Background
Streaming Audio and Video has become an every day
part of our lives. We listen to streaming audio over the internet and visit
sites like YouTube (www.youtube.com) for every thing from watching movie
trailers to watching online mathematics tutorials. At the moment most of us are
confined to visiting streaming media resources using our computers. This idea
aims to expand the use of streaming media using 4G technologies.
The
Idea
The Media On Demand Unit or MODS for short is a
hardware/software solution which will allow people to stream audio and video on
demand on their televisions. The system comprises of three layers.
- The streaming media database: This is a database with a web based interface similar to YouTube which will host audio video information submitted by individuals and organisations. Individuals may submit their own copy written audio/video material where as organisations such as music record companies, movie producers and studios and advertising companies can submit their High Definition (HD) music, movies or advertisements to this database free of charge. The consumer who wishes to view these would be charged a monthly subscription as any cable or satellite TV provider would do.
- The Media On Demand Unit (MODU): This is a hardware component which comprises of a WiMAX receiver, internal storage device, open source operating system (Linux), and HDMI connectivity. The unit will act as the interface between a home television and the MODS system. The MODU will allow users to search for a specific piece of media from the MODS database (e.g. a movie or a song) and stream it onto their television directly using WiMAX connectivity. It will also allow users to download and store media onto the data storage device for future viewing.
- The WiMAX link: This acts as the wireless link between the MODU and the MODS. Strategically located WiMAX transceivers will allow users to search and stream media into their television sets using the MODU.
Currently people are able to
connect their computers to a HD television and watch streaming media. However
not every one has the expertise to connect and configure the devices. Also
connecting and disconnecting the connection using wires is troublesome. Another
problem with the existing method is that the media available online are mostly
segmented into several pieces to allow for low bandwidth. There fore users are
unable to watch a complete movie or a video without interruption.
Cable and satellite television
providers do provide media on demand where users can pay and watch movies or
specific sports games etc. when they require. However, users can only watch
these when they are offered by the service provider. With MODS, users can
search for and watch which ever piece of media they want at any time.
Technologies
MODS database: Oracle or MS SQL
Server database
Web interface: ASP.Net or Java
based web application
Connectivity: MODS database to
WiMAX tower (fixed line)
WiMAX tower to MODU (WiMAX)
MODU Operating System: Linux
