Mexico adopts ATSC standard for digital television
The government of Mexico formally adopted the ATSC DTV standard for digital terrestrial television broadcasting July 2.
The ATSC DTV standards provide a wealth of applications, including HDTV, multiple simultaneous SDTV programs, multichannel surround-sound digital audio, and datacasting and interactive services.
Adoption of the ATSC standard is contained within a detailed policy document for DTV broadcasting issued by Mexico’s Secretary of Communications and Transportation. The policy is based on recommendations developed by a government and industry consultative committee following an October 2003 directive from President Vicente Fox.
For more information, please visit: www.atsc.org.
Telstar 18 launches; initially fails to achieve planned orbit
Telstar 18 was successfully launched in late June from Sea Launch complex in the Pacific Ocean; however, the satellite failed to achieve its planned orbit.
The satellite, which is intended for telecommunications service, including direct broadcast television and Internet services in Southeast Asia, Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands, may still be able to achieve its planned orbit having adequate fuel supply to achieve the task, according to Loral Space and Communications in New York.
The satellite is jointly owned by Loral and APT Satellite Holdings in Hong Kong. The nearly five ton satellite has 16 Ku-band transponders and 38 C-band transponders. Its planned geosynchronous orbital slot is at 138 degrees east longitude.
For more information, please visit: www.loral.com/inthenews.
Visteon declares Cologne DVB-M1 system tests a success
Visteon's Digitune DVB-M1
Recent tests of the new Visteon DigiTune DVB-M1 in-car entertainment system in Cologne, Germany, were successful, according to the company.
DigiTune tuned in 21 channels currently available with optimum picture and sound quality in a wide range of driving situations.
The digital television system gives passengers the benefits of interactive viewing while on the move. The terrestrial digital video broadcast technology offers a wide variety of channels and clear, sharp digital picture quality. The digital TV tuner adds TV reception to in-car viewing options and is fully compatible with Visteon's overhead entertainment systems.
For more information, please visit: www.visteon.com.
