Archive translation. Specifications, services and availability reflect the original publication date in 2001. Verify current compatibility before production use.
Digital television was presented as the gateway to a new media world. With Germany preparing to phase out analogue broadcasting, consumers would eventually need either a new television or a set-top box for an existing receiver. At IFA 2001, deuromedia demonstrated what that set-top-box future might look like.
On-demand content through satellite multicast
An interactive application running on a Siemens Activ 300 set-top box demonstrated a video-on-demand concept delivered by satellite multicast. The system addressed large encrypted data packages to individual receivers. Viewers could select a film from the living room at any time, while the available catalogue remained stored locally on the box.
The provider transmitted encrypted films over a broadband channel. Playback was authorised through a digital-rights-management system after the viewer entered a name and password. Billing could use either a credit card or a monthly subscription, depending on the service provider. After playback, the files returned to encrypted storage and could be activated again. The provider periodically replaced the films stored on the receiver.
Television, radio, recording and games
The demonstration also provided access to public and commercial television and radio. An electronic programme guide supplied current schedule information, supported programme searches and allowed a selected programme to be recorded directly from the guide.
A games section extended the set-top box beyond television. Games could be supplied on CD-ROM or distributed through an on-demand subscription model similar to the film service.
The IP multicast platform
deuromedia described its IP multicast platform as a closed delivery chain from broadcaster to receiver. The broadband architecture was designed around high transfer speed, large data volumes and the convergence of television, radio, games and stored media.
Managing director Dieter Weber said the set-top-box system was intended to demonstrate the advantages of broadband technology and show possible applications for a future digital-media market.
