Authors: Melanie Charles / Ron Wallace

INTRODUCTION The Internet, television, cell phones and other communication portals continually challenge

the status quo of how we see information. This challenge once only considered relevant for

consumer industries has become important for all industries. Think of the evolution of the

slideshow – from transparencies, to PowerPoint, to animated PowerPoint, to hyperlinked-

animated PowerPoint, to automated animated PowerPoint.

Modern day communication requires media rich presentation. Whether it be video, data,

audio or a combination of all three with interactivity, media rich presentation is rapidly

replacing simple printed materials, such as signs, training manuals and corporate memos.

Video and audio are perceived as the best attention getter. Animated graphics are

perceived as a good and less expensive alternative. Interactivity is perceived the best

attention holder.

The next wave of broadcast technology must seamlessly incorporate all media rich

elements. This paper explores how WEGENER’s groundbreaking iPump technology achieves

this goal to enhance educational networks, business networks and broadcast networks.

iPUMP Media Servers - Applications

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WEGENER’S IPUMP Just what is the iPump? The iPump Media Server may be described as an integrated digital

satellite receiver, IP router, and multi-media server. It is part of WEGENER’s complete end-

to-end solution for content delivery and management.

Figure 1 – iPump Media Server Interfaces

Key benefits:

▪ Satellite delivery provides access to secure transmission paths, large bandwidth

capacity, targeted delivery, and the ability to reach remote locations.

▪ IP routing provides fast setup into existing infrastructures, simple access, and on-

demand access.

▪ A media server enables seamless integration of stored media, on-demand access and

the ability to customize local broadcasts

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This white paper explores how the following applications are enhanced with iPump

technology:

▪ Interactive Training

▪ Streaming Media to the Desktop

▪ Point-Of-Sales Digital Signage

▪ Creating Virtual Channels

▪ Time Shifted Programming

▪ Video on Demand

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INTERACTIVE TRAINING Your travel budgets have been cut and your staff reduced. Yet, you are required to increase

worker productivity, increase customer satisfaction and remain abreast of the latest

company information.

Training will probably be a key element to any proposed solution. And, access to compelling

training materials could improve the likelihood the material is viewed and the information is

retained.

While one instructor cannot visit every site or speak to every customer, video can.

With 2 video outputs and LAN access, multiple training classes can be conducted at the same

time from one WEGENER iPump. Training classes can be broadcast based on local schedules

or conducted ad-hoc.

Figure 2 – iPump On-Screen-Display (OSD)

WEGENER’s innovative on-screen-display (OSD) allows one class to be conducted in a fully

interactive manner. As shown in figure 2, the OSD provides a media-rich presentation of content

available to the instructor. Using a remote control, the instructor can scroll through multiple

sections.

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The CHANNELS section contains live satellite broadcast channels and multiple ‘virtual channels’.

Virtual channels are a collection of seamless linked media and video files. They are presented

with program guides and are perceived to be standalone broadcast channels.

Figure 3 – CHANNEL Program Guide

The LIBRARY section is a warehouse of individual stored content that be viewed at any time for

video-on-demand.

Figure 4 – LIBRARY Section

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The instructor has the added ability to rewind, fast forward and pause video from the

LIBRARY section. The instructor can also jump to other sections at any time, as shown in

the figure 5 below. The instructor is not confined to a strict viewing schedule or distracted

with VCR tapes and machines.

Figure 5 - Video Controls

Text data can be accessed from the DATA section and viewed on a television monitor.

Unlike one-way broadcast technology or video tape distribution, WEGENER’s iPump network

solution can centrally monitor, update, and delete content stored on deployed units.

WEGENER incorporated its expertise gleamed from deploying commercial broadcast satellite

networks to provide iPump networks the same power to accurately address and schedule

content delivery to individual deployed units. Combined with conditional access options, it

creates the framework to generate revenue from content delivery.

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STREAMING MEDIA WEGENER iPumps provide another way to continuously push high quality media content to

the edge of a network without tying up valuable IP bandwidth used for site-to-site

communications. This technology bridges satellite delivery with IP infrastructure quickly and

simply.

The iPump accepts and stores files of any type, in addition to the MPEG files. Once files are

stored within the iPump, they are available to other computers1 over a local area network

via File Transfer Protocol, web browser, or Microsoft’s Server Message Block protocol.

