The SES Multimedia SA will present the ASTRA-NET, Europe's broadband-satellite multimedia and data distribution platform.

VIDEO-SATELLIT®: Videoconferencing platform on ASTRA-NET

Presentation and live demonstration by « h.c. », ASTRA-NET Service Provider

About SES Multimedia

SES Multimedia S.A., owned 100% by SES (formerly ESM), operates ASTRA-NET, Europe's broadband-satellite multimedia and data distribution platform.

ASTRA-NET enables Content- and Service Providers to transmit content directly to addressed PCs in businesses and homes. The transmission technology employs established standards, such as the Internet Protocol (IP) and the digital transmission standard (DVB/MPEG). The data is received via a small (50 cm), single, fixed satellite dish, pointed towards the ASTRA satellite system. The hardware for the broadband reception via ASTRA-NET, can easily be integrated to already existing IT network-infrastructures. The data is transferred at a net rate of up to 6.5 Mbit/s to individual PCs, equipped with an ASTRA-NET PC-card, and of up to 38 Mbit/s to high-end servers. The deployed addressing and encryption system provides maximum transmission security and reliability.

ASTRA-NET provides three different data delivery methods to its partners in the content and service providing industry: The IP-Multicast-Package-Delivery mechanism facilitates the simultaneous transmission of data and multimedia files, independently of their volume, to all addressed PCs within a closed user group. With a single and scheduled point-to-multipoint transmission throughout the ASTRA satellite footprint, providers can substantially reduce data delivery costs; whilst the secure and discrete reception of the transmitted content can be confirmed via the addressed PC's return channel.

The IP Multicast Streaming service enables Service Providers to reserve the required satellite bandwidth (between 64 kbit/s and 6.5 Mbit/s) flexibly and on demand. This delivery method is especially suited to allow content- and service providers to distribute services such as PC-TV, audio- or data ticker services.

The use of ASTRA-NET's hybrid Internet distribution mechanism, enables e.g. Internet-Service-Providers (ISPs), to IP multicast content to subscribers at speeds of up to 6.5 Mbit/s.

The further enhancement of the ASTRA-NET capabilities through the addition of a satellite based broadband return channel system enables Europe's multimedia platform to provide one-stop shopping for uni- and bi-directional satellite communications services as of the year 2000.

The combination of the existing ASTRA-NET platform with the new broadband return channel capabilities will ensure maximum exploitation of new, emerging technologies and provide a comprehensive response to the growing need for high-speed interactive satellite communications across Europe and beyond.

About « h.c. »

« h.c. » develops and distributes VIDEO-SATELLIT® the first broadband multipoint videoconferencing platform that makes possible to offer all sorts of desktop video and audio conferencing solutions across IP networks for the needs of business, home and family, and education.

« h.c. » whose headquarters are located in the Paris area has been dedicated for more than 7 years to provide real-time, video, audio and data conferences applications over PSTN, ISDN, leased lines networks to major retail and banking companies in France.

« h.c. » introduces a revolutionary approach which consists of associating a broadband satellite platform for real-time video multicast transmission with a terrestrial return channel to allow interaction between students and teacher.

VIDEO-SATELLIT® is especially well suited for distance learning applications carrying images from the teacher station to the student PCs at high-speed, who may interact via PSTN or ISDN. The return channel carries voice or both voice and video, which may be broadcast on satellite on teacher’s decision.

The cost to equip a reception site with a dish, a camera, a DVB adapter card, software and add-ons is less than 770 Euro (PC not included). Downloading costs via satellite are very effective.

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