MENOS (Multimedia Exchange Over Network Satellite), is an IP based networking concept for the exchange of multimedia content over satellite. It allows broadcasters to share video and audio material among scattered sites over a large geographical area in a fully automated and cost efficient way.
Newtec, together with the Arab States Broadcasting Union (ASBU) and Arabsat, were awarded the IBC2009 Innovation Award for Content Delivery as well as the Judge’s Prize for most influential project of the year for the MENOS system. The ASBU MENOS system was commercially launched into full production in January 2009 and has been in continuous and expanding use since that date, where the Arabsat satellites are playing a key role in this.
"While the challenge was immense, Newtec succeeded in a new role of system integrator and has demonstrated its capability to realise vertical integration of many complex systems for the benefit of its clients," says Stephane Pirio, of the ESA TIA Directorate.
The MENOS system provides to ASBU a complete range of tools to facilitate the coordination of TV – and radio exchange as well as providing additional IP services across the network towards all Arab States. The 2008 Olympics saw the first use of MENOS by the ASBU. Members were able to receive live Olympic coverage. Since that time the system has proven to be highly reliable.
MENOS is fundamentally different from traditional satellite contribution systems: with IP as the core-protocol, all exchanged material transmits through a central hub station, which also provides permanent two-way satellite IP connectivity among all remote stations. Advanced DVB-S2 modulation technology, combined with the statistical multiplexing of the data, voice television and radio signals, ensures the optimum efficiency of satellite bandwidth usage.
"It is in the ESA mandate to support research and development activities of the European and Canadian satcom industries. MENOS is a good example of what ESA is aimed at," says Pirio. "This success shows that satcom systems can be further developed when innovative spirit and good technical skills come together."
Serge Van Herck, CEO of Newtec says; ““Newtec always had a strong reputation for technological innovation, and there is no better demonstration than in the realization of MENOS. Shaping the future of satellite communication is our passion and it gives us great pride and satisfaction that the industry is recognizing our achievements with this award, confirming that our vision is the right one. This will encourage and spur us on for the future road ahead.”
For more information, see the links located in the column to the right.