The iPump outputs files directly onto the local area network through IP routing or streaming

IP. High quality video is made available for desktop computer in standards-based formats

limiting the need for costly propriety decode software.

Alternatively, peripheral decoder units from WEGENER can be used to display video to

television monitors.

POINT OF SALES DIGITAL SIGNAGE The billboard industry is increasingly embracing technologies that provide more animated

graphics (e.g. revolving panel billboards and large LCD displays). This technology is filtering to

inside the retail building.

More eye catching than print signs, retailers are looking for creative ways to entice shoppers

to stop and buy. Digital signage promises to add flexible and highly targeted messaging.

Past scrolling text and animated graphics, WEGENER iPump peripheral decoders open a door

for a solution that also provides high quality video advertisements in both standard

definition and high definition video formats.

The peripheral decoder is IP based. It is easy to send different program channels to each

decoder. Making use of the CHANNEL section of the iPump media server, content playlists

can be customized for individual departments and play continuous throughout the day.

1 Access to files can be restricted.

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Audio will be included. Content can be continuously updated or removed by the central

network operator. Site operators can tweak playlists or request content that best fits their

location.

CREATING VIRTUAL CHANNELS In traditional one-way broadcast environments custom programming usually requires

broadcasting a new separate channel and utilizing precious, expensive satellite bandwidth.

Local advertising requires additional video servers and cuetone devices. For each piece of

customization there are cost and maintenance concerns, such as additional satellite

transponder time, bandwidth consumption and servicing additional pieces of equipment.

An iPump Media Server is one piece of equipment that can receive satellite broadcasts,

store program material and seamlessly combine them to create ‘virtual channels’. Stored

program material can also be combined with live broadcast content.

A central network operator could easily distribute multiple customized playlists, sending

them to specific regions or groupings of iPumps or even to individual iPumps. Each iPump

uses the playlists to generate ‘virtual channels’ from stored program materials. As shown in

figure 6, an iPump can create a multi-channel environment. No distinction is given to the

viewer between a live channel and a ‘virtual channel’.

Figure 6 – iPump “Channel” Section

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Repetitive broadcasts can be sent once and either scheduled to play continuously, play at a

scheduled time or play program material in a random sequence continuously. Updates,

modifications and deletions can be made by the central network operator without local

intervention. This lessens the need for transponder satellite time or eliminates the need for

VCR tape distribution.

TIME SHIFTED PROGRAMMING Satellite programmers currently repeat programs or use a separate satellite feed to

overcome east and west coast time zone differences.

On an iPump Media Server, time shifted programming would be a ‘virtual channel’. Programs

are recorded to the iPump Media Server while simultaneously playing out local content. The

stored content is then scheduled to play at the later appropriate time.

An iPump Media Server allows programmers to create modified channels without having to

duplicate satellite transmission feeds. The Broadcast option of the iPump Media Server

product family supports 4:2:2 video decoding and SDI output - ideal for commercial digital

distribution.

WEGENER’s network control system is a mature product and the result of years of

experience with commercial satellite broadcast applications. It will ensure a satellite

programmer’s content gets to the right location, at the right time, in a secure manner.

VIDEO ON DEMAND Video-on-demand or VOD is the use of technology that allows viewers to watch specific

programs on a non-scheduled basis from a video server. Cable operators utilize remote

servers and digital cable set-top devices. Personal video recorders (PVRs) use a video

receiver, a set-top media server (some are integrated into a receiver device) and require

the user to specify what programs to record.

The iPump media server is both a satellite receiver and media server. A central network

operator can ‘push’ content to the distributed iPumps or respond to requests for content.

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Individual stored media files can be accessed via the on-screen-display, web browser or LAN

connection. Here are a few examples of possible applications:

▪ Internal training sessions scheduled on an ad hoc basis

▪ External demonstrations for customers

▪ Films or documentaries made available to schools

▪ News clips or sporting highlights distributed from a major network to regional sites

▪ Corporate messaging or speeches for remote sites

▪ Distance education

In fully implemented iPump network solutions remote iPump users can access the central

content management system to view what new content is available and contribute content.

Network operators can schedule delivered content for deletion. Conditional access can be

used to generate revenue

SUMMARY Modern day communication requires media-rich presentation. WEGENER strongly believes

that the next wave of broadcast technology must seamlessly incorporate all media-rich

elements.

