CORDIS provides links to public deliverables and publications of HORIZON projects.
Links to deliverables and publications from FP7 projects, as well as links to some specific result types such as dataset and software, are dynamically retrieved from OpenAIRE .
Deliverables
DW Content format 1: Enhanced News
The news programme "Journal" is DW-TV's flagship programme. It features up-to-the-minute news and current affairs. Journal alternates on an hourly basis between German and English. There are also two shows a day in Spanish. It covers the major political developments, the latest European stock market figures plus detailed background on one of the day's top stories. Journal brings you news 24 hours a day from the heart of Europe.
Within the scope of the Smartcast project, DW has produced an enhanced version of Journal; a content format exploiting the opportunities of digital Interactive Television. Additional features enhancing the Journal broadcast are: glossary of terms from political life in Germany, background information (also multilingual), polling, additional audio content, and T-Commerce application.
The primary target platform of the "Enhanced News" format will be an MHP-set-top box that enables interactivity on the TV screen. It is possible to navigate through the interactive features of the format with a standard remote control using the colour keys as well as the numeric keys. The demonstrator is MHP1.01 compliant.
DW aims to adopt this concept and authoring environment into its regular broadcasting within 2003. This objective will very much depend on the general roll-out of MHP play-out and receiving devices.
DW Content format 2: Campus Germany TV
Campus Germany TV is an enhanced information service based on the DW-TV formats "Tomorrow today"(science & technology) and "Made in Germany"(business) as well as the DW webservice www.campus-germany.de, the largest information portal for foreign students and researchers on study and research in Germany. The combined format "Campus Germany TV" is aimed at MHP set top boxes as well. Content layout is optimised for the TV screen.
The additional text, video and audio data could be broadcast during the actual live programmes "Tomorrow today" and "Made in Germany". Users can download the information onto their set-top boxes. Interactive features include: content from Deutsche Welle's website "Campus Germany", additional video- and/or audio-based contents, additional news and background information related to the topic in question, links, resources, etc., download of personalised information, e-mail client.
Like the Enhanced News format "Campus Germany TV" is foreseen for adoption by DW editorial boards in 2003. Any shortcomings in the European-wide roll-out of MHP may result in considerable delays. As a fallback option DW will outline concepts and workflows to re-package Campus Germany TV for Broadband IP play-out.
DW Content format 3: Discover Germany
DW Smartcat content format 3 "Discover Germany" integrates the DW-TV programmes "Germany Live" and "Destination Germany" and creates a multimedia experience by adding interactive features to the programmes. "Discover Germany" thus presents German cities and landscapes in all their variety. The format showcases the abundance of tourist activities in Germany. The emphasis is on service, with a travel tips offering attractive locations, interesting events as well as information on important trade fairs and congresses. These non-linear editions of "Discover Germany" are ready to be streamed via broadband connections from the respective web pages of the DW-TV programme.
More importantly, these interactive versions of "Discover Germany" will be integrated in a completely new web service targeted mainly at a younger audience: a web-based format named "The Germanizer" (www.germanizer.com ) that will add value to the positioning of DW-online by radiating a young and dynamic image so DW can reach, relate to and retain teenagers with the goal to reach the entrepreneurs of the future (core target group). The combination of Germanizer and "Discover Germany" will round off the services of DW-WORLD.DE by offering light-hearted, entertaining content.
The combined services will be publicly available even before the end of the project. New editions of "Discover Germany" are being prepared using the Smartcast Integrated Multimedia Production Tools.
DW Content format 4: This day in History
"This Day in History" is based on the already existing DW web portal "Kalenderblatt.de" which gives information about the important and interesting events in history that happened on a specific day. The application "This Day in History" combines different sources of content from Deutsche Welle and is tested to be delivered on the Smartcast integrated content logistic platform. Interactive elements provide further background information on the topic and on current news. While "This day in history" has been programmed in MPEG-4 the format is also ready to be published before or immediately after the end of the project. Restricted availability of MPEG-4 compliant players may slow down its adoption at DW-WORLD/Kalenderblatt website.
