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Panasonic Avionics Corporation Licenses iDirect’s Satellite IP Router Technology to Power In-Flight Broadband System

Written by thomas · Filed Under Aeronautics News 

July 8, 2008

thomas

Next-generation satellite transmission platform expands end user
applications for in-flight Internet broadband, solves technical and
operational challenges that grounded previous solutions

HERNDON, Va. and LAKE FOREST, Calif., July 8 /PRNewswire/ — VT
iDirect, Inc. (iDirect), a subsidiary of VT Systems Inc. (VT Systems), and
Panasonic Avionics Corporation (Panasonic), the world’s leading supplier of
in-flight entertainment (IFE) and communication systems, today announced a
major technology licensing agreement. Panasonic will license iDirect’s
satellite IP router technology as a core component of the Panasonic
eXConnect in-flight satellite transmission platform. Panasonic eXConnect
provides two-way broadband connectivity for a broad range of passenger and
crew applications, including Internet access as well as live video
programming, telemedicine and the ability to monitor and report critical
flight information in real time. iDirect is a world leader in
satellite-based IP communications technology.

Representing a next-generation solution, Panasonic eXConnect will
overcome critical technical limitations of delivering in-flight broadband
connectivity and expand airlines’ opportunities to market the service. The
system features significantly lighter airborne electronics equipment, an
ultra-small satellite antenna, iDirect’s highly efficient spread spectrum
mobile waveform and Intelsat’s global Ku-band broadband coverage. In
addition, Panasonic eXConnect leverages iDirect’s award-wining “Group
Quality of Service” bandwidth management technology, which enables airlines
to integrate and deliver a wide range of services beyond basic Internet
access. These include live and premium in-flight entertainment services as
well as voice applications, and allow airlines to capture additional
pay-per-use and advertising revenues.

By implementing iDirect’s satellite IP router technology, Panasonic is
also able to reduce the operating cost and complexity of supporting
in-flight broadband connectivity and offer the service for both continental
and inter-continental flights.

The next-generation system is distinguished by:

— More affordable use of satellite bandwidth: Ultra-small satellite
antennae on an aircraft require increased transmission powers and satellite
bandwidth to maintain a reliable link while in motion. To overcome this
challenge, Panasonic eXConnect will feature iDirect’s innovative spread
spectrum mobile waveform. The iDirect waveform diffuses the transmission of
satellite bandwidth while maintaining a high data rate. This dramatically
conserves satellite space segment and lowers bandwidth costs for airlines.

— Cost-effective network expansion: Through the iDirect satellite
router, the eXConnect system leverages Intelsat’s global fleet of 53
in-orbit satellites and on-the-ground teleport facilities. Satellite
carriers can be scaled to the bandwidth needs of specific geographical
regions, providing a cost-effective means to meet current demand and
increase network capacity as demand grows.

— Simplified global network management: With iDirect’s Global Network
Management System, Panasonic can manage and track each satellite router
from a single network management system, instead of using multiple systems
typically required to manage a global, hybrid network. In addition,
iDirect’s Automatic Beam Switching feature enables the antenna to
automatically transfer connectivity from one satellite to the next as an
aircraft travels across satellite footprints.

“We are proud to be working with iDirect to deliver the next-generation
satellite transmission platform for eXConnect. iDirect develops
world-renowned technology, leveraging Intelsat’s global satellite fleet and
network infrastructure. We believe iDirect is best prepared to help
Panasonic provide airlines with a satellite communications technology to
reduce operating costs and improve daily operations.”

— Paul MARGIS

Chief Executive Officer, Panasonic Avionics Corporation

“The core capabilities for in-flight broadband have existed for years,
but until recently they were far too inefficient and costly for airlines to
operate profitably. iDirect has developed new technologies for the
satellite industry to overcome mobile broadband challenges. Today, a
powerful combination of next-generation capabilities from Panasonic,
Intelsat and iDirect will soon make broadband connectivity a vital new
dimension of air travel.”

— David BETTINGER

Chief Technology Officer, iDirect

Panasonic Avionics Corporation is the world’s leading supplier of in-
flight entertainment (IFE) and communication systems. The company’s
best-in- class solutions, supported by professional maintenance services,
fully integrate with the cabin enabling airlines to deliver the ultimate
travel experiences with a rich variety of entertainment choices, resulting
in improved quality communication systems and solutions, reduced
time-to-market and lower overall costs. Established in 1979, Panasonic
Avionics serves over 200 customers worldwide and provides systems on over
3,700 aircraft. Headquartered in Lake Forest, California, the company
employs over 2,600 employees with operations in 80 locations worldwide. For
additional information, please visit http://www.panasonic.aero. Panasonic Avionics
Corporation is a subsidiary of Panasonic Corporation of North America, the
principal North American subsidiary of Matsushita Electric Industrial Co.,
Ltd. (NYSE: MC). Additional information on Matsushita Electric and
Panasonic is available at http://www.panasonic.com.

iDirect, a subsidiary of VT Systems, is transforming the way the world
gets and stays connected. The company’s satellite-based IP communications
technology enables constant connectivity for voice, video and data
applications in diverse and challenging environments. These include
extending private networks to remote offices; supporting mobile
connectivity across land, sea and air; providing rural telephony and
Internet broadband; and maintaining communications in the wake of disasters
and network failures. The iDirect Intelligent Platform(TM) integrates
advanced technology into iDirect’s portfolio of hubs, routers and network
management software to address the growing complexity of deploying and
managing global IP networks. With more than 13 years of global satellite
communications experience, iDirect serves customers in 50 countries through
a diverse network of channel partners, including some of the largest
satellite providers, operators and carriers in the world and seven of the
World Teleport Association’s Global Top Ten. Headquartered in Herndon,
Virginia, iDirect has offices in Europe, Asia, Middle East, Africa and
Latin America. Please visit http://www.idirect.net.

VT Systems and its subsidiaries are preferred providers of engineering
solutions, products, integrated systems, and services in the Americas
across the core business areas of marine, aerospace, electronics and land
systems. Headquartered in Alexandria, Virginia, VT Systems operates
throughout North America and offers a broad range of proven innovative
services to both the commercial and government sectors. VT Systems is a
wholly owned subsidiary of Singapore Technologies Engineering Ltd. Please
visit http://www.vt-systems.com.

SOURCE iDirect

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