The SERVO Datacasting platform offers reliable broadcast file transfer and advanced data management features, according to SRN.
DAB (digital audio broadcasting) uses terrestrial radio to broadcast digital audio as well as text, images, data, and video, according to the company. Unlike webcasting, which is basically point-to-point, DAB can efficiently send large amounts of data to many users simultaneously.
SERVO uses a technique it calls "IPoverDAB" (IP over DAB) to broadcast IP-encoded content over DAB networks. This enables any multimedia content from the Internet, or any other digital media platform, to be easily delivered as a DAB data feed, according to SRN.
SRN says SERVO can support continuous file transfer of mobile video and multimedia up to 1.5 Mbit/s over multiple broadcast channels "without compromising overall performance of the device's main voice service." From a cost perspective, SERVO delivers data "at a fractional cost per user, compared to any of the existing cellular solutions currently available for mobile delivery," SRN adds.
Examples of applications supported by SRN's SERVO Datacasting are listed as:
- Wireless delivery of digital sign content
- Traffic navigation and information
- Digital cinema, audio, and multimedia on demand
- Financial data distribution
- Software distribution
The beta release of SRN's mobile datacasting platform is scheduled for October, according to SRN. The company says its DAB client for Windows Mobile features minimal memory requirements, efficient CPU usage, and low battery consumption.
"Broadcast-push" platforms like SERVO Datacasting allow network operators, broadcasters, marketers, and content providers to offer advanced multimedia and integrated mobile portal access, according to SRN. "SERVO provides the capacity to commercialize relevant and compelling services, delivered by an easy-to-use technology at a reasonable and appealing consumer cost."
But don't look for DAB anytime soon in the US. According to the
DAB World Forum, the National Association of Broadcasters opposes the adoption of DAB in the US based on lack of new spectrum and concerns that DAB would introduce new competition. The US has instead adopted a "more limited in-band solution" (originally named IBOC, In-band on-channel, but now called HD radio) that uses existing FM transmitters.
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