News Headline
Americans to watch satellite TV in cars courtesy TracVision
NEW YORK: While new satellite radio services launched over the past year claim to be the most advanced automobile entertainment available, KVH Industries has taken automotive multimedia to new heights with the invention of the TracVision A5. The ultra-low profile antenna will bring live satellite television to in-vehicle video screens across the US. Americans watch over four hours of the idiot box everyday.
The new phased-array antenna is being introduced just as mobile video systems have become the hottest selling automotive electronic accessory on the market today.
For the first time premium, static- free, digital satellite TV programming will be available in automobiles. KVH believes that just as television became America’s primary form of entertainment and news delivery in the home, it has the potential to do the same in passenger vehicles thanks to TracVision A5 and the power of satellite TV to reach cars traveling throughout the US.
KVH’s VP marketing Jim Dodez said: “People love to watch TV and not just at home. The exploding popularity of rear-seat video entertainment systems confirms that. Satellite radio, for all its variety, is still just audio entertainment. While roughly 600,000 people have subscribed to the various satellite radio services, published industry data estimates that one million in-car video systems were sold in 2002 alone. That number is expected to be even larger this year. Passengers in these vehicles are going to want something to watch.”
” Satellite TV, with more than 300 channels of video, 35 to 50 channels of commercial-free music, and nationwide coverage is the perfect solution. KVH’s ultra-low profile TracVision A5 satellite TV antenna makes it possible,” Dodez added.
Vehicles equipped with TracVision A5 will be able to receive the same premium satellite TV service that is already enjoyed by more than 18 million households throughout the US. The fully automatic antenna mounts to the roof rack of a passenger car, mini-van, or SUV, tracking the TV satellites and relaying the latest movies, breaking news, sports, business report, or children’s entertainment directly to the passenger video screens.
Designed to be a component within the vehicle’s entertainment system, a single TracVision A5 antenna can support multiple video screens and receivers, allowing each passenger to watch their favorite programming whether it’s from the satellite, an onboard DVD player, Digital Video Recorder (DVR), or console game.
The result of more than two years of research and development, the five-inch high TracVision A5 uses KVH’s new phased-array technology to create an antenna with a rugged, flat design suitable for the family SUV, mini-van, or car at an affordable price. TracVision A5 is being introduced just as the backseat video entertainment market is taking off.
Dodez said: “We’re seeing a tremendous amount of interest in TracVision A5 and live satellite TV in the car. Families with small children, emergency and law enforcement agencies, and business travellers all recognize that live TV broadcasts can offer a level of versatility, information, and entertainment that radio just can’t match.”
NEW DELHI: Hamdard Laboratories gathered a cross-section of India’s achievers in New Delhi on Friday, handing out the Hakeem Abdul Hameed Excellence Awards to figures who have left their mark across healthcare, education, sport, public service and the arts.
The ceremony, attended by minister of state for defence Sanjay Seth and senior officials from the ministry of Ayush, celebrated individuals whose work blends professional success with a sense of public purpose. It was as much a roll call of achievement as it was a reminder that influence is not measured only in profits or podiums, but in people reached and lives improved.
Among the headline awardees was Alakh Pandey, founder and chief executive of PhysicsWallah, recognised for turning affordable digital learning into a mass movement. On the sporting front, Arjuna Awardee and kabaddi player Sakshi Puniya was honoured for her contribution to the game and for pushing women’s participation onto bigger stages.
The cultural spotlight fell on veteran lyricist and poet Santosh Anand, whose songs have echoed across generations of Hindi cinema. At 97, Anand accepted the honour with characteristic humility, reflecting on a life shaped by perseverance and hope.
Healthcare honours spanned both modern and traditional systems. Manoj N. Nesari was recognised for strengthening Ayurveda’s place in national and global health frameworks. Padma shri Mohammed Abdul Waheed was honoured for his research-backed work in Unani medicine, while padma shri Mohsin Wali received recognition for his long-standing contribution to patient-centred care.
Education and social development also featured prominently. Padma shri Zahir Ishaq Kazi was honoured for decades of work in education, while former Meghalaya superintendent of Police T. C. Chacko was recognised for public service. Goonj founder Anshu Gupta received an award for his dignity-centred rural development initiatives, and the Hunar Shakti Foundation was honoured for empowering women and young girls through skill development.
The Lifetime Achievement Award went to former IAS officer Shailaja Chandra for her long career in public healthcare and governance, particularly in the traditional systems under Ayush.
Speaking at the event, Hamdard chairman Abdul Majeed said the awards were a tribute to those who combine excellence with empathy. “These awardees reflect Hakeem Sahib’s belief that healthcare, education and public service must ultimately serve humanity,” he said.
Minister Seth struck a forward-looking note, saying India’s young population gives the country a unique opportunity to become a global destination for learning, health and wellness by 2047.
The ceremony also featured the trailer launch of Unani Ki Kahaani, an upcoming documentary starring actor Jim Sarbh, set to premiere on Discovery on 11 February.
Instituted in memory of Unani scholar and educationist Hakeem Abdul Hameed, the awards have grown into a national platform that celebrates those building a more inclusive and resilient India. For one evening at least, the spotlight was not just on success, but on service with substance.
