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CRUISESAT by Digital Video Systems Streamlines Maritime Media Content Delivery

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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CRUISESAT goes global, offers new premium and live content

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.