MODIBEC connects in Brussels

The 2nd Overall Priority Workshop, taking place on 28 November in Brussels, is part of a series of meetings aimed at promoting and supporting RTD cooperation between the EU and China on digital broadcasting technologies, with a particular focus on the convergence with mobile communications. At the workshop, European and Chinese stakeholders will be invited to discuss research and implementation priorities and identify areas suitable for international cooperation. More specifically, final results from the project such as R&D state-of-the-art activities, developments after the Beijing Olympics and EU-China cooperation opportunities will be presented at the workshop.

What future for digital broadcasting technologies?

The event will kick off with the opening remarks delivered by Luis Rodriguez-Rosello from the Networked Media Systems Unit at the European Commission’s DG INFSO, and Mr Zou Feng, representing the Chinese State Administration of Radio, Film, and Television (SARFT). Javier Barrio and Mariana Andrade from ERTICO will give an Overview of the MODIBEC project, presenting the aims of the project as well as its partners and the activities performed. Francisco Medeiros at the European Commission’s DG INFSO will present the ICT Work Programme for 2009-2010.

Following this introductory part, the next session is entitled ‘Looking into the Future: Outcomes from MODIBEC and aims for future cooperation between EU and China’. The session will address issues such as convergence of mobile broadcasting and telecoms, in-vehicle applications, complexity and diversity of CAS systems, and interoperability.

Comparing developments in the EU and China
The following session on ‘State of the Art: Research and Development Projects’ will look at research and development projects ongoing in China and the EU in the area of digital broadcasting and mobile convergence. By drawing comparisons between the developments in the two regions one will gain a better understanding of future possible cooperation projects. 

A session on current and future developments will follow, with Michael Ortgiese from PTV presenting a review of the MODIBEC project. Liyi of Nokia Siemens Networks Beijing will then introduce some of the European research and development projects in the area of digital broadcasting and mobile convergence.  Attendees will learn about the latest technological developments in Europe.

Focus on Chinese development and research efforts

Following the European perspective, attendees will be invited to learn about Chinese research and development projects in the field, presented by Miao Ying of China Satcom. A particular emphasis will be placed on lessons learned from the Olympic experience this year.

After the Lunch Break, two sessions of half an hour each will offer participants an insight into practical experience with digital broadcasting and mobile communications gained at the Summer Olympics held in Beijing in Summer 2008. Nan Hai, representing Beijing Jolon, will also present an outlook into future EU and China cooperation in the field.

Lessons learned from the Beijing Olympics

Having gained an insight into experiences from the Beijing Olympic Games, participants will have the opportunity to reflect on research and development opportunities in relation to the London Olympics in 2012. A representative from the Olympic Committee will look at which research and development projects are taking place and identify specific areas where the EU can cooperate with China.

Looking into the future of EU-Chinese cooperation

Following a short coffee break, workshop participants will be invited to attend a final session in which recommendations for future research and development will be discussed, based on the outcome of the MODIBEC national event in Beijing.  Two proposals will be presented, followed by a panel discussion. A first presentation will be given by a Chinese speaker, Ma Xiaofeng representing the Ming-T project. The second presentation will be delivered by a European speaker, Jeff Astle from WorldDMB. The presentations will be followed by a panel Discussion, moderated by Sun Yu, Project Manager Asia Pacific at WorldDMB. Experts from the field will complete the panel, among others Margot Dor from ETSI, and Zou Feng from OPG.

ERTICO will deliver the concluding remarks and wrap up a hopefully interactive and insightful conference day. 

Practical information

Participation at the 2nd Overall Priority Workshop is free of charge. The workshop will take place at the ERTICO Conference Room in Brussels.

For more information and to register please click here