Broadband via IP/Video-Encoding & Delivery: ORF is offering not only Austria's most successful internet service "ORF-ON" (which includes several channels) in a "smallband" version (56 k) now, but also offers a lot of video contents in "broadband" quality in co-operation with its web-broadband application partner, Telekom Austria. Establishing this service, finding and implementing the necessary technologies and equipment and installing the appropriate workflows has been the first target to be tackled within SMARTCAST - referred to internally as SMARTCAST BASICS. Now the operational result is a regular product - a Multimedia internet portal called tv.jet2web.tv (formerly speed.at) offered to all Austrian ADSL-users. ORF and Telekom together are producing, encoding and delivering videos on a daily basis in a 360 k-quality, also offering selected archive options and additional interactive text content. Internally, ORF already tested a 700 k-version which will soon be offered to selected test households. The encoding is presently based on Microsoft products, for content and archive management the Virage technology is used.
Interactive TV/MHP Authoring & Production: For ORF, broadband-via-TV has been the second important angle for improving production and delivery of smart multimedia and broadband contents within the SMARTCAST project. After having concentrated on broadband internet and ADSL-delivery in the first year of SMARTCAST (see above), during the second year we focused more on the issue of Interactive TV/MHP, especially because the improvement of the MHP-standard, the emerging of the first MHP-authoring tools and - last but not least - the development of functioning MHP-settop boxes offered us the practical framework to do so. From the very start, it was not only our aim to improve our skills in MHP-authoring and production, but especially to integrate the workflows of all multimedia and broadband production procedures (which finally was the fundamental pre-condition to develop and integrate a POPE-production tool as jointly developed within the consortium). Consequently, ORF's SMARTCAST team started to produce a first MHP-prototype using the authoring tool "studio" of the Finish softwarehouse Cardinal. Based upon these experiences, we were able to define our needs for the functionalities and outlines of a Smartcast authoring tool (Integrated Multimedia Production Line), being able to combine MM-production skills for both IP-based and ITV-based broadband contents.
Content Formats/Interactive Prototypes: the SMARTCAST multimedia production line allowed the combination of multimedia production for both IP-broadband and ITV-broadband products for the first time. ORF built three ITV-formats based upon the MPEG-4-standard ready to be delivered either via IP or broadcast digitally and received via set-top boxes. In a next step the same formats will be produced with an MHP-authoring tool, and offered as ITV-formats for MHP-capable boxes. Because the present lack of appropriate MHP-developer boxes this development is still ongoing.
ORF Content Format 1: Enhanced TV-news program based upon the ORF's news flagship format ZIB (Zeit im Bild/time in picture), being broadcast daily in three versions at 19.30, 22.00 and 00.00. The interactive content format prototype 1 is about the big flood Austria experienced in the fall of 2002. It is exploiting several interactive opportunities of digital interactive TV also represented by the FBB's (functional building blocks) the SMARTCAST tool production offers. Based on a navigation using either a mouse (IP) or the four colour and 10 number buttons of the remote control device (ITV/STB), the user may get further text information, additional graphics or photographs on weather and climate or answer to specific polls referring on related political questions.
ORF Content Format 2: Based on the ORF's entertaining society and gossiping news show "Seitenblicke". The specific issue deals with the opera ball 2002 and offers information about fashion, celebrities, opera ball traditions and so on. Synchronised with the normal TV-info, the interactive prototype offers additional enhanced text information about the opera house, the traditions of the ball etc. and also includes a rather funny poll and trivia section to be interactively used by interested users.
ORF Content Format 3: The format is based on the children's TV-game show "Eins, Zwei oder Drei" ("1,2 or 3"), which is a co-production of ORF and ZDF and has been broadcast successfully in Austria and Germany for over a decade. The interactive prototype includes the option of participation of every user/viewer via mouse click or remote-control. The rules of the game show and other interesting text contents can be called up via mouse click or by pushing the right button.
