The SUIT consortium members are:
-
IT - Instituto de Telecomunicações, Portugal
-
IBBT - Interdisciplinair instituut voor BreedBand Technologie vzw, Belgium
-
R&S - Rohde and Schwarz GmbH and Co Kommanditgesellschaft, Germany
-
UniS - The University of Surrey, England
-
VITEC - VITEC MM, SA, France
-
RUNCOM - Runcom Technologies Ltd, Israel
-
Wavecom - Soluções Rádio, Lda, Portugal
-
MCT - Med Cap Technologies, Portugal
-
IT is a private, not-for-profit organization, declared to be of public interest. IT is an association of three Universities, a manufacture, Siemens, and an operator, Portugal Telecom, each one with experience and traditions in research and development in the field of Telecommunications. IT mission is to create and disseminate scientific knowledge in the field of telecommunications and thus it undertakes fundamental and applied research in telecommunications in an international context in order to improve higher education and training, both at graduate and postgraduate levels. According to its statutory Advisory Committee, formed by three independent internationally recognized experts in the field of telecommunications, acting in a personal capacity, IT has established itself as a center of excellence of international reputation. IT scientific output is of about 90 and 300 published papers per year in international journals and conferences, respectively. Some international journals where IT regularly publish are IEEE Trans on Circuits and Systems for Video Technology, IEEE Trans on Microwave Theory and Techniques, IEEE Trans on Instrumentation and Measurement, IEEE Trans on Circuits and Systems and IEEE Trans on Vehicular Technologies. Besides, IT holds several patents on Telecommunications Systems.
IT has been from several years technically active, having designed, from scratch, several complete communication systems in the IT Laboratories. The knowledge gathered in those projects, allows a deep understanding and more efficient resolution of communication systems problems. IT has scientific knowledge in Wireless Communications, namely systems design, antenna design and testing, millimetre-wave systems, microwave and RF circuit and system design, and circuit and system analysis for studies of non-linear impairments on telecommunication systems as well as in video coding and resilient radio transmission of digital video/TV signals.
-
IBBT, the Interdisciplinary institute for BroadBand Technology, is a research institute founded by the Flemish Government, focusing on information & communication technology (ICT) in general, and applications of broadband technology in particular. IBBT's primary mission is to gather highly competent human capital, and to perform multidisciplinary research at the disposal of the Flemish business community and the Flemish government. In this research all aspects necessary for enabling the development and exploitation of broadband services are attended to on the technical and legal as well as the social level. Through investment in multidisciplinary research, the Flemish government wants to empower Flanders as an authoritative and international player in the future information society.
The research institute IBBT (Interdisciplinary institute for Broadband Technology) was founded as a virtual research centre, based on research teams from existing knowledge centres. These teams proceed from their own institutions, completed by a few (limited) central functions. IBBT groups 500 researchers in the aforementioned technological area.
As for the research activities, the institute provides a mix of interdisciplinary strategic basic research of its own with joint research as well as bilateral research contracts with companies and the services sector, with or without R&D support by the IWT, European commission, ... In this research project two IBBT research departments are represented: ETRO and Multimedia Lab.
-
The Digital Television Centre (CeTVD) is a research and development centre within the Audiovisual Technologies Department of La Salle School of Engineering and Architecture in the Ramon Llull University (URL) in Barcelona, Spain. URL is one of the largest private universities in Spain and La Salle School of Engineering and Architecture provides degrees of Electronics, Computer Science, Telecommunication, Image & Audio, Multimedia and Architecture (3+2 years curriculum and PhDs). Since its creation in 1999, the CeTVD has been actively working in the Digital Television and Video domain especially through industrial and research projects. The mission of the CeTVD is to become a technological reference in the Spanish area and as an element of support to television and video industry towards the digitalization process. The centre not only directly collaborates with the companies of the sector for the transference of technology, but also considers as fundamental tasks the specialized training and the research in digital television and video. Some of the fields of expertise of CeTVD related to project proposal are: video indexing, MPEG-7/TV Anytime metadata generation and synchronization, digital television, interactive television, MHP application transmission, MHP application development, Personal Video Recorders, TVAnytime, MPEG-21, Digital Video Broadcasting, DVB-T or DVB-H among others. For the development of its activities the CeTVD counts with a complete digital TV laboratory with encoders, multiplexers, modulators, analyzers and receivers.
