Satellite system broadcasts at Tourism and ICT Trade Fair
For the first time the TESEO project (Teletourism Extended Service for Extensive Operators) has distributed a video thematic channel. This demonstration produced the first opportunity of reaching a wider audience and proving the capabilities of the satellite system to users.
Developed by Openet Technologies and co-funded by ESA Telecom with sponsorship from the Italian Finmeccanica companies: Space Software Italia and Alenia Spazio, the TESEO project endeavours to transmit 'virtual thematic channels' (specialized feeds with local information such as restaurant guides) to users in the tourism business, such as hotels.
The provision of the content contributions can be handled through either a Web browser or even fax. This ensures that the content can be refreshed as demand requires and does not require a continuous connection, something current satellite channels are unable to do. Content includes video, scrolling text and graphics, and more notably the system allows mixing of both live and recorded content which can be tailored for local needs.
The venue for all of this was Expovacanze 2003, an exposition dedicated to Tourism and the impact of ICT technologies in this sector. The exposition which took place in Bari Italy between 26 and 30 March, gave Openet Technologies its first chance to transmit their channel over a Skyplex transponder over the Eutelsat Hot Bird.
The transmission included reportage of the Expovacanze event roundtable and working symposiums. The assembly of the thematic channel was provided via a Web interface using multimedia elements which had been previously provided by Openet. The elements are then normally assembled at the Web server side in the form of a play-list. They are then encoded and distributed via a conventional Digital Video Broadcasting - Satellite (DVB-S) channel using Openet's SkyPlexNet service centre in Matera.
The innovative aspect of this application can be found in the way in which the impact of events such as Expovacanze can be extended beyond their geographical and temporal limitations.
