Case Studies

 

Sling
EMCC brought BT’s “Fastnets” solution to several S60 2nd Edition handsets. The service provides video streaming at variable rates to match available network capabilities.

The challenge

BT Research and Development has developed a technology called “Fastnets” with a number of associated patents that enables high-speed video streaming. It radically reduces problems associated with delays and congestion such as slow start and picture freezing and allows superior video quality to be streamed to devices. Video services are increasingly popular and more widely available as devices with the required capabilities have become established in the market. EMCC Software was requested to provide a mobile solution for Symbian OS that would utilise this new technology.

Our role & achievements

EMCC Software’s involvement in the Fastnets project came about initially through a need to increase the Symbian handset range supporting the service and improve reliability. The existing solution was experiencing occasional difficulties and these had to be sorted out before a commercial release was possible. EMCC was able to carry out those requirements and enhance the service so that it worked efficiently and effectively. After establishing the full working version of the product for S60 2nd Edition, BT then required that it be ported to specific handsets such as the Nokia 6680.

Key features

Enhanced video quality (delivered through H.264, H.263 or MPEG4 video coding).

“Fast Start” – reduced delays by starting with lower frame rate until available bandwidth is gauged and a higher bit rate can be delivered to give an improved frame rate and video quality. This reduces the time between the user selecting the stream and the start of video play at an acceptable quality level.

Continuous video playback – using network adaptation to match the transmission rate of the network and avoid pauses for buffering.

Enhanced streaming performance using Variable Bit Rate (VBR) streaming which can improve efficiency by up to 30%. VBR enables the streaming to adapt to changes in the network conditions.

Benefits

  • Fastnets offers network operators the chance to demonstrate and encourage the video streaming market which is likely to become a significant revenue driver in the future given the popularity of TV services.
  • For operators and manufacturers alike, Fastnets provides a fantastic opportunity to uniquely promote the complex capabilities of mobile devices in a way that potential customers can directly understand and appreciate.
  • For content owners and creators Fastnets provides a significant new route to market for their material that provides immediate impact limited only by their own creativity. It sets a compelling standard that enhances information and entertainment provision.

Technologies

  • Symbian OS
  • H.264, H. 263,
  • MPEG4 Video Codecs
  • Video Streaming
  • Variable Bit Rate streaming
  • S60 2nd Edition devices including Nokia 6680


If you would like any further information on any aspects of this case study please contact technology@emccsoft.com

 

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