-
The Rohde & Schwarz group of companies with headquarters in Munich develops, produces and markets communications and T&M instruments and systems with the emphasis on mobile radio, broadcasting, EMC measurements, general-purpose and RF test equipment, radio-monitoring and radiolocation, radio-communications as well as IT security. The group with its 5000 employees achieves a turnover of about one billion Euro world-wide.
The Broadcasting Division has long term experience in DVB broadcasting and measurement equipment.
The company spends a comparably high percentage of its turnover on research and development, and in doing so provides the means to employ specialists for each particular field of activity, such as measurement instruments, codecs, modulators and demodulators, receivers and transmitters. R&S Broadcasting Division has extended experience in the fields of DVB-compliant signal generation and analysis, as well as DVB-compliant modulation and demodulation. This is reflected in a product range that covers many applications in these areas.
-
The Centre for Communication Systems Research (CCSR) is a part of a 5**A rated Electrical Engineering department at the University of Surrey, UK. CCSR has been internationally recognised for its high quality research in Multimedia Communications, Mobile Communications and Communication Networks. Researchers in CCSR have been working in several mobile and fixed communications systems. Recently, CCSR has embarked on two new large-scale initiatives: the Wireless Network Test-Bed and the Media Lab (I-Lab), which will lay out the path for research in the coming years. The first is a state-of-the art Wireless Test-Bed, which consists of a campus-wide wireless network and is being used to carry out research into mobility management, network reconfigurability and multimedia communications. The second is a high-tech Media Lab, whose main purpose is to enable research into virtual and augmented reality technologies, multimedia communications and their resulting effects on end-users. The I-Lab is equipped with a variety of source capture devices, high-power real-time media processing engines and simulation servers, wireless access facilities and appliances, an immersive visualisation facility, head-mounted displays, graphics workstations, 2D/3D modelling and prototyping facilities and a usability testing laboratory.
-
VITEC Multimedia is a leader in digital video technology and is developing and manufacturing original multimedia products at the point where micro-computing and video technology meet. VITEC is very well experienced in MPEG-digital video technology. The whole VITEC’s business has been MPEG and only MPEG for more than 15 years. VITEC has a full range of MPEG products (see website). VITEC’s innovative and competitive products are sold worldwide through computer distributors, multimedia VAR’s, system integrators and OEM’s. VITEC has built an existing distribution network and direct sales in 24 countries and is exporting over 80% of its turnover. In 1997, VITEC established a commercial subsidiary in the US. VITEC develops algorithms for image coding, electronic boards for PC’s or for embedded systems, ASIC’s for low cost products and application software under Windows. VITEC received the IST 2001 Prize for its most recent MPEG-2 compression hybrid technology (VM2000 Asic).
Moreover, VITEC already has experience of the management of European research projects (Viper and NetCam). VITEC was also involved as a contractor in the TRANSIT and CAR projects (RACE), in ISIS (ACTS), and finally in INK, HIPER-KIDS and D-ARTS projects (ESPRIT). VITEC is also participating to ITEA programme with the AMBIENCE and MAGELLAN projects. VITEC is interested in improving the quality of compression algorithms that are used for encoding video streams. VITEC is also willing to enrich video streams with complementary information dealing with video content, especially concerning audio-visual object extraction and description that can be compliant with MPEG-4/-7/-21 standards.
