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Camping World Selects TracVision LM For 1999 Best New Product Award

7 October 1999

Camping World Selects TracVision LM For 1999 Best New Product Award

    MIDDLETOWN, R.I.--Oct. 6, 1999--Camping World, the world's largest retailer of recreational vehicle (RV) accessories and supplies, has chosen the TracVision(R) LM from KVH Industries, Inc. as the first in-motion satellite television system to be offered through its catalog and stores. At its recent Vendor Co-op Meeting in Bowling Green, Kentucky, Camping World also named TracVision LM Best New Installation Product for 1999.
    "It is an honor to be recognized in two major ways by a company with Camping World's presence in the RV industry, especially since this is a totally new market for us," said Martin Kits van Heyningen, KVH president and CEO. "We already are experiencing increased visibility for TracVision LM since Camping World included the system in a catalog mailing to its database of over 2 million people and after we began placing displays in their 30 retail stores. To be selected Best New Installation Product by Camping World is an added distinction for TracVision LM."
    TracVision LM is a low-cost system that delivers direct broadcast satellite (DBS) programming to a range of recreational and other vehicles travelling the roads of North America. Drivers and passengers can receive hundreds of TV and music channels from DIRECTV(R) and the DISH(tm) Network whether a vehicle is on the road or at rest. KVH also expects to add broadcast Internet access in the near future for real-time news, stock market data and weather information.
    "Reliability and price were our key criteria in evaluating and selecting TracVision LM," said Merchandise Manager Ron Ray of Camping World. "TracVision LM is the first in-motion system to meet our standards for quality and affordability, and initial sales indicate our customers consider this a highly desirable product. Our Best New Product Award to KVH recognized both the fine execution of a promising product idea and the introduction to our market of a high-quality system with exceptional support and on-time deliveries."
    TracVision LM is an effective, reliable and affordable system that maintains satellite contact in mobile environments by sensing vehicle motion and automatically adjusting the antenna position. Prior to the development of TracVision LM, the most affordable and commonly used options for recreational vehicles and motor coaches in the United States were self-acquiring or crank-up units that could only receive satellite television when a vehicle was still.
    The proprietary sensor and software technologies KVH has incorporated into TracVision LM function automatically to acquire satellite contact, maintain pointing with 1(Degree) accuracy and actively track satellite signals at rates exceeding 30(Degree) per second. To meet the challenge of delivering cost-effective, stable, in-motion satellite reception for land vehicles, KVH built upon its experience in designing stabilized television and telephone systems for the marine industry, where the company is a world leader.
    TracVision LM is the smallest in-motion land system available and retails for $2,995 (not including TVs, receivers or installation). The system weighs about 33 pounds with all components inside a flush-mount antenna dome that can be easily installed in approximately two hours on vehicles pre-wired with power and RF cables. Nationwide service is available through an established support network. The market KVH is targeting with TracVision LM includes 8.6 million RVs. In addition, owners of 1.7 million trucks, 100,000 private buses, and millions of SUVs, vans and mini-vans are potential TracVision LM customers.
    Camping World established its Vendor Co-op program in 1989 to build relationships with vendors and channel resources. KVH is working with Camping World to train its salespeople, technicians and catalog call center representatives on TracVision LM features and installation procedures. The two companies also are coordinating retail and catalog marketing efforts.
    Camping World's headquarters is in Bowling Green, Kentucky, and the company has annual sales of over $200 million. The company has been providing RV products and services since 1966, and it now offers a variety of benefits ranging from product discounts through the President's Club to low-cost insurance, a service plan, and emergency roadside assistance. To contact Camping World, call 800-838-1923 or visit its website at www.campingworld.com.
    KVH Industries, Inc. manufactures and markets digital navigation systems and mobile satellite communication products for use in commercial, military, and marine applications. The company's headquarters are in Middletown, RI, and additional offices are located in Hoersholm, Denmark, Tinley Park, Illinois, and St. Petersburg, Florida.