Satellite TV Connects Rural Users to the World
Chaparral Communications Helps Educate, Inform, Entertain Viewers

San Jose, CA – June 27, 2006 – With our sophisticated, high-speed global technologies, it is hard to imagine that millions of people in rural parts of the world remain disconnected from the information we take for granted. Satellite television is changing this. It started in the 1960s when Bob Taggart and Jim Janky stepped up to the task of developing and delivering the world’s first low-cost satellite television reception capabilities to the far reaches of the earth. "We planned that satellite TV would be used primarily for education, but people also wanted news, information and entertainment. Education and information can be entertaining and satellite TV brings it to them," said Taggart, founder and CEO of Chaparral Communications, Silicon Valley’s provider of products used in commercial and residential satellite reception systems worldwide.

"Probably one of the best examples of how people have benefited from satellite TV is the Edusat distance learning program we collaborated with in Mexico. Satellite was the only practical way to educate people in remote areas. Without satellite TV many would not receive an education."

"Another example is the benefit satellite TV brought to rural Americans when it started here in the early 1980s. Most received only a few snowy channels or none at all. For instance, my wife’s parents live in the desert of southern Idaho," said Taggart. "Once we installed a satellite dish, the whole world opened up to them. Now they receive information and entertainment just like people living in metropolitan areas. Almost every time we visit them they tell us how much they appreciate their satellite TV. The best thing about being in this business is the thanks we receive."

A third example is Indonesia with over 17,000 islands spread across over 3000 miles. Many years ago the government recognized that the only practical way to communicate was with satellite and launched the Palapa series of satellites. Chaparral has provided tens of thousands of satellite TV systems and components to the people of Indonesia.

Taggart calls satellite reception "the great equalizer." "It provides equal information access to millions of people – rural or urban. When people in rural or remote areas first see the programs they can now receive on their satellite dish, they really get excited. Now they too are connected and they love it. Through satellite TV, people learn, get refreshed and see possibilities beyond their own existence."

"Satellite television is unique in that it receives signals almost anywhere. With just a little electricity, such as a solar cell array or car battery, programs can be watched. No transmitters, telephones, cell coverage or cable network is required, just point the dish into the sky," said Taggart.

In 1984, Congress passed The Satellite TV Viewers Rights Act that gave all people – rural or city – equal access to information. Over time, the world community has been compelled to permit access because costs are plummeting and the amount of information is exploding.

"Some have said that the downfall of the Soviet Union was hastened by satellite TV," said Taggart. "Soviet citizens could see what was really happening in other countries and wanted something better."

To chronicle the rich history and development of the small satellite TV dish, Chaparral recently produced a short flash video called "Satellite Industry Pioneers." The award-winning documentary is available for view on the Chaparral website, www.chaparral.com.

In the future, much of this current satellite technology may change, particularly as wireless communications continues to advance. Taggart is not concerned, "By then we will have changed the world, uplifting people's lives and making this a better place." And that was the plan all along.

Chaparral Communications, Inc.

Headquartered in San Jose, CA, Chaparral Communications, Inc. is a leading provider of products used in commercial and residential satellite reception systems worldwide. Chaparral was founded in 1980 and is recognized for developing quality products, innovative designs, responsive customer service and leadership in the satellite reception system industry. Chaparral is privately held and products are manufactured in the United States, Mexico, China and Taiwan. For more information, visit www.chaparral.com or call 408.294.2900.