Story ID: 359SatcomDirect
Satcom Direct Launches Onboard Live-stream TV
By: Chad Trautvetter
Caption: SD Live allows passengers to stream live television via their own personal electronic devices or the cabin entertainment system anywhere in the world.
Word Count: 512
Satcom Direct has launched a new platform for streaming live television in flight via a high-speed airborne data connection. Announced here at NBAA 2016 on Monday, SD Live allows passengers to stream live television via their own personal electronic devices or the cabin entertainment system anywhere in the world without adding additional hardware or antennas. The aircraft must be equipped with JetConneX, SmartSky, ViaSat Ka-and Ku-band and/or Panasonic Ku-band datacom systems.

SD Live delivers both standard- and high-definition real-time television programming—including international and domestic news, business/financial programs and live sporting events—wherever the aircraft is flying. While Satcom Direct has not yet announced a defined list of available channels, chief technology officer Ken Bantoft said that networks such as CNN, BBC and Bloomberg are expected to be available.

Multiple devices can be used on board to simultaneously stream live TV both on the ground and in the air. According to Bantoft, SD Live is “router agnostic,” meaning neither the company’s SD Router nor SD Wi-Fi Hub hardware is required to use its live-streaming TV service. While it can be streamed to any device via a web browser, there is mobile app available for Apple iOS devices.

Encoded specifically for the satellite networks, SD Live uses newly developed data-compression technology that consumes less than 1 Mbps, which Bantoft noted is less bandwidth than required by Netflix, Amazon, Hulu and YouTube. For example, YouTube currently uses about 4 Mbps when streaming videos.

“We are committed to providing our customers with leading technologies to enhance their in-flight experience. SD Live harnesses the latest network capabilities and SD technology, allowing passengers to stay connected, informed and entertained, no matter where they are,” said Satcom Direct founder and CEO Jim Jensen.

Meanwhile , the Melbourne, Florida-based company is also working to broaden its SD Pro integrated flight operations management platform. In late September, Satcom Direct purchased flight scheduling and tax reporting software provider AircraftLogs and added its capabilities to SD’s integrated flight operations management portfolio.

Jensen said that AircraftLogs gives SD Pro a “total solution that corporate flight departments have been asking for, allowing them to always be in sync with their aircraft.” The AircraftLogs technology adds functionality to the SD Pro platform, which provides users with a dashboard displaying real-time critical flight department information, such as communications systems status, flight tracking, flight logs, aircraft status and intent and maintenance and scheduling information.

It also includes financial functions that help with internal accounting, as well as IRS and SEC reporting.

In other news, the company recently obtained FAA parts manufacturer approval for its SD Wi-Fi Hub, as well as an EASA 145 repair station designation. It has had FAA Part 145 approval for a year. These approvals designate Satcom as a manufacturer of avionics, as well as an authorized maintenance, repair and overhaul center for all Satcom Direct avionics. The PMA certification also allows the company to use supplemental type certificates to more quickly get approvals on future hardware developments.