SEDNET - Satellite Enablement Delivery NetCast

  • Status
    Completed
  • Status date
    2014-12-09
Objectives

The project objective is to:

  • Enable NetCast with Satellite delivery capabilities,
  • Integrate DVB capabilities with current NetCast player for scheduled updates, syncing of scheduled content and reporting from NetCast Server.

The SEDNET product will enable NetCast customers to receive dynamic, interactive media broadcasts over one-way satellite communications. Currently, these broadcasts - known as NetCast channels - had been delivered over two-way network communications.

Many customers now require NetCast to function without dependency on dialups, xDSL or cable networks, and therefore SEDNET is their solution.

Challenges
  1. Delivery of decoded audio/video streams to a TV device,
  2. Recording of DVB/IP audio/video streams from satellite or LAN interface,
  3. Both 1) and 2) combined,
  4. Receiving, decoding and delivery of live audio/video broadcast streams,
  5. Receiving and responding to system files for scheduling and commands via satellite or LAN,
  6. Receiving software updates via satellite or LAN,
  7. Switching between playout of live broadcasts and stored content according to a schedule or metadata describing the start and end and duration of the live video encapsulated into the video file and vice versa.
Benefits

Broadband is a prerequisite to using Netcast at the moment. With SEDNET, Intellisign will be able to reach a wider market for geographically dispersed locations which do not have broadband. Where existing customers have satellite SEDNET will provide a cheap and cost effective alternative to using cabled broadband as existing networks can be used e.g. skybox in pubs and restaurants.

 

SEDNET multicast solution will provide unlimited broadband capabilities allowing Intellisign to bundle video, data and IP content for secure and cost-effective network delivery via satellite.

 

SEDNET will support pushing large amounts of data and video content quickly and securely across our networks to update net cast units e.g. kiosks. Satellite combines high bandwidth with IP's multicast functionality to reduce download times and costs, while relieving stress on your Local Area Network.

 

Having Netcast set up with Satellite transmission will reduce the time it takes to mobilise new site locations and reduces the infrastructure required including wiring for each remote location.

SEDNET offers greater scalability given the greater flexibility of content distribution and simplified mode of installation.

Features

This section introduces the top level architecture of SEDNET together with a breakdown of the building blocks that make up SEDNET.

 

NetCast is an existing product in version 3.3 and assumes two-way communication. Hence, the following introduction to the existing design and architecture will help illustrate how the product development to enable satellite functionality will be achieved.

 

NetCast is organized as a tree hierarchy. A Player is a computer that controls a sign and is connected to this network. In terms of the network itself, each Player is a node in the tree. This hierarchy designates communication routes and Player authority.

 

For example, at the top of this tree is a node called node zero, or N0. Each subsequent node under N0 is a Child of N0, where N0 is considered their Parent. Child nodes can have more children of their own below them as necessary. The rationale for the tree architecture is to grant fault tolerance to the entire system.

 

Although lower level nodes initiate a "pull" communication, thus far, NetCast assumes full two-way communications. Hence, the system currently communicates via dialups, xDSL or cable networks. Parents route communications for their children such as schedule changes.

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Since every node is essentially a copy of the diagram to the right, the system is designed for scale and robustness.

One of the most limiting elements of the NetCast design thus far is that it assumes full two-way network communications. Hence, it cannot take full advantage of a powerful one-way medium like satellite communications. Nevertheless, we have market feedback proving that with content, which is not customized very much from node to node, the satellite medium would be an efficient and cost effective method to distribute content and schedules to many, many sites.

 
Plan

The SEDNET product will enable NetCast customers to receive dynamic, interactive media broadcasts over one-way satellite communications. Currently, these broadcasts -  known as NetCast channels -  had been delivered over two-way network communications. Many customers now require NetCast to function without dependency on dialups, xDSL or cable networks, and therefore SEDNET is their solution.

This project will involve the Development of a Satellite Enabled NetCast. The implementation plan will include DVB integration, extension of existing NetCast clients for Satellite synchronization support and subsequently reporting/messaging integration.

Current status

The business failed to secure the investment needed to implement the business plan in full and therefore the contract has been terminated by mutual agreement.

 

Prime Contractor