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- Introduction to
VOOM -
Voom is the
United States newest direct broadcast satellite provider (DBS).
Launched in October 2003, Voom began full operations in early
2004. Voom is the operating name for Rainbow DBS Company LLC.
Separating the Voom service from other DBS providers is their
commitment to focus on delivery of High-Definition Television
(HDTV) in addition to regular programming channels. Voom
currently provides up to 40 HDTV channels in addition to up to 88
standard definition channels. In excess of 20 channels of Voom's
HDTV content will be created for Voom's exclusive use by its
parent company, Rainbow Media Holdings LLC. By comparison, other
satellite DBS providers currently only offer 6-8 HDTV channels
and in most cases require a seperate HDTV decoder in addition to
their regular satellite decoder.
Voom delivers its programming to its subscribers via a small
18" satellite dish and set-top box. The Voom satellite, Rainbow-1
is located at the 61.5 degree W.L. and is in geo-synchronous
orbit 22 300 miles above the Earth. The Voom decoder equipment is
provided by Motorola, a leading name in consumer electronics. The
Motorola decoder is capable of processing both HDTV and standard
definition programming.
Voom also has ambitious plans for the future and has
applications currently in front of the FCC for construction and
launch of up to 5 new satellites in the coming years that would
allow them to expand their program offerings in addition to local
programming and more.
Additional Resources
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