Digital Video Systems Renews Multi-Year Contract with Royal Caribbean Group

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MIRAMAR, FL – November 1, 2023 – Digital Video Systems (DVS), a leading innovator in maritime and land-based telecommunications, managed services, and broadcast solutions, is delighted to announce the renewal of its multi-year contract with the Royal Caribbean Group (RCG) for live video distribution. This renewed partnership will leverage DVS’ pioneering technology, including traditional satellite broadcast and video delivery over IP networks via the CruiseSAT-IP platform, to provide an enhanced and expansive live video distribution solution.

The renewed agreement encompasses all ships across RCG’s three prominent brands:  Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises and Silversea Cruises, ensuring comprehensive coverage for a global audience. This strategic alliance further solidifies the longstanding partnership between DVS and RCG.

“This renewal further cements DVS’ commitment to offering cutting-edge solutions in the maritime industry and solidifies its position as a trusted partner for global leaders like Royal Caribbean Group” stated Charles Sackermann, CEO of Digital Video Systems.

By extending its collaboration with RCG, DVS significantly augments its network reach, providing service to well over 100,000 cabins worldwide. This expanded presence underlines DVS’ commitment to offering seamless access to high-quality content for a vast and diverse audience. The partnership ensures global coverage, enabling RCG to deliver top-notch content to its passengers. This global reach aligns perfectly with RCG’s mission to provide unparalleled entertainment experiences to its passengers worldwide.

Passengers onboard will benefit immensely from this partnership by gaining access to up to 10 high-definition linear 24/7 sports channels across various regions worldwide. Additionally, they will enjoy access to up to 16 high-definition occasional use sports channels, ensuring a diverse and enriching sports entertainment experience. “We are proud to have Digital Video Systems as our trusted partner in providing high-quality and reliable TVRO transmission services to our ships. Their team’s expertise and dedication to customer service have been instrumental in ensuring our passengers have access to top-notch programming.”said Tim Exner, Manager, Entertainment Broadcast & Media at Celebrity Cruises. “We look forward to continuing our partnership and exploring new technologies to enhance our guests’ experience onboard.”

The renewal of this partnership underscores the exceptional quality of the CRUISESAT product and the excellent support provided by DVS. “I’m happy to say we have a long-standing partnership with CruiseSAT. The quality of the CruiseSAT product is exceptional. When you combine that quality product with the excellent support from DVS, it’s a win-win for everyone involved,” said Scott Reed, Manager, Entertainment Media Content at Royal Caribbean International.

CruiseSAT and CruiseSAT-IP platform, built around the SMPTE ST-2110 standard, provides the flexibility to satisfy evolving customer needs. “It has enabled DVS to scale up channel count and resolution, with the channel count now exceeding 100 LIVE video channels, and to scale out across geographies, providing truly worldwide coverage.” said Cristian Tache, VP Product Development and Engineering at DVS. “By harnessing the power of our CruiseSAT-IP platform and embracing the flexibility of SMPTE ST-2110 standards, we are well-positioned to meet evolving customer demands and provide unmatched content delivery across the globe.”

As the demand for high-quality entertainment and communication services at sea continues to grow, DVS remains committed to innovating and expanding its offerings to meet the evolving needs of its clients and provide a superior experience for passengers and crew members worldwide.

For more information about Digital Video Systems and CRUISESAT, visit www.digitalvideosystems.net .

About Digital Video Systems:

Digital Video Systems (DVS) is a leading provider of maritime and land-based telecommunications, managed services, and broadcast solutions. With nearly four decades of experience, DVS is a leading-edge company in content contribution, media management and distribution.

DVS MEDIA CONTACT
Cristian Tache | Vice President, Product Development & Engineering
Phone: +1 954.239.4410

About Royal Caribbean Group:

Royal Caribbean Group (NYSE: RCL) is one of the leading cruise companies in the world with a global fleet of 64 ships traveling to approximately 1,000 destinations around the world. Royal Caribbean Group is the owner and operator of three award-winning cruise brands: Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, and Silversea Cruises and it is also a 50% owner of a joint venture that operates TUI Cruises and Hapag-Lloyd Cruises. Together, the brands have an additional 10 ships on order as of June 30, 2023. Learn more at www.royalcaribbeangroup.com

Digital Video Systems in the News:

Seatrade Cruise News – Nov 1, 2023

DVS Partners with CNN International Commercial to Provide Cruise Lines New Revenue Stream

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MIRAMAR, Florida (March 21, 2023) —

Digital Video Systems has partnered with CNN International Commercial and its latest digital product CNN Travel Advertising Platform (CNN TAP) to help cruise lines turn the existing Wi-Fi Network on board from a cost center into a revenue generator via brand partnerships.

CNN TAP unlocks a new revenue stream for the travel industry by making advertising inventory and customized solutions available for global brands to reach guests on their own devices including laptops, tablets or mobile phones while using onboard Wi-Fi.

“We’re pleased to be expanding the CNN TAP offering alongside our long-term associates at DVS to facilitate more partnerships amongst cruise ships that benefit both the client and the guest,” said Rachelle Peterson, senior director, head of global commercial distribution at CNN International Commercial.

“A fully proven and successful product, CNN TAP and DVS have teamed up to expand into new markets including the cruise and airline industries,” said Chuck Sackermann, president of Digital Video Systems. “After years of working together with CNN, we are excited about bringing this opportunity to our cruise line clients and giving them a chance to participate in this great product.”

Sackermann noted that the product is virtually turn-key for cruise lines. “The marketing and sponsorships are managed for the lines by CNN TAP,” he said. “From a cruise line’s operational standpoint, it’s ‘set it and forget it.’”

