MIDDLETOWN, R.I., Nov. 19, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- KVH Industries, Inc., (Nasdaq:KVHI), has updated its unique IP-MobileCastTM content delivery service for additional viewing flexibility and expanded content offerings. The new features are being rolled out in stages, with the first round of upgrades automatically delivered via over-the-air software updates for current subscribers. IP-MobileCast was developed by KVH and launched in 2014 as the first and only service to multicast movies, TV shows, daily news and sports, as well as operational data via satellite to vessels at sea. Survey estimates indicate content has been viewed more than 100,000 times by subscribers, setting a benchmark for maritime multicast entertainment.
“The early adopters of IP-MobileCast have been ship owners and managers who understand the benefit of bringing great news, sports, movies, TV entertainment, and operational data to their vessels, and the resulting improvements in crew recruiting and retention, operational efficiency, and competitive advantage,” says Martin Kits van Heyningen, chief executive officer of KVH. “They also appreciate the efficiency of KVH’s content delivery service in removing a huge amount of traffic from the vessels’ networks and in protecting against the impact of the individual crew member downloading unlicensed videos or accessing streaming audio or video services for their personal entertainment. Forward-thinking enterprises see that IP-MobileCast meets a number of important needs.”
The first IP-MobileCast enhancement released includes the availability of subtitle languages for movies. This is an important option, given that seafarers hail from the Philippines, India, Eastern Europe, Greece, Japan, Russia, the United Kingdom, and many other countries. Subtitled movies complement IP-MobileCast’s video and print news content, which is available in dozens of languages. These offerings are designed to address the reality of multinational crews on today’s merchant vessels and charter yachts.
Another IP-MobileCast upgrade already completed is the release of an enhanced viewing experience, including more accessible menus and program guides on the vessels’ set-top boxes, making it easier for viewers to find and select the content they want. As a further convenience to seafarers, selected news content is available via the IP-MobileCast app for Android and iOS, so crewmembers can read news delivered directly to their smartphone or tablet. In addition, an update will soon make all IP-MobileCast content viewable on virtually any device onboard—from the ship’s common-area computer or television to smartphones, tablets, and laptops.
“IP-MobileCast provides crew with a great viewing experience on just about any device –similar to what ‘digital natives’ have come to expect at home,” says Robert Hopkins, Jr., KVH’s director for IP-MobileCast services. “Feedback from ship owners and operators speaks to the excitement the service is generating, where our subscribers tell us they go from disbelief that multicast content delivery is technically feasible to high praise for the quality of the results.”
KVH’s expertise in identifying desirable content stems in part from the years of experience that the U.K.-based KVH Media Group has had in producing news and in licensing movie, TV, and sports content. On IP-MobileCast, the content is available under the brand names NEWSlinkTM, MOVIElinkTM, TVlinkTM, and SPORTSlinkTM.
To further meet the maritime industry’s needs, KVH has joined with leading maritime partners to deliver critically important operations content such as weather data, updated global chart databases, and training programs via IP-MobileCast to vessels at sea. Multicast delivery of this content, which previously could only be provided to vessels in port via physical delivery of CDs or DVDs, is transformational in both affordability and timeliness.
IP-MobileCast is part of KVH’s mini-VSAT Broadbandsm maritime communications solution, which encompasses global connectivity, onboard satellite communications hardware, entertainment and operations content, and content delivery.
Note to Editors: For more information, please visit the IP-MobileCast website, www.ipmobilecast.com. High-resolution images of KVH products are available at the KVH Press Room Image Library, www.kvh.com/press-room/image-library.
About KVH Industries, Inc.
KVH Industries is a leading provider of in-motion satellite TV and communications systems, having designed, manufactured, and sold more than 175,000 mobile satellite antennas for applications on vessels, vehicles, and aircraft. KVH is also a leading news, music, and entertainment content provider to many industries including maritime, retail, and leisure. VideotelTM, a KVH company, is the market-leading provider of training films, computer-based training and e-Learning. KVH is based in Middletown, RI, with research, development, and manufacturing operations in Middletown, RI, and Tinley Park, IL. The company’s global presence includes offices in Belgium, Brazil, Cyprus, Denmark, Hong Kong, Japan, the Netherlands, Norway, Singapore, and the United Kingdom.
This press release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. For example, forward-looking statements include statements regarding the timing and occurrence of new product and service rollout plans; the functionality, characteristics, quality and performance of KVH’s products and services; anticipated innovation and product development; and customer preferences, requirements and expectations. The actual results could differ materially from the statements made in this press release. Factors that might cause these differences include, but are not limited to: potential unanticipated technical or legal impediments that could delay or impede new product and service rollout plans; the impact of extended economic weakness and high fuel prices on the sale and use of marine vessels; recent increases in airtime termination rates and lower unit sales in our mobile broadband business; and increased price and service competition in the mobile communications market. These and other factors are discussed in more detail in KVH’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on November 9, 2015. KVH does not assume any obligation to update its forward-looking statements to reflect new information and developments, except as required by law.
KVH, IP-MobileCast, NEWSlink, MOVIElink, TVlink, SPORTSlink, and Videotel are trademarks of KVH Industries, Inc. mini-VSAT Broadband is a service mark of KVH Industries, Inc. All other trademarks are the property of their respective companies.
For further information, please contact:
Jill Connors, Media & Communications Manager
KVH Industries, Inc.
Tel: +1 401 851 3824
jconnors@kvh.com
