Case Studies

 

Sling
EMCC partnered with Sling Media to write the SlingPlayer Mobile client for the Nokia N73 and Sony Ericsson’s W950i. This solution allows users mobile access to their home entertainment systems via an Internet connection.

The challenge

SLINGPLAYER MOBILE interoperates with Slingbox which enables PC users to remotely interact with their home entertainment systems and receive video from any compatible source including TV, DVD, Freeview, Satellite, Personal Video Recorders and TiVo systems. The Slingbox works by maintaining infrared connections with all AV equipment which themselves input into the Slingbox via cable connections. It is connected to the Internet and to the users PC which runs all the necessary configuration software to enable the device connections. The challenge for EMCC was to enable access to the Slingbox from Symbian based handsets via TCP connections and to maximise the quality of the user experience of viewing the incoming audio-visual content.

Our role & achievements

In developing the SlingPlayer Mobile client, EMCC produced a solution of exceptional quality within challenging deadlines that met Sling Media’s requirements. There were two main areas of development; firstly, establishing connectivity with the Slingbox and using Sling Media’s existing libraries which enabled the incoming audio-visual stream to be de-multiplexed and decoded and secondly ensuring the correct synchronization of audio and video during playback. The first aspect involves checking that a user has the necessary 3G coverage and is a subscriber, establishing the connection to the box and querying for connected devices and their capabilities (through a database of make and model information). The second aspect was the most challenging. Viewers will detect inconsistencies in sound more readily than noticing a dropped video frame and so the player had to be designed to lead with the audio files and synchronize video frames accordingly including dropping them if they correspond to an audio frame that has already been played.

Key features

  • Enables remote access to home audio visual equipment and all available features such as viewing and recording programmes.
  • Compatible with the latest Symbian handsets that offer outstanding video quality and high connection speeds associated with 3G networks.
  • Details for ten Slingboxes can be stored per SIM card
  • The “favourites” option allows 16 different controls or channels to be shown as quick access icons at the bottom of the screen.
  • “Audio only” mode will conserve bandwidth by dropping the video stream for example when a live concert is playing.

Benefits

As a result of developing this solution, Sling Media are now able to offer customers access to audio-visual services using the latest smartphones based on the world’s most popular open platform. In conjunction with Hutchison’s “3” network, Sling Media have produced packages for customers that will enable high usage of the video streaming service without incurring expensive tariffs.

Technologies

  • Symbian OS
  • S60 3rd Edition
  • UIQ 3
  • Mobile TV
  • Video and Audio synchronization

 

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