-
Runcom is the leading pioneer of Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA) technology – an advanced development of OFDM. Runcom’s multi-carrier OFDMA technology has been endorsed in leading European and international standards, DVB-RCT ETSI standard and IEEE802.16d for fixed BWA and 16e for mobility.
Launched in 1997, Runcom Technologies’ main focus is on the development of superior technological standards and product offerings for the emerging Broadband Wireless Access and Digital Interactive TV markets. Runcom is the recognized pioneer of Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access (OFDMA) technology, accepted in 2001 by ETSI as the core component of the DVB-RCT standard, a wireless-enabled platform that facilitates content-rich interactivity between TV broadcasters and subscribers over traditional terrestrial infrastructure. OFDMA has also been incorporated as the preferred solution for the IEEE 802.16.a BWA standard, enabling Telecom companies to provide customers with enhanced voice and data services. OFDMA is considered as the preferred technology driving the BWA service provision market and is considered the leading technology for the upcoming 4G cellular infrastructure.
Runcom`s OFDMA based products address a wide range of players in the wireless arena, including Set Top Box (STB) and Customer Premises Equipment (CPE) manufacturers, system integrators, broadcasters, content and service providers, and Telecom operators. Based in Israel, Runcom plays a key role in leading, global standardization bodies, including DVB, ETSI-BRAN and IEEE 802.16. The Company’s proprietary technology is protected by over six patents.
OFDMA was developed by Runcom as an enhancement technology to the existing Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) standard used by major wireless markets. A comprehensive wireless access solution, OFDMA technology enables “outdoor to indoor” operation without the need of outdoor antennas in the subscriber side and is faster and far more effective and reliable than its OFDM predecessor. The technology provides bi-directional, interference-free broadcast capabilities for Interactive TV providers and enables the delivery of converged, content-rich media for wireless Telecoms. In both environments (DVB and BWA) OFDMA facilitates the high-speed flow of data – downstream and upstream – to multiple subscribers, while allocating bandwidth and QoS according to real-time needs.
-
In the project SUIT, the Institut für Rundfunktechnik GmbH (IRT) will represent the technical and operational interests from the broadcasting, especially the public service broadcasting, point of view. IRT will participate in Workpackages WP1, 2, 4, 6 and 7 of the SUIT work package structure as indicated in Section 7. IRT will also act as the leader of WP 6 (Integration and testing). IRT is the research and development centre of the public service broadcasters in Germany (ARD, ZDF, DLR), in Austria (ORF) and in Switzerland (SRG/SSR). The IRT is a non-profit making company working in the interest of the general public. It was founded in 1957 and employs almost 200 highly skilled engineers, researchers and support personnel. A full description of IRT's mission is available here.
The R&D work is managed within five business areas: Online and Audio Television; Programme Distribution; Collaborative Research; R&D Services.
The IRT sees its role as that of a technical advisor to broadcasters as well as a body for industry to contact with technical questions related to broadcasting. IRT's work encompasses both operation-related and new systems development including spectrum management. IRT also supports its associates during trial phases and in the introduction of new services and techniques. The IRT regularly co-operates with industry, universities and broadcasters in national and international R&D projects. Co-operating is becoming more and more close with the manufacturing industry so that requirements can be implemented quickly. R&D at IRT is organised in knowledge-based units (see ref. diagram).
The main activities are: Digital television - Digital Video Broadcasting (DVB); Digital radio - Digital Audio Broadcasting (DAB); Multimedia (media convergence); Studio and production techniques (sound, TV, data, archives); Digital broadcasting (coverage); Digital networks and network management; Frequency management; Collaborative projects; National and international representations. The work is carried out on the basis of annual work plans. It is generally based on dedicated development projects (either internal or collaborative ones). All necessary supportive functions such as a powerful central computer system, drawing, printing and craftsmen workshops are available in-house. The results are reported in an annual review report as well as in numerous technical publications (national and international) and at various scientific symposia such as IBC or NAB.
