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European Space Agency

Press Release

Satellite system broadcasts at Tourism and ICT Trade Fair

2 May 2003
 
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.

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