Smartcast makes Produce Once, Publish Everywhere (POPE) a reality.
- Introduction:
The Smartcast POPE tool allows content creators (web editors, TV producers) to start creating interactive video content easily. Anyone who can use a content management tool or a simple video editing system can use this tool to create and deploy interactive video material suitable for multiple end-user devices.
- Creating content:
In essence, an interactive programme is just a set of interactive scenes. To build an interactive programme, you start by selecting the video material needed for each scene. After that, you add the interaction elements like polls, trivia quiz, information layers, etc. by specifying their timing and the texts and images needed. All of this can be done with a simple user interface. At any time, you can test and evaluate the intermediate results for any display size.
All interaction elements can be customised, for example to bring the look and feel in line with the branding of your product or format. It is also possible to introduce new interaction elements, for example a game or tickertape.
- Deploying content:
The Smartcast tool hides the complexity of different end-user devices, distribution channels and interactive video technologies from the content creator, and reduces the deployment of programmes it to two mouse actions:
1: Select the platform(s) you want to target. (e.g. PDA, Web, iTV)
2: Click the Generate button to create and deploy the programme.
- Integrating with your infrastructure:
The Smartcast deployment environment is fully scriptable and XML-based, so that it can be adapted to the existing content provider infrastructure. It allows you to make hooks into existing content management and/or play-out systems. In this way, your existing investments are not at stake if you want to add interactive video productions to your media offering (and you do want to do that!)
- Technologies and end-user platforms:
The Smartcast environment currently uses MPEG-4 technology. This means that interactive content can be sent to PC's (play it in RealPlayer, QuickTime or Windows Media Player), PDA's, set-top boxes and other devices supporting the interactive MPEG-4 format.
Automatic adaptation of the content to the device parameters (screen size, bandwidth, and input device) is integrated in the Smartcast technology. The Smartcast programme description format is generic and fully technology independent. Potential to create a version of the Smartcast tools that generates Flash MX, MHP, OpenTV or any other format you prefer.
Smartcast makes Content logistics an easy operation handled by a single operator. The content logistics platform consists of a unique combination of latest technology developments: DVB-RCS-type interactive satellite networks, IP-over-DVB satellite multicast platforms and advanced content logistics software. The content logistics platform allows content creators and content managers (in future content providers, CP) to upload his content from its production place to the logistics server, remotely manage and schedule the content for distribution, initialise content broadcast over satellite, for everybody or on pre-selected receivers and checks content reception for pay application. The platform works independent of the type of content as long as it is transportable over IP networks, (MPEG1, MPEG 2, MPEG 4, Real, Windows Media Player, MP3, wav files, text files, JPG�)
Connected to the terrestrial Internet or to its interactive satellite terminal the Content Provider (CP) locks itself in its protected area of the Smartcast website hosted at the logistics server, no special hardware necessary. The CP selects the content to upload or a programme scheduling software or database can do it. The CP just clicks a button on the website to upload the content. In another part of this website the CP selects the content for broadcast, time stamp it and select the receivers or receiver groups as well as auto activation of the content at the receiver. After verification by the CP, the broadcast goes automatically over satellite. For content protection the content logistics platform can encrypt the content during transmission using the blowfish algorithm with a public and a private key.
By using a simple html interface the platform can be easy adapted to existing infrastructures and established software at the CP. The receiver can be any DVB data receiver; PC-based and equipped set-top box or the content can be redistributed on corporate LAN�s, wireless or cable networks as well as any type of home networks.
Just providing the CP with a simple web interface, the system hides its huge complexity to its users, it increases efficiency as the entire content delivery can be managed and controlled from one place and requires only a few days training for the operator. Through the interactive satellite terminal for content upload, the platform is widely independent from existing terrestrial infrastructure; this allows content creation and distribution even at outside events or remote areas.
