March 9, 2016

 iDirect, announced that OmniAccess, a leading provider of VSAT services to the luxury yacht market, is launching its Broadbeam nextGen VSAT service using iDirect's latest Evolution technology. OmniAccess will be the first to leverage iDirect's new DVB-S2X-ready universal line cards and new 9350 satellite remote, which exceeds 140 Mbps aggregate throughput. This next generation VSAT service will meet the ever-increasing demand for connectivity aboard super yachts worldwide. iDirect is a world leader in satellite-based IP communications technology.

A new expectation for connectivity exists amongst luxury super yacht and cruise ship passengers today. Service providers must be able to accommodate multiple devices streaming high-definition video and running voice and data applications, all at a low-cost, high quality level of delivery.

With the debut of its next-generation extreme-throughput VSAT service, OmniAccess will leverage iDirect's technology developments to introduce Broadbeam nextGen, a new and unique triple-play service offering in the yacht market that will enable HD and UHD/4K PlexusTV streaming, as well as unparalleled bandwidths and premium VoIP services.

Building this next-generation service requires a new level of technology that is equipped to handle an unwavering acceleration of throughput requirements. iDirect's new Universal line cards is the most powerful to date, with return line cards that will feature aggregate symbol rates up to 30Msps, with individual carriers up to 15Msps and 16QAM MODCODs for improved efficiency. The new transmit line card is software upgradable to DVB-S2X and will feature a powerful combination of 32APSK MODCODs and embedded pre-distortion, which helps OmniAccess realize new efficiency and performance gains when operating on fully saturated transponders.  

The new iDirect 9350 satellite remote, targeted at the high-end commercial and military mobility markets, initially features up to 140Mbps of aggregate throughput performance with a software upgrade path to well over 200Mbps via support for adaptive 15Msps TDMA and 30Msps with adaptive SCPC. Such capabilities are built to handle extreme throughput requirements of the super yacht and cruise markets. This enables ship operators to offer a greater level of differentiation and services, ultimately helping passengers enjoy the best possible rate of service at sea.

"The connectivity demands aboard super yachts are the most un-relenting in the market today. Ever-increasing business and personal connectivity demands of passengers continue to raise the bar when it comes to expectation of service and demand on pricing,"  says Bertrand Hartman, CEO, OmniAccess. "Therefore, it is imperative that we can leverage our existing Evolution satellite infrastructure in order to deliver more capacity and higher performance—and iDirect continues to roll out the technology that future proofs our investment in their platform, while providing us the ability to a higher degree of service to our customers."

"With the introduction of the 9350, iDirect introduces a new class of remote for the commercial market, ideal for the ultra-high throughput expectations of very demanding high-end enterprise and maritime markets. When coupled with our new  universal line cards, you create a satellite ground infrastructure that delivers the next level of (or "industries best") performance and functionality to help satellite service providers capture new opportunity introduced by both higher powered broad beam and High Throughput Satellite (HTS). " says Kevin Steen, Senior Vice President Sales and Chief Operating Officer, iDirect. "OmniAccess has long been on the cutting edge of VSAT technology and we look forward to helping them set a new standard for connectivity."