Some existing applicationsRemoCast may be used wherever Set-Top Boxes have to be controlled in some way. Markets and scenarios have their own peculiarities, such as amount of devices, variety of models or how well known are they. Among others RemoCast has been deployed so far as part of the following scenarios and applications:
RemoCast is constantly evolving and there are many new features or modules that may be developed to suit specific requirements. Integrators and STB ResellersIntegrators and Set-Top Box resellers usually deal with a large variety of devices. Depending on the end customer, resellers will have to select specific browser, conditional access, fonts, features and optional modules. They will need commands to reflash and get STB version, at least. RemoCast allows them to:
The following block diagram illustrates the scenario:
Several Set-Top Boxes of different models coexist and are hooked to the same network. RemoCast defines one service per model. Every service may hold and control more than one software version for each combination of browser, conditional access, fonts, modules and options. Operators start / stop versions depending on the type of STBs that are physically connected. In this example, a bunch of STB of models A and B are accessed by RemoCast. The appliance is usually connected to the Internet, in order to stay up to date. Operators may apply commands to any subset of selected devices. Most common commands are Reflash (to instruct a STB to start a software reload cycle), Version and Ping. Hotels and HospitalsHotels and hospitals usually have not more than two models of Set-Top Boxes. Low entry devices are used in all common areas and basic level rooms. Suites and executive rooms may be equipped with higher profile devices. Despite of their models, their MAC, IP address and location are always under control. RemoCast allows suppliers to:
The following block diagram illustrates the scenario:
Set-Top Boxes are installed in each room and in some common spaces. They are connected all together to RemoCast via an internal network. The appliance defines one service per model. Every service may hold and control more than one software version for each combination of browser, conditional access, fonts, modules and options. Administrators define a MAC to IP address map that makes STBs well-known and clearly located. RemoCast is usually connected to the Internet for two main reasons. First of all in order to stay up to date. On the second place to let suppliers and service companies to have remote control. That reduces service response time and travel expenses. Operators may apply commands to any subset of selected devices. Most common commands are Reboot, Version and Ping. RemoCast appliances can serve an EPG (Electronic Program Guide) for multicast TV. They may also be connected to ticketing systems for TV service access validation. A custom interface and a protocol handling module is installed on request. Ships, Planes and Ground TransportationThere is usually only one Set-Top Box model installed in these scenarios. Their MAC, IP address and location are under control. RemoCast allows suppliers to:
The following block diagram illustrates the scenario:
Set-Top Boxes are installed in each compartment, near each seat and in some common spaces. They are connected all together to RemoCast via an internal network. The appliance defines one service per model. Every service may hold and control more than one software version for each combination of browser, conditional access, fonts, modules and options. Administrators define a MAC to IP address map that makes STBs well-known and clearly located. RemoCast will not be regularly connected to the Internet. It will have to be connected during maintenance windows in order to be kept up to date. Engineers and technicians may gain access while on board, when new STB software has to be uploaded. RemoCast appliances can serve an EPG (Electronic Program Guide) for multicast channels. They may also perform access validation for TV services. RemoCast units may be connected to EAS (Emergency Alert Systems) on request. In such cases, the appliance receives EAS messages from the control room and hammers all STBs forcing them to stop video and audio rendering. TV Monitoring RoomsMedia producers and TV channels need to sample their signal. Set-Top Box are the best devices to capture it and display on real TV sets. Monitoring rooms usually have them in racks and display their output on TV mosaics. MAC, IP address and location are always under control for each STB. Remocast allows operators to:
The following block diagram illustrates the scenario:
Set-Top Boxes of the same model are racked together. Each one receives and decodes a multicast channel. Their output goes to a TV monitor matrix. They are connected all together to RemoCast via an internal network. The appliance defines one service that may hold and control more than one software version for each combination of browser, conditional access, fonts, modules and options. Administrators define a MAC to IP address map that makes STBs well-known and clearly located. RemoCast is usually connected to the Internet in order to stay up to date. Operators select devices and send them commands. The most common command is GoToChannel which forces each target device to join a TV channel. Other quite common commands are Reboot, Version and Ping. RemoCast appliances serve an EPG (Electronic Program Guide) for multicast TV. Satellite and DTT ZappersRemocast allows them to:
The following block diagram illustrates the scenario:
The appliance should be connected to the Internet, in order to stay up to date. Sex Shop Cabins and Show-RoomsRemocast allows them to:
The following block diagram illustrates the scenario:
The appliance should be connected to the Internet, in order to stay up to date. Information KiosksRemocast allows them to:
The following block diagram illustrates the scenario:
The appliance should be connected to the Internet, in order to stay up to date. |