The system is quickly deployed and can start service within hours, which makes it particular interesting for event and live content creation. The platform is designed to work with the "Smartcast Integrated Multimedia Production Line" or as a stand-alone solution with any other content creation and manipulation software. It is possible to use the CP�s video server for streams and in parallel provide file-type content delivery to the same receiver. The system allows a full cost control by the CP as well as a scalable bandwidth utilisation on order to bring broadcast cost down. The wide platform flexibility supports business applications like price list update or document distribution and electronic cinema as well as consumer applications like interactive television, video on demand, rich media delivery to wireless LAN�s.
Bremen4U:
On December 11, 2002 Radio Bremen launched its new subsidiary, "bremen4u GmbH". This is Germany's first regional public broadcasting-cross-media event magazine. The business concept is unique in the history of Germany's public broadcasting companies.
Early on in the Smartcast project the Smartcast team realised that the existing engrained work structures and a lacking content management system at Radio Bremen restrained innovative production. As it was impossible to change these structures within the project's time, it was a logical consequence to create a modern Radio Bremen "prototype" company, with efficient workflows and POPE-produced contents. In parallel, the Smartcast team worked on the development and production of TV-spots that are produced according to this concept.
At the moment, a base has been established for modern production processes. Some Radio Bremen employees have switched over to bremen4u GmbH and a RB internal reorganisation is under way.
Smartcast has been a double-ignition for Radio Bremen insofar that new workflows as well as new production methods were developed and will be put into practice in the new company and later on at Radio Bremen as well.
A business plan was developed with professional external assistance and a co-operation with external partners is part of it. The local bankers "Die Sparkasse in Bremen", the local newspaper editor "Bremer Tageszeitungen AG" and the Radio Bremen subsidiary "Radio Bremen Werbung GmbH" hold equal shares in the business "bremen4u GmbH".
"bremen4u GmbH" has taken over the Radio Bremen Community. A completely new web design and further developments will help to make the online services financially competitive.
- The spots:
The spots featuring the radio programme Bremen 4 will be integrated into the web presence of the bremen4u GmbH and will be broadcast on TV. Further development of additional spots is planned.
As the DVB-T realisation in and around Bremen will only start in a couple of years, the a.m. spots will be published without the FBB' yet these FBB's exist and can be "shown" as soon as the external, public technical pre-conditions are available.
Online:
- "bremen4u GmbH" will oversee the former Radio Bremen 4 Community and offer service information covering the region of Bremen and the surrounding areas. Multifaceted information about leisure activities as well as actual event news is disseminated online, via a print event magazine and the broadcasting/TV channels.
The planned cross-promotion concept for radio/TV/Online is now reality. The effects offer new advertising and marketing possibilities for the acquisition of new customers who want to be represented on all media. Bremen4u online (recently 86.498 members) and the print magazine with a circulation of 60.000 pieces every fortnight covering the broadcasting area of Radio Bremen, will publish event news and inform readers and users about programme contents, actions, and the Radio Bremen VIP's.
- Print:
Parallel to the new development of the web presence and the production of the TV spots featuring the broadcasting channel, Radio Bremen 4 does the editing of the print magazine "Bremen4U".
- Radio/TV/Studio:
The "bremen4u GmbH" has built a new studio and offices in close collaboration with Radio Bremen technicians. These premises are located in the centre of Bremen, integrated into the new building and service centre of the bankers "Sparkasse in Bremen". In co-operation with the already existing adjacent bremen4u-café (run by another carrier), innovative publicity broadcasting concepts are aspired. The studio will be used by Radio Bremen for multiple productions and radio shows.
The fact that Radio Bremen is already present in the city of Bremen (the new Radio Bremen premises will be built in the neighbourhood in the near future) is another positive fact of these developments.
The combined commercialisation of the advertising space for radio, print and online will set new priorities for the regional advertising market and tap new clientele and thus helps Radio Bremen to be competitive and to manifest its financial situation.
