This represents the first large-scale commercial field trial of the SATMODE system outside Europe. The development envisioned by Newtec Cy and Sinosat will be completely based on SATMODE, further reinforcing the SATMODE specification.
The new technology under SATMODE provides interactivity for satellite television. Previously, interactivity for satellite television was only possible through terrestrial return channels such as phone connections from a viewer's STB (set-top box) to the TV content broadcaster.
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Mr Jean-Marie Maes for Newtec Cy and Mr Ma Xingrui for Sinosat (see image top-left) signed the Memorandum of Understanding during a ceremony at The Great Hall of People in Beijing China on 6 June 2005. The ceremony was attended by His Royal Highness King Albert II of Belgium and His Excellency Hu Jintao President of China (image right). |
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The SATMODE solution provides a cost effective return channel via satellite. For applications such as tele-voting, video on demand, tele-shopping, tele-banking and more. With the click of a button on their remote control, viewers can instantly transmit their selection or message to a broadcaster via a satellite link. A small interactive Low Noise Block (iLNB) on the satellite dish and a small add-on to the satellite STB are the only components users need to benefit from this always-on connectivity.
Sinosat will launch Sinosat-2, the first Chinese DBS (Direct Broadcasting Satellite) by mid-2006 and regards the iTV solution from Newtec Cy as an added value to satellite television. In this respect, Sinosat and Newtec Cy have agreed to further discuss the possibility of developing the technology and application in China, including deploying a test iTV platform for demonstration. The iTV test and demonstration platform will be installed later in 2005 and will be validated and demonstrated using one of the existing Sinosat satellites.
Dirk Breynaert and Jean-Marie Maes of Newtec Cy say:"The development of iTV is the result of our 20 years of experience in Satellite Communication Solutions. The emerging satellite television market in China creates a unique opportunity to introduce this truly innovative technology from day one on such large-scale deployment. We are very proud to have been selected by Sinosat and believe our technology will make a significant difference in the way Chinese viewers will experience digital satellite television."
Maria Gouta, Senior Engineer for ESA Telecom states: "This agreement demonstrates how ESA advances European technology through industry. The export of this technology to areas outside Europe provides a critical mass for satellite return link Applications. ESA is proud to have supported SATMODE and thus aiding Newtec Cy to this level of success."
Teaser image courtesy of Newtec Cy
Press image courtesy of chinadaily.com.cn
