Given the fast changing configuration of the satellite-cable TV market, is the merger of DirecTV and its chief rival Dish Network now appropriate and sensible?  The answer is a clear “yes” from both companies. 

Mike White, DirecTV’s chairman and CEO, told the Goldman Sachs Communacopia media conference this week that consolidation between the USA’s two giant DTH players would benefit the consumer and yet still be competitive. He was quoted in an earlier forum saying while it might take a lot of work to do a deal he’d “never say never.”

Emerging Markets Communications (EMC), a satellite and terrestrial communications solution provider and satcom technology manufacturer, has acquired STM and its affiliate entities Global IP and Vodanet Brasil.

Financial details of the transaction were not disclosed.

Globecomm Systems Inc. has reported a drop in its revenue to US$ 80.6 million during the fiscal 2013 fourth quarter, compared to US$ 104.8 million in the same period last year, as the company completed a major government project in January 2013.

The decrease in revenue, equivalent to 23.1 percent, resulted in the reduction of net income to $4.6 million, or $0.20 of diluted net income per common share, compared to net income of $7.1 million, or $0.31 net income per common share in the same period last year.

Quintech Electronics & Communications is acquiring 100 percent of all shares of DEV Systemtechnik GmbH & Co. KG. Quintech, headquartered in Indiana, PA, supplies RF signal routing equipment for over 24 years. Quintech’s product line includes matrix switches, routers, splitters, combiners, amplifiers, and LNB power supplies.

DEV Systemtechnik, headquartered in Friedberg, Germany, produces RF and RF over fiber signal routing equipment, including the Optribution product line.

HEICO Corp. has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Lucix Corp., a designer and manufacturer of high performance, high reliability microwave modules, units, and integrated sub-systems for commercial and military satellites.

HEICO said the purchase will be made for an undisclosed amount of cash to be paid at closing and future potential cash payments if Lucix should meet certain performance criteria. Lucix's financial information was not disclosed.

According to a Carrier ID survey, carried out by the Satellite Interference Reduction Group (IRG) and Newtec, 93% of respondents suffer from satellite interference at least once a year, with more than half suffering at least once a month and 17% continuously in their day to day operations.

According to Euroconsult’s latest research report,"Satellite Communications & Broadcasting Markets Survey, Forecasts to 2022," the FSS sector is transitioning into a new environment with increased competition between satellite operators and greater uncertainty on demand usage and associated pricing conditions.

At IBC this year, 53 of the approximately 1400 exhibitors claim to be showing something to do with 4K.  My guess is that the number is actually higher as many companies don’t list everything that they will be demonstrating in advance.  So does this mean that 4K is destined to become a commercial reality?

Ericsson today completed the acquisition of Microsoft's Mediaroom business and TV solution. As the most deployed IPTV platform, with a global market share of around 25%, Mediaroom-powered TV services are offered by nearly 60 of the world's leading operators, delivering services to almost 13 million households, and close to 24 million set top boxes, worldwide.

An affiliate of private equity and investment firm Wasserstein & Co. has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Globecomm Systems for US$ 14.15 per share or about US$340 million in cash.