RV News On Line - The Voice of the RV Industry


July 2004		Volume 29 - Number 12

RV News Feature Page 3

KVH, a publicly-held company, (NASDAQ: KVHI) had sales of $56.7 million in 2003, with $38 million coming from their satellite sales. Of this total, it is almost evenly split between the RV market and the marine market. The company delivers more than 20,000 systems per year to the RV market, and expects that number to grow with the continued demands of the consumer in the RV marketplace. The balance of their revenue is generated from their tactical navigation and fiber optics products.

Watson said, “Our growth in the RV industry was enhanced with the TracVision LF and SF satellite antenna systems that were designed for OEM integration. The SF is a totally automatic, domed satellite TV antenna system for stationary viewing. The LF automatic satellite acquisition systems provides for in-motion entertainment reception of satellite TV. Both of these systems support DirectTV, DISH Network, DISH 500 or ExpressVu systems. We also offer our premier TracVision L3 and S3 systems, which offer some additional capabilities, including compatibility with our TracNet mobile Internet system.”

Continuing their tradition of creative engineering and quality at all costs, the company is proud of their ISO 9001 (2000 Standard) certification and continuous product improvement and development programs. Cooper said, “We are a vertically integrated company. Everything is done right here; from conceiving the idea, through engineering and testing, manufacturing, quality control, writing our own software, and right through shipping and distribution.

Most of the excitement around Middletown, RI now comes from the all-new TracVision A5 system that was released late last year. The A5 incorporates advanced hybrid phased-array antenna technology (patents pending) that allows for a remarkable low-profile system that is the talk of the industry. The rooftop mounted system is only 5.3” high and can easily be mounted on any SUV, conversion van, or RV.

As manufacturers begin to raise the interior height of their motorhomes, they must find new ways to get all the clutter off the roof or risk damage as the overall exterior height of their units reaches dangerous levels.

Chris Watson noted, “The A5 was in development for almost three years before its release. With all new engineering and technology, the company has set a new standard for excellence for full in-motion reception of satellite television signals. The TracVision A5 represents an entirely new approach to in-motion satellite TV. Robots build the A5 to exacting standards.

“The investment community is also very interested in the A5, both from its market potential and the fact that we build it right here.”

Bob Cooper said, “It makes no difference where they buy our products. The customersupport and technical support groups are available 12 hours a day, six days a week. It is complete world-class customer service.”