-
The GTI (Grupo de Tratamiento de Imágenes: Image Processing Group) of the UPM (Universidad Politécnica de Madrid) of Spain is a research group working on theory, methods and applications of digital image processing, for its compression, analysis and synthesis. Its areas of expertise include: Theory and methods of digital image processing; 3D model coding and image synthesis; Image and video compression (low bit-rate, TV and HDTV); Multimedia information coding and processing; Computer vision and image analysis; Parallel implementation of image analysis/synthesis systems.
The research activity of the GTI is supported by the Spanish National Research Programme, the European Framework Programme, and by direct contracts with Spanish and European companies. Regarding recent European projects related to this proposal, the GTI:
- worked in the ESPRIT projects LOCOMOTIVE (LOw-COst MOving symbols recognition Through Intelligent Vision Engineering) and VICTORIA (VIsion Computing for Tracking and Object Recognition In open Areas), where parallel, real-time systems were developed;
- worked in the successful ACTS projects MOMUSYS (MObile MUltimedia SYStems, which was the European platform for MPEG-4) and HYPERMEDIA (Continuous audiovisual digital market in Europe, which gave support to the development of the MPEG-7 standard);
- worked in the IST projects ORION (Object Rich Information Network) and VISIRE (Virtual Image processing System for Intelligent Reconstruction of 3D Environments).
- is currently working in the IST projects OLGA (A Unified Scalable Framework for On-line Gaming) and SLIM-VRT (Self Learning Integrated Methodology - Virtual Reality Tool).
The GTI has collaborated as well in the development of international standards: it was a main contributor to ITU-T J.81 and MPEG-2; and, more recently, to MPEG-4 and MPEG-7.
-
Wavecom is a leading broadband wireless transmission solutions provider in Portugal. Created in 2000 by a nucleous of Senior RF and Microwave Engineers coming from different segments of the Wireless market, namely operators, system integrators and manufacturers, but that prior to those activities had been working together on R&D of adaptive antennae, mobile broadband systems, satellite TV and RF circuit design.
Wavecom was setup as a company providing wireless solutions, taking advantage of its staff know-how, and has been dedicated to wireless networks deployment with existing technology from different manufacturers, having installed both licensed and unlicensed band networks with point-to-point and point-to-multipoint topologies.
As a project oriented company Wavecom has been innovating in telecommunications solutions such as:- use of radiating cable instead of regular antennas for Wi-Fi networks on hotels, that typically have long halls with rooms on one or both sides;
- use of powerline communications as backhaul to WLANs overcoming the need for new network cabling to reach the Wi-Fi access points;
- use of 5GHz unlicensed bands (Short Range Devices 5.8GHz band and Hiperlan 5.6GHz band);
- use of VOIP solutions over wireless bridges.
-
Med Cap Technologies is an IT development company of the Media Capital Group which is currently the main and the most complete media player in Portugal, with leading or reference brands in most of the market segments such as television broadcasting, radio broadcasting, outdoor advertising, internet and press.
Media Capital is also present in other businesses that are related or have strong synergies with the media such as television contents production, music edition musical and cultural events and movie rights distribution.
The Media Capital Group aims to lead the media sector in Portugal, not only in profitability and audience shares but also in its impact in the Portuguese society. Its leadership strategy is grounded in a commitment to develop information, culture and entertainment in Portugal, having as a solid reference the interests and preferences of viewers, listeners, readers and advertisers.
Med Cap Technologies was founded in 2001, and provides a broad range of innovative telecommunication and information technologies solutions. It has worked closely with all of the Media Capital Group companies in plural multidisciplinary research projects.
From its founding, it was build with a proactive mindset that has provided Med Cap Technologies with a significant deep knowledge in IT technical area.
By emphasizing its strengths in highly flexible operations, seamless excellent development team skills, it helps Media Capital achieve the best custom-built technical solutions for improving operational processes and supporting new business projects.