Major suppliers announce deals worth over USD 160 MILLION signed at CABSAT2007

Added to the significant number of smaller agreements signed, organisers are confident that the show - which also welcomed over 8,500 trade visitors - will break all previous records.

'DWTC's portfolio of trade shows is designed to drive business growth for participating companies, and for the wider regional economy. CABSAT2007 is a prime example, having welcomed over 8,500 trade visitors from across the region and delivered a strategic platform where major business deals are signed,' said Helal Saeed Al Marri, Director General, Dubai World Trade Centre, organiser of CABSAT2007.

Major transactions announced include the deal signed by Technosat with Hathway, one of the largest multi-service operators with a subscriber base of over five million, for 600,000 units of specially-configured receiver boxes.

The deal - worth an estimated USD 88 million every year - drives Technosat into the premier league of satellite technology companies.

'This deal is unbelievable - a dream that has come true. It takes Technosat to the next level in our ambition to become the Panasonic or the Sony of the satellite industry. CABSAT2007 has helped tremendously in showcasing our latest technology,' said Irshad M Contractor, Managing Director, Technosat.

Other major announcements included the contract to launch the Middle East's first high-definition television channel by ARABSAT and LUXE.tv, which will be produced in High Definition, and broadcast both in High and Standard Definition.

In addition, a number of innovative companies have made an impact through the supply of breakthrough broadcasting technology.

'CABSAT2007 has demonstrated that the broadcasting industry encourages the survival of the smartest, with innovative technology making all the difference in the Middle East market,' said Shaan R. Jethwani, Executive Director, EUROSTAR.

For CABSAT20007, EUROSTAR introduced its new 'Pocket TV with DVB-H' technology. The product is essentially a portable TV, which can air local channels around the GCC states and has built-in navigation software for all the GCC countries.

Another company reporting strong sales was DYNAVISION.

Tamer Ramadan, Sales Manager, DYNAVISION, explains: 'We have had a really good response this year because of our new products.'

This year, the firm introduced set-top boxes with more options, such as capacity to connect to the internet, downloading options and the potential to connect and source all data to a home TV.

CABSAT will return to Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre from the 4-6 March, 2008.