Systems. “We’ve had an excellent and successful relationship with Telesat’s team, and this valued partnership will enable us to continue to bring exciting new products to our customers.”

CRUISESAT, the maritime entertainment and technology platform, was conceived and developed with its principal mission to acquire and introduce popular high-definition news, entertainment, sports and cultural content to the global maritime market using a single antenna system for all video content including linear television channels and nonlinear video content, multicultural programming, audio content and branded networks for the cruise line industry.

Backed by a legacy of engineering excellence, reliability and industry-leading customer service, Telesat has grown to be one of the world’s largest and most successful global satellite operators. Telesat works collaboratively with its customers to deliver critical connectivity solutions that tackle the world’s most complex communications challenges, providing powerful advantages that improve their operations and drive growth.

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Digital Video Systems Global Expansion Increases with CCTV International

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Satellite Entertainment Platform Adds Chinese Language Channel

Miramar, FL – January 26, 2021 – Digital Video Systems (DVS), a maritime systems integration and telecommunications provider, is moving full steam ahead with its global expansion with the addition of Chinese language channel, CCTV International. The new addition is in good company with an already diverse mix of international news, sport, weather, business, current affairs and documentary programming available for worldwide viewing.

“The continual addition of quality international programming is a top priority for us,” said Chuck Sackermann, chief executive officer of Digital Video Systems. “With each additional channel we are realizing our goal of providing the best programming for worldwide enjoyment for our maritime clients.”
The high-definition channel that broadcasts 24 hours a day, is now available on onboard via CRUISESAT, DVS’s leading-edge satellite direct to ship (DTS) entertainment television service platform. CCTV International is originated in China the channel provides programs focusing on news and current affairs. It also features economics, entertainment, sports, and children’s programs, movies, TV dramas and documentaries. The satellite channel serves Chinese citizens living overseas and foreign nationals of Chinese origin. To meet the needs of English-speaking viewers, CCTV International also broadcasts portions of English language programming. In addition, the channel also carries two 15-minute news bulletins in Cantonese to meet the needs of Cantonese speaking viewers.

Launched in June 2017, CRUISESAT was developed to deliver high-definition news, entertainment, sports and cultural networks to the maritime market using single-antenna systems for all video content including linear television channels and nonlinear video content, multicultural programming, audio content and branded networks. CRUISESAT service is currently available onboard multiple maritime vessels and select ships operated by three of the largest cruise lines.

About Digital Video Systems

DVS has been a leading provider of maritime and land-based telecommunications, managed services and systems integration using state-of-the-art technology for 40 years. DVS has leveraged its knowledge of telecommunications technology and video systems integration to create CRUISESAT (www.cruisesat.com), the premier satellite direct-to-ship and vessel entertainment television service platform that delivers popular high-definition and standard-definition news, entertainment, sports and cultural networks to the maritime market.

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DVS Announces Distribution Agreement with France 24

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International News Channel FRANCE 24 Now Available on CRUISESAT

Miramar, FL – October 8, 2020 – Digital Video Systems (DVS), a maritime systems integration and telecommunications provider, is proud to announce the continuation of its global expansion with the addition of the France 24, an international news and current affairs network based in Paris, France. Available now through CRUISESAT, DVS’s leading-edge satellite direct to ship (DTS) entertainment television service platform, the international news channel that broadcasts 24/7 to 355 million households around the world is now viewable to mariners onboard the cruise ships, expedition cruises and maritime vessels serviced by DVS.

“We are thrilled to have added yet another top-tier international channel to our ever-expanding content line-up,” said Chuck Sackermann, chief executive officer of Digital Video Systems. “The addition of France 24 as our newest content provider solidifies our commitment of providing worldwide quality programming.”

France 24 gives a French perspective on global affairs through a network of 160 correspondent bureaus located in nearly every country. The four channels have a combined weekly viewership of 61.2 million viewers (measured in 67 of the 183 countries where the channel is broadcast). Every month, France 24’s digital platforms attract 16.5 million visits, 45.6 million video views (2018 average) and 38.2 million followers on Facebook and Twitter (October 2018).

CRUISESAT was developed to deliver high-definition news, entertainment, sports and cultural networks to the maritime market using single-antenna systems for all video content including linear television channels and nonlinear video content, multicultural programming, audio content and branded networks. CRUISESAT service is currently available onboard multiple maritime vessels and select ships operated by three of the largest cruise lines.

About Digital Video Systems

DVS has been a leading provider of maritime and land-based telecommunications, managed services and systems integration using state-of-the-art technology for 40 years. DVS has leveraged its knowledge of telecommunications technology and video systems integration to create CRUISESAT (www.cruisesat.com), the premier satellite direct-to-ship and vessel entertainment television service platform that delivers popular high-definition and standard-definition news, entertainment, sports and cultural networks to the maritime market.

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CRUISESAT by Digital Video Systems Streamlines Maritime Media Content Delivery

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CRUISESAT delivers large files at fast speeds, using advanced forward error correction, compression and encryption.   

Miramar, FL – August 25, 2020 – CRUISESAT delivers content securely over satellite, terrestrial and one-way networks directly to authorized appliances at thousands of sites. Through innovative technology, Digital Video Systems is redefining the supply chain of media and entertainment to cruise, luxury yacht and commercial shipping markets.

Using leading edge technology, CRUISESAT is helping customers transition away from shipping physical hardware to digital distribution over one-way networks. With best in class support, Digital Video Systems’ dynamic ecosystem can provide delivery of any type of data through one common platform via existing TVRO infrastructure, thus reducing costs and improving efficiency of data workflows at receive sites.

