Eumetcast

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EUMETCast is a scheme for dissemination of various (mainly satellite based) meteorological data operated by EUMETSAT, the European Organisation for the Exploitation of Meteorological Satellites. The main purpose is the dissemination of EUMETSAT's own data, but various data from other providers are broadcast as well. EUMETCast is a contribution to GEONETCast and IGDDS (WMO's Integrated Global Data Dissemination Service) and provides data for GEOSS and GMES.

Services

EUMETCast includes data from Meteosat 7 (Indian Ocean), 8 and 9, derived products, data from polar orbiting satellites (Metop-A and NOAA-18 global coverage, NOAA-17 and NOAA-18 European regional coverage) and data from other meteorological programmes.[1] Most common formats used for satellite images are HRIT and LRIT, known under common name as XRIT.

Transmission Technology

EUMETCast uses the DVB-S MPEG2 stream for encapsulating IP frames (IP over DVB). At this IP layer, IP Multicast techniques are used for distributing the file based content. For this purpose, TELLICAST (an IP multicast software from Newtec (formerly Tellitec)) is used.

The primary transmission via Eutelsat's Eurobird 9 satellite (in Ku band) can be received by most end users in Europe and is relayed via Eutelsat's Atlantic Bird 3 (in C band, covers Europe and Africa) and SES New Skies' NSS-806 (in C band, covers both Americas).[2]

From August 2014, Eumetcast will me migrating to a new DVB-S2 transponder, which will allow for higher bandwidth rates. Users of the current DVB-S system will need to purchase new receivers. Due to the different technologies not being able to be ran side by side on the same transponder, the old service will be turned off on the 31st December 2014. [3]

The technology used makes it possible for end users to receive the data with regular off-the-shelf satellite TV equipment and a PC.

Licensing

The data policy distinguishes between essential and licensed data. Generally data may be used free of charge for scientific, educational or personal purposes, however for receiving licensed data registration is necessary and a hardware key (€ 40) has to be bought in order to decrypt the content. A License for the TELLICAST client software must be obtained for € 60.

External links

EUMETCast homepage

References

  1. ↑ http://www.eumetsat.int/HOME/Main/Access_to_Data/Delivery_Mechanisms/SP_1117714355151
  2. ↑ http://www.eumetsat.int/HOME/Main/What_We_Do/EUMETCast/index.htm?l=en
  3. ↑ http://www.eumetsat.int/website/home/TechnicalBulletins/EUMETCast/DAT_2082113.html
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