An interactive digital television system designed for synchronised and scalable multi-media content over DVB and IP networks

Although some market research has predicted the rapid uptake of digital television by European householders, recent unsettling experiences in the UK digital television market has shown that consumers demand a more value added viewing experience. This is understood by the fact that terrestrial analogue broadcasting has enjoyed a reputation of providing a television service to a very high standard. It is thus necessary to find ways in which end-users can best exploit the increased flexibility and the advantages that digital television creates. For this to happen, the whole value of the broadcasting chain has to support seamless integration of the broadcast and telecommunication networks. The European Union IST project, SAVANT (synchronised and scalable AV content across networks), aims to provide an interactive digital framework for scalable broadcast television services converged with television oriented IP services. The paper describes the major architectural components of the project.