“At Digital Video Systems we are constantly looking at ways to meet the challenges of the maritime industry,” said Cristian Tache, VP Product Development at Digital Video Systems. “By utilizing an IP (internet protocol) centric platform, we’ve developed a distribution system that is both efficient and cost-effective. We are constantly pushing the envelope to bring our clients more services at an attractive price.”

A versatile platform for enterprise content delivery, CRUISESAT is ideal for movie studios, TV and news networks, retail institutions and corporate communications to provide secure and reliable delivery of multimedia content over satellite, terrestrial and mobile networks.

Launched in June 2017, CRUISESAT was developed to deliver high-definition news, entertainment, sports and cultural networks to the maritime market using single-antenna systems for all video content including linear television channels and VOD, multicultural programming, audio content and branded networks. CRUISESAT service is currently available worldwide onboard multiple maritime vessels and ships operated by three of the largest cruise lines.

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Digital Video Systems Adds BBC World News to CRUISESAT Portfolio

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Satellite Entertainment Platform Continues Global Expansion with New Channel

Miramar, FL – June 30, 2020 – Digital Video Systems (DVS), a maritime systems integration and telecommunications provider, is continuing its global expansion by adding BBC World News to its premium content line-up. The high-definition channel is now available onboard via CRUISESAT, DVS’s leading-edge satellite direct to ship (DTS) entertainment television service platform. The addition of BBC World News, which broadcasts a diverse mix of international news, sport, weather, business, current affairs and documentary programming, brings CRUISESAT’s content offerings to over 25 premiere networks available for worldwide viewing.

“We are pushing full steam ahead with our global expansion by adding quality international programming such as BBC World News,” said Chuck Sackermann, chief executive officer of Digital Video Systems. “With the inclusion of the international 24-hour news channel, our customers now join the networks audience that reaches over 200 countries and territories globally. We will continue to grow our content offerings to provide programming for worldwide enjoyment.”

Through exclusive partnerships with premier content providers such as BBC World News, CRUISESAT users are provided with a cost-effective solution to providing their customers with quality, high-definition (HD) media content. Using leading edge technology, CRUISESAT’s HD content is encoded, encrypted and delivered to the cruise ships and maritime vessels using their existing TVRO (television receive only) antennae.

Launched in June 2017, CRUISESAT was developed to deliver high-definition news, entertainment, sports and cultural networks to the maritime market using single-antenna systems for all video content including linear television channels and nonlinear video content, multicultural programming, audio content and branded networks. CRUISESAT service is currently available onboard multiple maritime vessels and select ships operated by three of the largest cruise lines.

About Digital Video Systems

DVS has been a leading provider of maritime and land-based telecommunications, managed services and systems integration using state-of-the-art technology for 40 years. DVS has leveraged its knowledge of telecommunications technology and video systems integration to create CRUISESAT (www.cruisesat.com), the premier satellite direct-to-ship and vessel entertainment television service platform that delivers popular high-definition and standard-definition news, entertainment, sports and cultural networks to the maritime market.

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CRUISESAT goes global, offers new premium and live content

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CRUISESAT is branching out from the Americas to offer global services and new premium and live content. ‘We’re excited about expanding to the rest of the world,’ said Charles Sackermann, CEO of Digital Video Systems (DVS), the long-established parent company of CRUISESAT.

Until now, there hasn’t been much competition in the space, according to DVS maritime consultant Shannon McKee of Access Cruise.

‘We’re bringing more variety, more flexibility and additional options,’ Sackermann said. ‘The technology we’re using allows us to give a higher performance.’

Single satellite downlink

CRUISESAT provides high-definition and standard-definition linear networks including news, sports, entertainment and specialty networks and on-demand content using a single satellite downlink.

After launching in 2017 with Carnival Cruise Line as its first customer, CRUISESAT added Royal Caribbean and MSC Cruises — but for services only in the Americas. Now, by going global, the door is open to all lines.

DVS provides satellite engineering, services and support for some 250 cruise ships worldwide and Sackermann said CRUISESAT was developed after listening to those customers’ needs. CRUISESAT is now aboard more than 50 cruise ships so ‘we see a large runway for our expansion.’

And having global reach makes it possible to serve emerging markets like the expedition cruise segment with its far-flung deployment.

News, sports, entertainment, live events

From a content perspective, CRUISESAT has master agreements with key partners and works closely with cruise lines to develop a package that best suits their demographics. The portfolio includes BBC World News, CNN, CBS News, FOX Business, Travel Channel, Food Network, HGTV, Discovery Channel, Turner Classic Movies, Cartoon Network, Rai Italia and Deutsche Welle.

CRUISESAT worked with partner ViacomCBS for Nickelodeon content to create kids’ programming; Nick at Sea is unique to cruise lines.

Among the other available content is GMA Pinoy TV, GMA Life TV and GMA News TV of the Philippines, ET Live, CNBC, MSNBC and Newsmax TV.

The sports portfolio includes ESPN, SEC ESPN, ESPNU, NFL Network and others. Last year more than 1,000 hours of prime events like NCAA March Madness Final Four, NFL games and the Super Bowl were available.

Cost-effective solutions

During this challenging period for the cruise industry, ‘It’s even more important for us to bring cost-effective solutions to our customers,’ Sackermann said. ‘We’re a trusted partner. We’ll continue to work with them through these difficult times.

‘We’re pushing the envelope to be cost-conscious and bring solutions that have high value but are reasonably priced.’

Story originally published on seatrade-cruise.com.