Microsoft, NTL team up for datacasting trial using DAB, DVB platforms

Microsoft and NTL’s broadcast division have mounted a long-term industry trial of multimedia datacasting in and around Cambridge. The trial demonstrates the capabilities of terrestrial digital audio broadcasting (DAB) and digital video broadcasting (DVB) platforms for delivering video, audio and text-based information services to mobile devices.

The trial includes a mixture of live streamed audio and video for fixed, mobile and hand-held reception and data-file transfer for video clips, audio compilations, images and Web pages. A broad range of content, from sports to documentaries, can be delivered directly to mobile devices or through sync-and-go file sharing with a PC.

The IP-based technology makes full use of the compression efficiencies of Microsoft Windows Media 9 Series. The trial is also using the latest version of Windows Media Digital Rights Management, enabling content to be delivered more securely to mobile devices.

An NTL transmitter at Milton near Cambridge broadcasts DVB-T and DAB datastreams that can be received by fixed rooftop antennas, mobile or hand-held devices over a wide area. Content originated by ITV, British Eurosport, Capital Radio and VisionRadio is processed at NTL Broadcast’s main offices at Crawley Court near Winchester and is delivered to the transmitter via the NTL fiber network.

For more information, please visit: www.ntlbroadcast.com.

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