ASTRALS (IST-028097) is a project focused on personalised scalable A/V encoding, transcoding/ transrating, storage and distribution in existing households via streaming-optimised wireless links.

ASTRALS motivation is to implement scalable solutions, which will enable a new beam of innovative A/V products and services including personalised, network-aware video adaptation and distribution in multiple heterogeneous terminals (from low-cost PDAs to high-end home cinemas) and intelligent surveillance, utilising a broadband in-home network.

ASTRALS envisages a personalised, network agnostic, A/V architecture. A state-of-the art Residential Gateway, enhanced with A/V optimised and broadband wireless extensions, will be the centre of ASTRALS home-centred A/V platform. Without excluding legacy network interfaces, ASTRALS will specify and prototype a streaming-optimised, IEEE 802.16 based, wireless platform as the major in-home distribution medium. MIMO simulations and mesh architecture will provide for efficient home coverage and ad-hoc networking, with minimal administration requirements.

The RG will provide enhancements for A/V scalable/personalised encoding, transcoding/ transrating, storage and distribution based on user/services profiles, content and network conditions. H.264 Advanced Video Coding (AVC) and Scalable Video Coding (SVC), A/V transcoding/trans-rating, and erosion-featured storage derived from personalised preferences, will be provided on a specialized fully programmable A/V platform. Moreover, content media adaptation and efficient transmission based on feedback from the wireless MAC and network layer will be implemented and validated.