CNN TAP is already deployed in hotels, airlines, cruise ships and shopping malls across the Americas, Europe, Africa, the Middle East and the Asia-Pacific region.

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About Digital Video Systems

Miramar, Florida–based Digital Video Systems (DVS) has been active in land and maritime system integration and communications solutions since 1975. As a mid-size, minority-owned company, DVS prides itself on quality, expertise and experience. Our unique blend of skills and services makes DVS one of the industry leaders in solving today’s complex communication and system integration requirements as an integrator of communications, content delivery, broadcast technologies and services. In 2008 DVS was acquired by Corporate Satellite Communications (CSC), an organization with over 40 years of experience in providing infrastructure communication solutions. In the VSAT segment, CSC’s capabilities bring a full range of solutions for voice, data, video, IP bandwidth and consulting services.

MEDIA CONTACT

Cristian Tache

Vice President, Product Development & Engineering

Phone: +1 954-239-4410 (office)

Email cris@digitalvideosystems.net

RTL Broadcasting launched with Digital Video Systems

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RTL Broadcasting

RTL (RTL) German Channels Now Available to Cruise Ship Passengers

Miramar, FL, August 10, 2022 –

RTL viewers can now catch live German programming while at sea.  RTL German programing will be available round-the-clock for cruise liners and seafarers via CRUISESAT, the leading satellite direct-to-ship and vessel entertainment service to the maritime market by Digital Video Systems.  Digital Video System’s premier service features top-tier, high-definition television content for the cruise, yacht and cargo industries.

The collaboration between RTL Broadcasting and Digital Video Systems (DVS), a maritime systems integration and telecommunications provider, will provide news and information to viewers and the cruise industry worldwide through CRUISESAT. CRUISESAT features top-tier, high-definition television entertainment channels for the cruise, yacht and cargo industries, delivering the best entertainment experiences to meet the needs of cruise line customers.

RTL is Europe’s leading entertainment brand standing for positive entertainment, independent journalism, inspiration, energy and attitude.  Encompassing everything from news to sports, living to lifestyle, and women to family, RTL reaches 99 per cent of the German population. With TV channels, streaming services, radio stations and online platforms in Germany, the Netherlands, France, Hungary and Luxembourg, RTL reaches millions of people across Europe every day.

“We are excited to be expanding our international content with the addition of the RTL Broadcasting for their German channels,” said Chuck Sackermann Chief Executive Officer of Digital Video Systems. “This addition adds to our already robust content line-up which meets our goal of delivering the best content to our CRUISESAT maritime customers.  We are honored to have such a distinguished content partner in RTL Broadcasting.”

CRUISESAT was developed and launched 5 years ago to address the growing maritime industry.  Viewers from across the globe can now catch their favorite RTL programming while on the high seas.

 

About – DIGITAL VIDEO SYSTEMS:  DVS has been a leading provider of maritime and land-based telecommunications, managed services and video solutions to the maritime industry using state-of-the-art technology for over 45 years. DVS 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 (HD) and standard-definition (SD) news, entertainment, sports and cultural networks to the maritime market in the Caribbean, United States, Canada, Europe and the Middle East using a single antenna system for video content including linear television networks, video on demand, multicultural programming, audio content and privately branded networks for cruise ships and maritime vessels. For more information, visit www.digitalvideosystems.net

About  – RTL GROUP

RTL Group is a leading entertainment company across broadcast, streaming, content and digital, with interests in 56 television channels, eight streaming services and 36 radio stations.  The Group’s families of TV channels are either number one or number two in six European countries, while RTL Group owns or has interests in radio stations in France, Germany, Spain and Luxembourg.  RTL Deutschland is the Group’s largest business unit and Germany’s first cross-media champion, operating across TV, streaming, radio, digital and publishing.  RTL Group’s streaming services include RTL+ in Germany, Videoland in the Netherlands and 6play and Salto in France.  Fremantle is one of the world’s largest creators, producers and distributors of scripted and unscripted content, responsible for around 12,000 hours of programming per year, alongside and international network of teams operating in more than 25 countries.  For more information, visit https://company.rtl.com/en/

Swank, Digital Video Systems team on streaming premium entertainment

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Swank Motion Pictures and Digital Video Systems formed a strategic partnership to bring satellite entertainment channels directly to cruise ships via DVS’s maritime entertainment platform, CRUISESAT.

The partnership will enable cruise lines to provide the latest entertainment from major studios seamlessly and directly to their onboard customers. Previously, that was accomplished through a process of sending secure physical hard drives to the ships.

Wider range of entertainment options

Swank’s first-run movies and TV content matched with DVS’s live streaming and sports events will provide a wider range of entertainment options.

Swank also offers the ability to have video-on-demand content directly on in-cabin TVs and personal devices for both passengers and crew.

CRUISESAT

DVS is a maritime systems integration and content provider currently working with the world’s largest cruise lines. CRUISESAT is DVS’s proprietary maritime entertainment and technology platform. It was developed 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 industry.

Licensed premium channels

Swank and DVS will be providing cruise lines a series of licensed premium content channels in addition to the DVS core offering of channels worldwide.

‘We are excited to introduce this premium content offering in a new way that will enrich the guest experience onboard,’ said Bill Evjen, VP and CIO of Swank Motion Pictures. ‘We have jointly developed with DVS a means to very simply provide a ship with a premium content offering that wasn’t possible before.’

‘We are thrilled that we have been able to combine the expertise and technology of our two longstanding companies to deliver new and innovative products to the cruise and maritime industry which continue to enhance the onboard entertainment value of our customers’ guests and crew,’ said Chuck Sackermann, president of DVS.

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.