SkyStream Upgrades VSAT System with iDirect Evolution Product Line to Offer On-Demand Service for Luxury Yachts

HERNDON, Va., July 20, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- VT iDirect, Inc. (iDirect), a company of VT Systems, Inc. (VT Systems), today announced that SkyStream FZ LLC, a Dubai-based provider of connectivity and satellite service solutions, has launched an on-demand TV service based on iDirect's Evolution product line. SkyStream recently upgraded its satellite system with Evolution, allowing it to increase bandwidth efficiency without disrupting service for existing iNFINITI customers by operating both Evolution and iNFINITI networks on the same iDirect hub. iDirect is a world leader in satellite-based IP communications technology.

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Based on the next-generation DVB-S2 standard, Evolution increases SkyStream's bandwidth efficiency by as much as 30 percent over its previous system. An additional gain of 50 percent is also possible through Adaptive Coding and Modulation (ACM), an advanced feature of DVB-S2 which iDirect has built into its Evolution product line. SkyStream has used the bandwidth savings it has achieved from Evolution, to expand its coverage area for maritime customers, adding C-band satellite coverage over the Indian Ocean and Far East to complement its existing Ku-band service across the Arabian, Red and Mediterranean Seas.

Further, ACM enables SkyStream to expand its service to a new yachting segment that uses smaller than 1-meter antennas by supporting multiple outdoor configurations on the same network. For both new and existing customers, SkyStream will continue to support high-speed communication applications, including email, voice and data, as well as extended GSM network access and Video-on-Demand.

"We've had great success using iDirect's platform to deliver VSAT broadband access to maritime, oil and gas, and military customers in the Middle East and Africa. As our customer base grew and demanded access to more bandwidth-intensive applications for productivity and recreation, we needed to upgrade our infrastructure to ensure we could provide them with the highest possible efficiency. Our upgrade to Evolution was seamless, with minimal impact to our operations and customers, and we have been very pleased with the added efficiency gains."

~ Riyadh Al ADELY

General Manager, SkyStream

"Our platform continues to provide the backbone of SkyStream's broadband communications service in the Middle East, which have been vital to the success of businesses and militaries in the region. By adding an on-demand TV service and additional coverage over C-band, SkyStream is ideally positioned to meet the communications needs of luxury yachts as they travel across the Eastern Hemisphere."

~ Majdi ATOUT

Director of Sales - Middle East, iDirect

SkyStream is part of the Atlas Telecom Group of companies based in Dubai. Established in 2004, SkyStream quickly garnered 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, SkyStream 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.

SkyStream 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 Center (NOC) and hubs are complemented by a highly qualified and experienced team of engineers, project managers and customer service personnel. SkyStream 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