Cambridge trial delivers multimedia mobile broadcasting over DAB and DVB-H standards
Trial to evaluate datacasting applications and complementary 3G delivery services
Penthera Technologies provides solution to utilise Microsofts Windows Media Encoding and Digital Rights Management Technology
Arqiva today announced that it has partnered with Microsoft Corp. to trial datacasting applications over DAB and DVB-H mobile broadcasting standards. The technical trial will test the integration of live multi-channel Mobile TV with two datacasting applications: clip and share and augmenting live events. Clip and share enables viewers to capture segments of live broadcasts and share the file with friends. Augmenting live events will use 3G services, widely seen as a complementary technology to mobile broadcasting, to deliver additional clips linked to the live broadcasts. This technology will enable viewers to tailor the Mobile TV viewing experience to their individual preferences: when watching a live broadcast of a football match the 3G return path can be used to access further information such as individual player profiles, match statistics or goal replays.
Arqivas partnership with Microsoft is part of the long-term industry trial of broadcast multimedia delivery using DVB and DAB taking place in Cambridge. Begun in June 2004, the companies are trialling the capabilities of terrestrial DAB and DVB broadcasting platforms for delivering video, audio and text-based information services to mobile devices.
Penthera Technologies has come on board for the latest stage of the trial to provide its newly launched Penthera Broadcast FoundationTM. A mobile broadcast test and demonstration environment, the Penthera Broadcast FoundationTM enables DVB-H mobile broadcasting in a test environment, from the first step of encoding video and audio content to receiving, selecting and viewing content on mobile devices a mobile-broadcast-in-a-boxTM solution. The Penthera Broadcast Foundation version being used in the trial utilises Microsofts Window Media Encoding and Digital Rights Management (DRM) Technology. Enabling content to be delivered securely to mobile devices, Microsofts DRM technology guards against revenue leakage and protects content rights.
Hyacinth Nwana, Arqivas managing director for Mobile Media Solutions, commented: By evaluating DRM options for mobile broadcasting, the industry can not only investigate how to secure its content and revenues, but also encourage the development of new business models and content distribution mechanisms. This trial gives us the opportunity to further investigate the services that can be delivered over DAB and DVB-H and how 3G can be used to complement these services. Were delighted to be continuing our work with Microsoft and Penthera and to be further developing our expertise in all aspects of mobile broadcasting technology.
Sam Leinhardt, CEO of Penthera, added, Penthera is pleased to work with Arqiva and Microsoft for this mobile broadcast trial of leading technology and services. As a leading global mobile broadcast software provider, our goal is to work with broadcasters, manufacturers and operators to create the most compelling services and applications that will drive mobile broadcast adoption.