IPump Media Servers give networks the ability to combine media storage, IP routing and

satellite broadcast technology. These multifunctional devices can enhance broadcast

networks, educational networks, product marketing and business networks.

We invite you to explore the iPump product line and contact your local sales representative

or email us at info@wegener.com.

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APPENDIX A – Technical Overview

IPUMP PRODUCT INFORMATION The name iPump represents the idea of an i nformation Pump. Information may be in the

form of video, audio, images, data files or anything at all which may be put in the form of

1’s and 0’s. The iPump may output this information upon receipt or place it in storage for

later transmission, streaming or viewing.

The iPump is designed for applications where the user wants to have the option of either

centralized or local control of media delivery. In a typical network as shown in figure 7,

transmitted content is distributed to an iPump via satellite and output in a variety of forms.

Figure 7 – iPump Media Server Interfaces

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Programs can be viewed via a video monitor or transmitted via an Ethernet connection to

desktop computers on a local area network. The iPump also uses the Ethernet connection to

provide a return path to the originating location of the network. This gives feedback of

operational status, usage data, and assures file transfer to the network manager.

At the same time, program streams may be stored on the hard disk drive inside the iPump.

As shown in figure 8, the iPump can store over 200 hours of video content.

Mbps Rate On a 40GB Drive On a 240GB Drive

2 44 Hours 266 Hours

4 22 Hours 133 Hours

6 14 Hours 88 Hours

8 11 Hours 66 Hours Figure 8 – Estimated Media Storage

At an iPump media server site, a local viewer can navigate and review both the live and

stored content using the friendly on-screen-display, as shown in figure 9.

Figure 9 – iPump On-Screen-Display (OSD)

Screens are automatically updated to reflect new content. The “NEW PROGRAMS” section

is used to highlight recent downloads. The “CHANNELS” section provides program schedules

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for both live and virtual channels2. The “LIBRARY” section showcases groupings of content-

on-demand files. The “DATA” section is used for text and html files.

Combined with WEGENER's patented Compel Control® network management system and

MediaPlan® content management system, a central operator can encode, control and delete

content distributed to iPump units.

Figure 10- Network Diagram

2 a channel made of stored and live content to resemble a live channel, e.g. time shifted material, broadcast channel with regional commercials embedded

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APPENDIX B – Product Overviews

iPump6400 supports:

• Up to 500 GB Storage

• Decoding of Live DVB Satellite Broadcasts

• MediaPlan® CM Delivery and Management of Files

• Recording Digital Content

• User Friendly On-Screen Control

• IP Routing

• Video/Audio Streaming to Desktops

• Embedded COMPEL Network Control

IPUMP 6400 MEDIA SERVER OPTIONS

STANDARD iPUMP

QPSK demod Basic video decoder

4:2:0 video 40 GB

BROADCAST iPUMP

QPSK demod Pro video decoder 4:2:0/4:2:2 video

Digital output 240 GB

STUDIO iPUMP

ASI input Video decoder

240 GB

iPUMP 6400, PROFESSIONAL MEDIA SERVER

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iPump622 supports:

• Up to 240 GB Storage

• Decoding of Live DVB Satellite Broadcasts

• Remote Control For User Friendly On-Screen Display

• DVD Reader For Adding New Media Files

• Video/Audio Streaming to Desktops

• MediaPlan® CM Delivery and Management of Files

• Embedded COMPEL Network Control

iPump615 supports:

▪ Peripheral Decoding From iPump® Media Servers

▪ Streaming Media Input via Ethernet Port

▪ MPEG-1 and MPEG-2 Video Decode

▪ High Definition Video Decode

▪ 1 Stereo Pair Audio

▪ Embedded COMPEL Network Control

iPUMP 615, STREAMING MEDIA DECODER

iPUMP 622, ENTERPRISE MEDIA SERVER

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ABOUT WEGENER COMMUNICATIONS WEGENER is an international provider of digital solutions for IP data, video and audio

networks. Applications include IP data delivery, broadcast television, cable television, radio

networks, business television, distance education, business music and financial information

distribution. COMPEL, WEGENER's patented network control system provides networks with

unparalleled ability to regionalize programming and commercials. COMPEL network control

capability is integrated into WEGENER digital satellite receivers.

WEGENER can be reached at +1.770.814.4000 or on the World Wide Web at

www.wegener.com.