Sky-Stream Launches New IP-TV Streaming Service Based on iDirect's VSAT Platform

HERNDON, Va., Feb. 8, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- VT iDirect, Inc. (iDirect), a company of VT Systems Inc. (VT Systems), today announced that Sky-Stream FZ LLC, a Dubai-based provider of connectivity and satellite service solutions, has launched a satellite IP-TV streaming service over the iDirect platform. The recreational service, which utilizes the Apple TV platform, allows customers in the Middle East and Africa to immediately access on-demand programs in remote locations where such services are not accessible. iDirect is a world leader in satellite-based IP communications technology.

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Sky-Stream's IP-TV service provides on-demand, high-quality streaming for movies as well as news and sports shows offered through Apple TV. The new offering is an expansion of Sky-Stream's standard Voice over IP (VoIP) and Internet service that it provides to military and civil defense customers in Iraq, Afghanistan and parts of Africa. With the launch of its recreational service, Sky-Stream hopes to acquire new customers in the maritime and oil and gas sectors in the Middle East. These customers will be able to access the service from any location, no matter how isolated.

The new service is powered by iDirect's satellite platform, providing built-in TCP acceleration on an IP-based system that allows Sky-Stream to offer high download speeds to customers for immediate access to the programs they want. During development, Sky-Stream tested other satellite platforms and found average download times to be unacceptably slow -- taking customers over an hour to download a full-length movie. With iDirect's TDMA platform, Sky-Stream is able to overcome latency and other link reliability issues to reduce typical movie download times to as few as five minutes.

"In developing a TV-streaming service for the Middle East, it was critical that we were able to reach any location and provide on-demand access to a variety of bandwidth-intensive content at broadband speeds. Delivering the service over satellite solved the first requirement, but not necessarily the second. iDirect's platform offers us what other satellite platforms couldn't -- high-quality, high-speed downloads that meet our customers' expectations."

~ Riyadh Al ADELY

General Manager, Sky-Stream

"Many service providers like Sky-Stream are expanding services to address growing customer demand to support next-generation, bandwidth-hungry applications. By providing iDirect-based IP-TV service in the Middle East, Sky-Stream is enabling maritime, defense, and oil and gas customers to access premium TV and movie content from anywhere they operate."

~ Majdi ATOUT

Director of Sales - Middle East, iDirect

Visit the iDirect stand S-F11 in Arena Hall during the 2011 CABSAT MENA show in Dubai to see a live demo of Sky-Stream's Apple TV service.

Sky-Stream is part of the Atlas Telecom Group of companies based in Dubai. Established in 2004 Sky-Stream quickly forged a reputation as a reliable provider of satellite Internet access and quality low-cost VOIP services. Headquartered in Dubai, with local offices and presence in Afghanistan and Iraq, Sky-Stream is a leading provider of secure satellite communication solutions across the Middle-East. With customers primarily based in the marine, military and oil & gas sectors, its reputation is built on keeping customers connected in some of the most isolated locations in the region via its secure VSAT networks.

Sky-Stream provides flexible solutions to meet the ever-changing demands of its customers, including the design, build and operation of networks. Its state-of-the-art 24x7 Network Operation Centre (NOC) and hubs are complemented by a highly qualified and experienced team of engineers, project managers and customer service personnel. Sky-Stream VSAT solutions can be defined packages or customized to meet precise requirements. They can be easily integrated in existing networks, are highly secure, work seamlessly in the most remote regions and can be rapidly deployed. In short, they provide everything customers need for the success of their business-critical operations. http://www.sky-stream.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. The iDirect Intelligent Platform™ 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 15 years of global satellite communications experience, iDirect serves customers in over 50 countries through a diverse network of service provider partners, including seven of the World Teleport Association's Global Top Ten operators. Headquartered in Herndon, Virginia, iDirect has offices in Europe, Middle East, Africa and Latin America. In 2007, iDirect Government Technologies (iGT) was set up to drive adoption of its IP-based solutions in the US Government market. In 2008, iDirect Asia Pte Ltd was established in Singapore to enhance its value-add and responsiveness to customers in the Asia Pacific region.  Please visit www.idirect.net.

VT Systems is an engineering company providing integrated solutions to the commercial and government markets in the aerospace, electronics, land systems and marine sectors.  VT Systems' innovative solutions, products and services include aircraft maintenance, repair and modification; software solutions in training and simulation; satellite-based IP communications technology; network solutions that integrate data, voice and video; rugged computers and computer peripheral equipment; specialized truck bodies and trailers; weapons and munitions systems; road construction equipment; and ship design and shipbuilding. Headquartered in Alexandria, Va., VT Systems operates globally and is a wholly owned subsidiary of ST Engineering.  Please visit www.vt-systems.com.

SOURCE iDirect