ORLANDO, FLA.: Rental car agency Avis is testing mobile TV, the Orlando Business Journal reports. The company, based in Parsippany, N.J., is teaming up with RaySat Broadcasting, a satellite concern in Dallas. RaySat is beaming AT&T’s CruiseCast into select Florida markets where Avis has dealerships. The service was launched July 6 in Orlando, Fort Lauderdale, Miami, Tampa and West Palm Beach. Avis is charging $8.95 per day or $62.65 weekly for 22 video and 20 audio channels transmitted to headrest video screens and headphones.
AT&T launched Cruisecast nationwide on June 1. RaySat developed the antenna, which is attached the roof of a vehicle. Installation is a one-time fee of $1,299; the monthly subscription fee is $27.95. CruiseCast vendors include ST Electronics, Hyundai, NDS, Synchronoss, RaySat and IntelSat.
-- Deborah D. McAdams
