Objective
Main Objective
S3M aims to develop innovative and efficient technological solutions for small SMATV systems. The key objectives are:
-To produce cost efficient prototypes for interactive systems on small SMATV installations reaching the 10% target cost recommended by the DVB. The network architecture is the combination of a universal satellite link with an innovative technological mechanism for the coaxial section of a SMATV installation.
-The development of optimised protocols for satellite access in a scenario of a massive number of Satellite Interactive Terminals simultaneously accessing the satellite where Traffic Models predict 'avalanche effects'.
-The development of end-to-end delivery protocols for interactive applications and for massive data delivery at asymmetric data rates.
-To validate this pre-operational equipment and perform field trials in end to end chains.
-To create a strategic position for concertated actions on satellite based interactive systems Technical approach
S3M (SMATV in the Third Millennium) will develop pre-operational equipment for the short term deployment of Satellite based Interactive systems and services in a SMATV environment. The focus will be on small SMATV systems because these have stringent cost constraints on the headend equipment if they are to be acceptable to users. These requirements lead to more efficient technologies.
The key advantage of a satellite based interactive system for SMATV is that the Satellite Interactive Terminal is shared by several users living in a single building. It provides a very low cost interactive solution within the range of the target costs for DVB interactive systems whilst exploiting the flexibility and advantages of satellite communications. The S3M system prepares the way for broadband scaleable access systems which can allow QoS on demand through the satellite.
S3M will focus on user and system requirements and user needs as well as on a business plan for small SMATV networks. It takes as the starting point the conclusions of earlier RACE and ACTS projects on satellite based interactivity (DIGISMATV and DIGISAT). The added value of S3M will be the provision of solutions for small SMATV systems with 10-20 users, which is regarded as a strategic for Europe. This view is also held by the European DVB Consortium. Broadcasters, Network Operators and satellite operators will be involved in the requirement analysis. Cost analysis will aim to reach the Satellite Interactive Terminal target price (costs) of under $500 for production volumes of several millions (the potential market for Europe).
S3M will develop and validate pre-operational demonstrators of Satellite Interactive Terminals based on FTDMA (Frequency and Time Division Multiple Access) system access. These will be compared with the CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access) systems analysed by the earlier DIGISAT project, in order to decide the best system approach for a satellite based interaction channel. The advantages and disadvantages of the two access techniques will be assessed to determine the most efficient and cost effective option as a function of the SMATV type and application. .
S3M will provide a platform for integrating both technologies in field trials: FTDMA, developed within S3M and CDMA, developed under the sponsorship of ESA. S3M will also develop and test pre-operational demonstrators of coaxial quipment optimised for the small SMATV environment. This will be based on the Low rate TDMA approach defined by DIGISAT, where the Grouping Terminal is as simple as the Interactive Interface Module (IIM) at the user terminal. It is intended to provide stand-alone IIMs, allowing the use of universal IRDs in the introductory period.
S3M will validate the results through trialing some attractive Interactive TV applications integrating, among other applications, satellite based Internet Multimedia Services.
Summary of Trial
S3M Trials will be arranged with users that already are enjoying Satellite Digital Television broadcasting services. A number of users will be selected to evaluate the enhanced interactive services provided by S3M Satellite based Interactive Systems in an scenario of PC based Satellite Internet Multimedia Services.
The results of the trial campaign will be analysed with respect to:
-Technical performance of the system
-User evaluation
500 for production volumes of several millions (the potential market for Europe).
S3M will develop and validate pre-operational demonstrators of Satellite Interactive Terminals based on FTDMA (Frequency and Time Division Multiple Access) system access. These will be compared with the CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access) systems analysed by the earlier DIGISAT project, in order to decide the best system approach for a satellite based interaction channel. The advantages and disadvantages of the two access techniques will be assessed to determine the most efficient and cost effective option as a function of the SMATV type and application. .
S3M will provide a platform for integrating both technologies in field trials: FTDMA, developed within S3M and CDMA, developed under the sponsorship of ESA. S3M will also develop and test pre-operational demonstrators of coaxial quipment optimised for the small SMATV environment. This will be based on the Low rate TDMA approach defined by DIGISAT, where the Grouping Terminal is as simple as the Interactive Interface Module (IIM) at the user terminal. It is intended to provide stand-alone IIMs, allowing the use of universal IRDs in the introductory period.
S3M will validate the results through trialing some attractive Interactive TV applications integrating, among other applications, satellite based Internet Multimedia Services.
Summary of Trial
S3M Trials will be arranged with users that already are enjoying Satellite Digital Television broadcasting services. A number of users will be selected to evaluate the enhanced interactive services provided by S3M Satellite based Interactive Systems in an scenario of PC based Satellite Internet Multimedia Services.
The results of the trial campaign will be analysed with respect to:
-Technical performance of the system
-User evaluation//ACH_ACH_TXT
Main contributions to the programme objectives:
Main deliverables
Development and demonstration of Digital Interactive Satellite Terminal for Master Antenna Systems
Contribution to the programme
Development of inexpensive broadband access for Interactive Multimedia Services based on common interactive access to satellite services
Key Issues
The development of early trials of satellite based interactive systems working on existing Ku band satellite capacity will validate the critical technologies to be deployed for the next generation of satellite broadband multimedia services. They will assess the network management functionalities, the end-to-end delivery protocols for satellite interactive applications, the optimum protocols for satellite access in an scenario of a massive number of Satellite Interactive Terminals, the key elements for low cost user terminals, etc. The conclusions of the S3M Trials will be incorporated in guidelines on the operation of such satellite networks with a massive number of terminals.
Fields of science
Topic(s)
Call for proposal
Data not availableFunding Scheme
CSC - Cost-sharing contractsCoordinator
28080 Madrid
Spain