Exploitable results
Imagine being able to take a video production, add titles or voiceovers in minutes, then send the finished article for transmission. Imagine being able to do that without knowing special skills in operating complex video production suites. Lastly, imagine being able to send the finished production for transmission knowing that whether the viewer is using a PDA or the living-room television, the content will be clear and easily accessible.
What is this? A video producer living in dreamland? No, these are the real-life results of SMARTCAST, a two-year project under the European Commission's IST research programme now entering the commercialisation phase.
Full-cycle multimedia platform
SMARTCAST is a software package that offers the POPE (Produce Once Publish Everywhere) abilities multimedia content producers dream of. The software enables media editors to create innovative and highly interactive content, and quickly adapt it to the required end-user device.
Editors can add new content to existing audio-visual materials and send the result for transmission much more easily. In live news programmes for example, late-breaking news can be added to an existing media stream in the form of sub-titles or audio announcements. Or existing content can be quickly adapted to re-use for alternative applications, e.g. turning a documentary into a quiz or into learning materials.
"What we now have is an integrated multimedia production line that enables us to add interactivity to existing video productions, and directly forward the result to the delivery platform, be it satellite, cable or wireless connection. SMARTCAST offers a full cycle platform from production to delivery." That is the stated view of SMARTCAST project manager Wilfried Runde from the German public service broadcasters Deutsche Welle in Cologne.
Building 'smart' media organisations
SMARTCAST technology and services were developed by a consortium of partners that included Deutsche Welle, Austrian public broadcasters ORF, satellite operators Eutelsat, Dutch production house Lost Boys and Radio Bremen.
Launched on 1 January 2001, SMARTCAST aimed at helping broadcast content providers transform themselves into 'smart' broadband media organisations, able to deliver and exploit audiovisual content in the emerging broadband market. The partners developed work processes and systems to support multiple broadband delivery using IP (Internet Protocol) methods, via satellite, Digital Subscriber Line, cable modem or wireless networks.
After investigating existing technologies for broadband multimedia production, the project partners focused on MPEG-4 as the standard best suited to their needs. They then began developing the automated production and delivery processes that would support more dynamic process and workflow models for broadband media production.
The research also included developing a satellite link capability for use as the delivery platform and, last but not least, multi-platform delivery of broadband multimedia. The partners investigated the effectiveness of having a true POPE production line, one that would enable a single format production to be produced once but viewed on a variety of end-user devices, e.g., PC, interactive TV, PDA, etc.
A simple user interface
The results have been highly successful. Says Runde, "the real advantage of SMARTCAST is that it hides the complexity of all the different technologies employed, as well as the distribution channels and the complexity of the various end-user devices."
The editor simply uses a Windows-like interface to select the material needed for each scene in the programme, e.g. the source video and the interactive elements such as information, polls, trivia, quiz, etc. Once the programme has been created, the editor selects the platform he or she wishes to target, e.g. PDA, web or interactive TV, then clicks the Generate button to create and deploy the programme content.
The SMARTCAST deployment environment is fully scriptable and based on XML, allowing easy adaptation to a content provider's existing infrastructure. The MPEG-4 technology employed means that the resulting interactive content can be supplied to PCs, PDAs, set-top boxes and any other devices supporting this format.
Interest from the e-learning sector
The partners have already presented the software at several specialist industry fairs, with a lot of interest shown, especially from production houses. They have also discovered an un-anticipated target group - the e-learning sector. Because SMARTCAST can save productions onto DVD, and an editor can take a documentary video and add popup windows, the results are ideal for e-learning. Such capabilities can be used for testing a student's content retention and for supplying recaps of content that was learnt earlier.
Runde believes participation in SMARTCAST has helped his organisation. "We have benefited from working closely with key partners in the commercial production and satellite broadcasting industries, as well as the public sector. The project has obviously influenced our own workflow procedures, and has also had an impact on our broadband working group. We will probably use this authoring environment in future, as will our broadcasting unit use it to control delivery to other broadcasters."
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