What is IP Datacasting?
IP Datacasting is a broadcast technology which enables cost effective and efficient distribution of digital content to mass audiences. Technically, it makes use of the DVB-T networks to broadcast any IP based data.

What kind of content and services will IP Datacasting provide?

While the first services will probably include TV-like content, a wide variety of IP-based content can be broadcast using IP Datacasting. Typical service would be information transfer where the data (for example – games, video and audio files or computer programs) could be sent simultaneously to multiple receivers and, in this way, enable fast transfer of large amounts of data to multiple users. It is also an attractive way to distribute Information Society content, such as community and educational information and services.

What are the benefits of IP Datacasting?

Because IP Datacasting is a broadcast or one-to-many distribution technology, it is a cost effective and efficient way to reach mass audiences.

For consumers, the benefits include a new way to access digital content and services through various kinds of terminal devices, both fixed and mobile.

For content providers, service operators and content creators, it opens new a way to reach mass audiences with their products and services.

What is the IP Datacast Forum?

The IP Datacast Forum is an open, international association of media and content industry players working together to:

• further IP Datacasting standardization efforts

• provide information on IP Datacasting

• promote the development of open standards and describe open technical solutions

• identify and propose the business considerations for IP Datacasting

• represent the interests of the industry before legislative and regulatory bodies

What kind of standardization is needed for IP Datacasting?

The main objective for the standardization of IP Datacast is to create a basis for global, horizontally structured market for IP Datacast. By this we mean multivendor markets for IP Datacast services as well as markets for IP Datacast terminal and service system equipment and software.

Provide a Basis for Interoperability

Consequently, an important goal is to provide a basis for interoperable IP Datacast terminal and service system implementations. This includes interoperability ranging from the basic physical communication layers to the service and content domain. Achieving this goal requires an end-to-end solution, which is based on commonly agreed open standards and applied globally.

Take Advantage of Existing Solutions

The standardization should avoid re-inventing the wheel. For the sake of global recognition, it should build on standardized or widely adopted industry solutions that are open, whenever that is feasible. This objective emphasizes the reuse of existing and deployed solutions.

What kind of technical solutions are needed for IP Datacasting?

An end-to-end solution including networks, content and terminals is needed for IP Datacasting.

Is IP Datacasting already available?

While IP Datacasting is not yet commercially available, pilots are underway testing the technology and possible service and content offerings.

The RTT Trial, a non-profit research organization, in Helsinki, Finland is one group researching the technology.