Videotel Content to be Delivered by KVH IP-MobileCast TRAININGlink

Free, Automatic Delivery of Updated Training Programs and a New Generation of e-Learning Services Planned From Industry Leaders in Training and Connectivity


MIDDLETOWN, R.I., Sept. 8, 2014 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Videotel, the leader in maritime e-Learning and a company of KVH Industries, Inc., (Nasdaq:KVHI), has announced plans to continually update its training programs via KVH's IP-MobileCastTM TRAININGlinkTM, a move that has the potential to transform maritime training at sea. Videotel's new continual improvement model of application and content updating will be implemented for its flagship products Videotel on Demand (VOD) and Networked Videotel on Demand (NVOD) by utilizing the multicasting technology of KVH's IP-MobileCast content delivery service.

Subscribers to VOD and NVOD who are also customers of KVH's mini-VSAT Broadbandsm service and IP-MobileCast content delivery service will receive new training material as soon as it is released, with free delivery over their broadband connection. This is an unparalleled improvement over current practices, where annual training program updates must be sent by CD-ROM or USB stick via courier, which can often involve an average time of 1-3 months to reach a vessel. The VOD system is a computer-based solution for crew training and records management onboard ship; the NVOD enables access across the vessel's network system allowing multiple users to train simultaneously on different or the same subjects, with all training being recorded.

With the immediacy of the IP-MobileCast delivery method, Videotel can more effectively help maritime operators keep their crew training completely up to date. Good training, an essential element of any industry, can be particularly challenging to implement in the maritime industry because of the logistics involved in reaching mariners. The fact that the shipping industry faces complex maritime regulations, ship inspections, and company audits makes it even more critical that ships keep their crews current with effective, high-quality training.

"We are thrilled to be able to utilize KVH's IP-MobileCast content delivery service to offer maritime operators such a vast improvement in the timeliness of the crew training materials they receive onboard their vessels," says Nigel Cleave, Videotel chief executive officer. "Our Videotel on Demand service has always been a market innovator, and this improvement puts us truly on a different level from the competition. IP-MobileCast delivery of Videotel training content will help ship owners and ship managers solve the many challenges they face—from retaining competent crew to complying with complex regulations."

Videotel's training solutions are currently available onboard more than 11,000 vessels worldwide. In addition to an extensive portfolio of training films, Videotel's platform also includes recording and reporting management software, enabling shipping companies to monitor and track training of their crews using cloud-based technology.

"Videotel has the maritime industry's most extensive training program collection, with more than 950 e-Learning programs that they keep regularly updated in the face of changing regulations," says Jim Dodez, KVH senior vice president of marketing and strategic planning. "They are at the forefront of a new generation of e-Learning services for mariners, who will benefit not only from the high quality of the Videotel training programs but also from Videotel's innovative solutions for managing the training and certifications that each mariner achieves. IP-MobileCast provides them with an efficient and rapid way to push updates to their customers, at no cost."

KVH provides maritime broadband connectivity to vessels worldwide through its TracPhone® V-IP series terminals and mini-VSAT Broadband service. KVH shipped its 4,000th TracPhone system for mini-VSAT Broadband earlier this year; its mini-VSAT Broadband service is the market share leader in maritime VSAT, according to an industry report by Euroconsult released in March 2014. KVH introduced the IP-MobileCast content delivery service in May, which provides fast and affordable delivery of news, sports, entertainment, training, and operations content to vessels at sea; TRAININGlink is the channel that delivers training materials to vessels subscribing to the IP-MobileCast service.

Note to Editors: For more information, visit the KVH outdoor booth (B5.FG.002) at the SMM maritime trade show in Hamburg, Germany, for a special Videotel presentation about how IP-MobileCast improves crew training, on Wednesday, September 10, 13:00-14:00. Information about Videotel and live demos of IP-MobileCast will be available for the duration of the show, September 9-12, at the KVH outdoor booth as well as the KVH indoor booth (B6.405).

For more information about KVH's IP-MobileCast content delivery service, please visit www.ipmobilecast.com. For more information about Videotel, please visit www.videotel.com. High-resolution images of KVH products are available at the KVH Press Room Image Library, www.kvh.com/press-room/image-library, for download and editorial use.

About KVH Industries, Inc.

KVH Industries is a leading provider of in-motion satellite TV and communications systems, having designed, manufactured, and sold more than 175,000 mobile satellite antennas for applications on vessels, vehicles, and aircraft. KVH is also a leading news, music, and entertainment content provider to many industries including maritime, retail, and leisure. Videotel, a KVH company, is the leader in maritime e-Learning. KVH is based in Middletown, RI, with research, development, and manufacturing operations in Middletown, RI, and Tinley Park, IL. The company's global presence includes offices in Belgium, Brazil, Cyprus, Denmark, Hong Kong, Japan, the Netherlands, Norway, Singapore, and the United Kingdom.

This release may contain certain forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Forward-looking statements include, for example, the functionality, characteristics, quality and performance of KVH's products and technology; anticipated innovation and product development; and customer preferences, requirements and expectations. The actual results could differ materially. Factors that may cause such differences include, among others, those discussed in KVH's most recent quarterly report on Form 10-Q filed with the SEC. KVH does not assume any obligation to update its forward-looking statements to reflect new information or developments.

TRAININGlink, KVH, IP-MobileCast, and TracPhone are trademarks of KVH Industries, Inc. mini-VSAT Broadband is a service mark of KVH Industries.



            

Contact Data