Interactive 3G video platform offers a carrier-neutral platform that provides consumers from all 3G networks in Singapore with video telephony access. It is estimated that there are currently about 1.14 million 3G subscribers in Singapore.

The project, a collaboration between IDA and Nano Equipment, is aimed at creating an independent third-party platform for video content delivery that will potentially benefit third party content providers, service providers, and enterprises. The goal is to lower the cost of entry and operating costs for these parties by providing the underlying video connection and the content distribution pipeline through the platform.

Ease of use

The platform offers consumers a one-stop source of 3G video content and services which can be easily accessed by making a video call to a single number. Users can then browse the content and services and make their viewing selection.

Through the flexible database depository and XML menu tree configuration system, service providers are able to partition and tag their services and contents to a single number which can be easily accessed by consumers.

By making use of a 3G video call, consumers will not need to install client applications on to their mobile handsets in order to enjoy the video content and services. A video call connection is more suitable for video content streaming compared with a packet-based connection, due to lower charges and the inherent quality of service (QoS) built into the 3G video protocols.

Service enabler

The interactive 3G video platform is a service enabler platform which third party content providers, value-added service providers and enterprises can leverage on to provide easy access to their 3G video applications and services.

A content creation facility allows video content to be captured with ease from the video stream of a 3G video call or from IP-based applications.

The platform features:

• A content distribution pipeline which enables easy video content distribution via 3G networks and IP-based networks.
• A content creation facility that allows video content to be captured with ease from the video stream of a 3G video call or from IP-based applications.
• A media transcoding gateway which optimises live or pre-recorded video content for viewing over a 3G video call or IP-based applications.
• A billing aggregation system which facilitates revenue-sharing model by providing cost tracking and account management for third party service providers.

The interactive 3G video platform architecture enables third party services to be provided on a revenue-sharing basis, typically through a 1900-based service number that is accessible by users from all local 3G networks.

Applications

Applications and services enabled by the interactive 3G video platform include:

• xVideo content delivery
  3G users are able to browse and access video content hosted by third party content providers by making a video call to the system.

• Video recording
  Besides streaming video from the servers to mobile handsets, the platform also enables content which is recorded on 3G handsets, to be streamed to the servers where it can be stored.
  

• Multiparty conferencing
  The platform enables 3G handsets and PC users to engage in multiparty video conferencing sessions.

• Video surveillance
  By linking surveillance cameras to the interactive 3G video platform, 3G users are able to access real-time video feeds through a video call.
  
  

  By linking surveillance cameras to the interactive 3G video platform, 3G users are able to access real-time video feeds through the video call.

Media release: 10 July 2007 - No National Day Parade Tickets?