High performance network supports Winegard VSAT antenna system

BURLINGTON, Iowa (March 12, 2014) — Winegard, a pioneering innovator in antenna design and development, has influenced the design of a new high performance network built around its DS840 VSAT antenna system. Winegard’s reseller partner Mobil Satellite Technologies has created a new Ku-band network in concert with Intelsat designed for small VSAT antenna systems and specifically for Winegard’s one-button auto acquisition DS840 .84 meter system.

"Winegard has been a significant partner and influencer in the design and implementation of this new network," said Kirk Williams, Mobil Satellite Technologies director of sales. "The network has been designed around the Winegard DS840 as our entry-level VSAT antenna. Within this size group the DS840 is the most economical automatic satellite antenna available. Cost alone is not the only significant factor. The DS840 has proven itself to be very rugged and reliable antenna over the last few years of use in the public safety and oil & gas markets."

The Winegard DS840 has made it easier for Mobil Satellite Technologies to acquire and to retain customers, because it keeps the entry-level cost for an automatic satellite Internet antenna low enough to make it easier for customers to afford and use a satellite solution. The Winegard DS series antennas are available in .84 meter and .96 meter configurations that offer extremely heavy duty options and scalability for the energy and enterprise markets. These units are in service around the globe.

The network was designed by Intelsat engineers working with Mobil Satellite Technologies. The new satellite network is being deployed to provide broadband data, voice, video, video teleconferencing, and managed VPN applications to customers worldwide. It supports first responders, oil and gas exploration and production, mobile bank branches, insurance company CAT teams, race teams and video uplink services, as well as any commercial user that needs broadband connectivity in a remote or underserved area.

Mobil Satellite Technologies created this new satellite network to take advantage of VT iDirect Inc.’s most advanced broadband communications technology, iDX 3.X. The iDirect 3.X platform provides unparalleled bandwidth efficiencies with DVB/S2/ACM and further extends the value of the iDirect Platform for the company's current and future subscribers. The new network will support the newest iDirect satellite modems, including the X1 and the X7, which are not supported by many other networks at this time. iDirect’s new Super Burst technology enables up to five times faster remote satellite acquisition by utilizing Winegard’s automatic antenna systems.

"Mobil Satellite Technologies has been a great partner for Winegard, as evidenced by their creation of this new network based on our DS840 VSAT system," said Brent Guffey, Winegard VSAT product manager. "These units are built to stringent standards for ruggedness and reliability, are value priced and are deployed around the globe."

This new Ku-band network was designed to be a very high performance, low contention public-safety grade Ku-Band network, encompassing more than a whole transponder of satellite bandwidth which can be accessed by subscribers using antennas as small as 84 centimeters. Because of its design, weather has a significantly reduced effect on network performance.

Expertise in RF antenna, mechanical, electrical, embedded and application level software and manufacturing is applied to produce new products that meet the unique needs and expectations of each customer. Each product is designed using DFx (Design for Manufacturing, Test & Serviceability) principles. Winegard designs, tests and manufactures a wide variety of rugged and reliable VSAT antenna systems for various industrial and commercial applications. All are designed and built in the U.S.A.

About Winegard
Winegard Company is a respected world leader in the design and manufacture of innovative antenna products for satellite and terrestrial communications. Since its founding in 1954, Winegard’s pioneering solutions have shaped the industry for home, recreational vehicle (RV), truck, marine, medical and automotive antennas. The company’s 2-way VSAT antennas provide real-time broadband solutions for extreme and remote environments in support of the oil and gas industries, as well as military and emergency response teams. Winegard is a privately-owned company that designed the first residential multi-channel TV antenna for the U.S. It has designed more than 1,000 antenna models and does custom antenna design and development work. To learn more about Burlington, Iowa-based Winegard, visit http://www.winegard.com or call 800-288-8094.

About Mobil Satellite Technologies
Mobil Satellite Technologies is a recognized industry expert in fixed and mobile satellite communication technologies, and has successfully installed and supported thousands of fixed, land-mobile, portable, and marine satellite Internet and satellite TV systems since 1997. Mobil Satellite Technologies provides prompt nationwide professional installation, maintenance and repair of satellite systems for first responders, military, video uplink, oil & gas, and race teams in all 50 states and overseas. As a network operator, Mobil Satellite Technologies enjoys a stellar reputation for delivering public-safety grade, low contention satellite broadband services for Internet, voice, video, and managed VPN services. From network design and engineering to completed installation, our team of experienced professionals provide complete support for those that need reliable satellite communications in remote or underserved areas. Mobil Satellite Technologies is privately held, debt free, and is headquartered in Chesapeake, VA. To learn more about Mobil Satellite Technologies please call 757-312-8300 or visit http://www.mobilsat.com.