PanAmSat
Demonstrates Satellite-Based Broadband Wireless Networks
(12 July 2005) PanAmSat joined
forces with KenCast, Inc. and Trinity Workplace Learning to demonstrate the
first satellite-delivered live video to handheld devices.
At the WiMAX Forum Plenary, on July 12 and 13 in Vancouver,
Canada, a live video stream from Trinity's facilities in Dallas, TX was
uplinked to PanAmSat's Galaxy 11, then encoded and transcoded by KenCast to
handheld devices at the Vancouver trade show. Sponsored by Intel and many
others, the WiMAX Forum Plenary is one of the industry's leading events for
showcasing the application of WiMAX technology.
"PanAmSat has been the
industry leader in promoting and utilising new and innovative technology, first
with compressed digital delivery to cable systems then creating the first
high-definition television neighbourhood and now WiMAX. Satellite-delivered
WiMAX technology is the future for handheld devices such as smartphones and
laptops," said Bruce Haymes, senior vice president, Business Development.
"WiMAX will also enable the delivery of IPTV throughout the U.S. as well as
being integrated into our satellite news gathering or SNG services. We are very
excited to show the possibilities of WiMAX on our Galaxy 11 satellite."
The demonstration will provide live delivery of 10 streaming video
channels. Two will be provided by Trinity, including a live feed of its Law
Enforcement as well as its Fire and Emergency Training Network. By providing
wireless broadband access, emergency personnel such as firefighters and police
officers can be in immediate contact with the crisis situation.
WiMAX
is a standards-based technology enabling the delivery of last-mile wireless
broadband access as an alternative to cable and DSL. WiMAX will provide fixed,
nomadic, portable and, eventually, mobile wireless broadband connectivity
without the need for direct line-of-sight with a base station. It is expected
that WiMAX technology will be incorporated in notebook computers and
smartphones in 2006, allowing for urban areas and cities to become "MetroZones"
for portable outdoor broadband wireless access.
Formed in June 2001,
The WiMAX Forum is a non-profit association working to facilitate the
deployment of broadband wireless networks based on the IEEE 802.16 standard by
helping to ensure the compatibility and inter- operability of broadband
wireless access equipment. The WiMAX Forum is the only organisation bringing
compliance and interoperability to the wireless broadband industry with its
testing and certification program, WiMAX Forum Certified . Cetecom labs will be
testing products for WiMAX Forum certification beginning July, 2005. PanAmSat
is a member of the WiMAX Forum along with many other industry leaders,
including Intel, Microsoft, Nokia and Samsung.
About PanAmSat
Through its owned and operated fleet of 23 satellites, PanAmSat is a leading
global provider of video, broadcasting and network distribution and delivery
services. In total, the Company's in-orbit fleet is capable of reaching over 98
percent of the world's population through cable television systems, broadcast
affiliates, direct-to-home operators, Internet service providers and
telecommunications companies. In addition, PanAmSat supports the largest
concentration of satellite-based business networks in the U.S., as well as
specialised communications services in remote areas throughout the world.
(source: PanAmSat)