ProVision to demonstrate real-time video over WiFi to mobile devices at GSMA Mobile World Congress

ProVision provides the enabling technology for real-time multicast video streaming over WiFi that has been developed under the UK government sponsored project VISUALISE. This is designed to allow spectators at outdoor sporting events such as motor rallying and equestrian events to view personalised action from other vantage points on the course on their own handheld terminal. The elements developed by ProVision comprise a DSP-based H.264 module for the real time encoding and wireless transmission of video from a camera, and a software-based decoder platform that allows it to be received on a PC, PDA or smartphone.

The encoded video signal is transmitted and received through an integrated IEEE 802.11b/g modem that incorporates antenna diversity. The software platform is able to run under either Windows Mobile 5 or Mobile 6 on the WiFi-enabled handheld terminal, where a customised graphical user interface (GUI) allows the spectator to select the video or information channel they require from a menu. The same technology can also be used to show split-screen format real-time video footage on a larger screen to a greater number of spectators.

The ProVision H.264 video encoding and decoding modules (codecs) form a key part of the VISUALISE system, which was also demonstrated in December last year at the WRC Wales Rally GB. VISUALISE is a collaborative project supported by the UK Technology Strategy Board, which also involves British Telecom, Inmarsat, 3CR, the Centre for Communications Research (CCR), International Sportsworld Communicators (ISC), U4EA, Util4 and Maniac Films. The project is managed by 3CR, and aims to provide an enhanced experience for spectators at events through local area access to a rich range of media via hand-held devices. In addition to coverage from out of sight locations, features such as action replays, archive material and statistics can be made available.