Satellite interactive multimedia: a new opportunity for broadcasters

Data broadcasting services exploiting the capacity available in the VBI lines of the analogue television signals are currently in operation via terrestrial and satellite channels. Over the last few years an exponential growth of the required transmission capacity has originated from the increasing demand of new applications. As an evolution of the VBI technology, the introduction of digital subcarriers inserted in the satellite analogue television signal allows one to increase the transmission capacity without significant additional cost of the user terminal. A further remarkable improvement in satellite broadcasting is now achievable by exploiting the capabilities of the DVB system, offering full support for audio, video and data services integrated within a high capacity digital multiplex. In this context data broadcasting can evolve towards the global concept of satellite interactive multimedia delivery with the return channel through the Internet. The paper describes a possible system architecture, reports on the RAI pilot services carried out on the Hot Bird 1 satellite, and highlights the possible scenarios for the introduction of satellite interactive multimedia services.