Take a look at the participant section below. Thomson Multimedia is involved. Genesis has an agreement with Thompson Broadcast systems.
Hope this provides some insight. please let me know if this info is
usefull for anyone, If not, I'll refrain from postings of this nature.
Thanks,
KC
P066 CABSINET: Cellular Access to Broadband Services and Interactive Television
Note: This is provisional information. The content of any project and the consortium to undertake this have yet to be agreed.
Main Objective
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The project intends to answer, in equal measure, the future technical and commercial uncertainties surrounding the exploitation of interactive broadband wireless end-user access.
The main objectives are:
to design, build and demonstrate a working interactive cellular TV architecture based in the 40GHz band, capable of delivering both broadcast and ATM-derived services
to compare the performance of this system, and the services which it can deliver, with identified market requirements
to draw concise conclusions on the commercial and technical feasibility of such services in the short/medium term, and how this may be enhanced
to extrapolate the potential for evolving cellular broadband services (eg near-symmetric interactive broadband services etc) using similar architectures.
The project will work closely with the parallel CRABS project in the AC116a area, particularly in identification of market needs and in comparison of technical approach.
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Technical Approach
Technically, the work will break new ground on several fronts:
design and proving of a novel cellular Two-Layer Network (TLN), with local Macrocells serving one or more Microcells based on user premises
implementation of an innovative in-band wireless return link, capable of migrating from asymmetric to near-symmetric broadband interactive services
support for both fixed and 'nomadic' user terminals (ie capable of re-siting around the users' premises without re-cabling)
design of workable, consumer-conscious 40GHz equipment
Development will focus on the optimisation of modulation, coding and DSP methods to maximise performance within constraints imposed by millimetre wave propagation. DVB standards will be followed in the TV broadcast link (MPEG2 coding, QPSK modulation), with adherence to DAVIC standards in the return link wherever possible.
An optional COFDM-modulated link in the broadcast link of the proposed Two-Layer Network will allow the reception of interactive TV and broadband services by 'nomadic' as well as fixed terminals within a Microcell area.
A TDMA/CDMA spread spectrum IF block will be used to maximise in-band interference immunity and data capacity in the return channel.
Significant innovation and technology proving is also involved in the IC components and antenna systems to be used.
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Summary of Trial
The trial will encompass a complete TLN Macrocell/Microcell deployment, including an example of interworking with a trans-European broadband fibre network over 2 National Host platforms. Real interactive cellular TV applications, together with ATM-derived services, will be run to determine performance and user acceptability.
Transmit and receive sites will be chosen to demonstrate both (near-) rural and urban locations. Both line-of-sight connections to fixed terminals and in-building delivery to moveable terminals will be shown.
Trial measurements will be made at the base station and at each terminal location, examining parameters such as propagation and QoS.
User surveys will be conducted with 2 types of demonstration, involving both Fixed and Nomadic terminals:
interactive TV. At least 6 programmes will be presented with 4/3 and 16/9 aspect ratios. One programme will incorporate surround sound. A demonstration of a TV Guide will be given, and a Pay TV programme will be demonstrated with the VIACESS access control system.
interactive multimedia services. Video on Demand (with at least 10 different programmes), News on Demand and other ATM-derived services will be demonstrated. These are intended to prove the utility and quality of service to the user. They will also act as a 'shop window' to attract service providers, server/terminal manufacturers and potential users.
Formal viewer reaction surveys will be conducted with samples of individuals invited to the viewing rooms. Both positive and negative comments will feed into the exploitation planning process.
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Key Issues
Market potential for multi-channel interactive digital TV and broadband services is identified and rising throughout Europe. However, an inability to ensure low-cost, easily-installed "last mile" end-user access in both urban and rural areas is a serious barrier to exploitation. Low-power cellular radio-based techniques offer potentially attractive access to both broadcast and network-based services, while making it possible to provide highly user-friendly in-band interactive return links.
Obstacles to exploitation remain, including:
standards recommendations are incomplete (particularly covering the return link), and spectrum allocations for such links remain an open issue
system design involves a sensitive optimisation of bandwidth needs, propagation issues and system performance parameters
a suitable architecture must permit reliable reception and interactivity both to and within user locations where cabling may be disruptive and high in cost
standardised access should be provided to both fixed and nomadic terminal equipment from a variety of source possibilities - eg satellite, cable, B-ISDN, Internet
an adequate numbers of users per cell must be supported.
The project recognises these obstacles and aims to overcome them.
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Expected Achievements
The output of the project will particularly include:
A proven and flexible Architecture for supporting interactive cellular TV and and ATM-derived services, as well as possible future extended broadband services
An Exploitation Plan which will identify:
the true commercial opportunity for wireless interactive access to broadcast and ATM-derived services
the roles to be played by the parties involved (manufacturers, content providers, standards bodies, network operators etc) to bring services to market early
the migration path needed to introduce other services (such as 2-way video)
timescales and action plans
Extension of Know-How in key broadband cellular fields such as protocols, multiple access techniques, frequency/cell management, coding and (de-) modulation with equalisers and adaptive antennae
New authoritative inputs to emerging DVB/DAVIC and telecommunications Standards and Approvals activities
Reliable planning/simulation Tools so that roll-out of services can proceed smoothly and efficiently.
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Expected Impact
The project aims to have identifiable impact and benefit for both industry and public:
stimulation of a new facet of the multimedia services market throughout Europe, creating benefit for all parties involved in the value-chain
delivery of new services (eg entertainment, healthcare, education) to users either currently unable to receive fibre in the home, or for whom such provision is uneconomical
acceleration of the production of affordable equipment, and facilitation of competitive supply of such equipment
positioning of European industry favourably for leadership in an important new market arena, where export potential is high
potential creation of content provision, new installation and maintenance jobs.
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List of Participants
UK: CRL
F: Alcatel Telspace
F: Centre Commun d'Etudes de T‚l‚diffusion et T‚l‚communications (CCETT)
I: Centro Studi e Laboratori Telecomunicazioni (CSELT)
D: Deutsche Telekom
I: Fondazione Ugo Bordoni (FUB)
UK: Queen's University, Belfast
E: Retevision
D: Robert Bosch
I: Seleco Multimedia
E: Sistemas Eletronicas y Telecomunicaci¢n (SETELSA)
F: T‚l‚diffusion de France (TDF)
CH: Thomcast
F: THOMSON multimedia
SF: VTT
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Contact:
Dr John Weaver, CRL, Dawley Road, HAYES, Middlesex, UB3 1HH, UK
Tel: +44 181 848 6658
Fax: +44 181 848 6538
E-mail: jweaver@crl.co.uk
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Last modified: 15 August 1996 |
