PAGE CONTENTS
Objectives
The project aims to develop a rich multimedia content transmission system, with the demonstration of relevant attractive services. These services include the broadcast of audio, video, web based interactive or vehicle specific services directly from the satellite to moving cars, including information and entertainment to the driver and the passengers.
| As the system is based on re-using existing Ku band broadcast satellites, the financial and technical risk of the services using the technology developed in the project is reduced, compared to existing or planned systems using multiple satellites and dedicated terrestrial repeaters. | 
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The system will rely on reception compatible with most categories of cars, and will avoid service interruptions due to the signal reception being blocked by obstacles such as buildings or trees.
The objectives are:
- Demonstrate technical feasibility,
- Demonstrate commercially attractive applications:
- To automotive industry,
- To potential service providers,
- Assess performance and quality of service in various environments,
- Optimise system performance,
- Initiate and provide a platform for future:
- Trials,
- Applications developments (testbed for future services),
- Hybrid system developments (coverage, return link),
- Provide customer equipment, communication infrastructure cost, and ‘cost of ownership’ preliminary assessments.
Challenges
Technical issues: throughput optimisation and quality of service optimisation (latency, successful transmission of various file sizes) in various environment conditions.
System integration and in-vehicle integration issues: demonstration of application’s commercial attractiveness. The transmission system uses a file based mode of broadcast, yet some applications will retain the traditional program look and feel.
Digital rights management (file based / end user cached content).
Plan
Detailed System Definition and Outline of the Design
The demonstrator specifications shall be based on commercial requirements.
The high level specification of the transport concept for the entire system will mostly result from the system simulation.
Detailed Design
The detailed design concentrates on the different hub and terminal related equipment and software and prepares the implementation on subsystem and component level.
Development and Initial Characterization
Development of all system parts as well as integration, sub-system testing, and limited end-to-end system tests.
Field Trials and Demonstrations
The system behaviour will be tested under real conditions.
Current Status
The project is now completed
