CSIRO innovators enhancing future of the Web
CSIRO innovators enhancing future of the Web
Internet users that long to surf video and audio content online as quickly and easily as text and images will soon have their wishes granted, thanks to innovative Web tools being developed by CSIRO (Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation).
Dr Silvia Pfeiffer, of CSIRO suggests the development by CSIRO of what is calling the Continuous Media Web (CMWeb) is as significant a development as the emergence of the Web itself.
"It's long been recognised that, while we can easily surf from text page to text page, when we want to experience rich content like video and audio we have to jump out to a separate application, and then all we get is a slower, jumpier version of linear TV or radio.
"Instead of just selecting a file and viewing it, (with CMWeb), surfers can activate links while viewing video and audio files."
CSIRO has developed conventions for inserting hyperlinks into streaming media, and it has also specified a file format for combining anchor (link) metadata and media information in a single file.
The core CMWeb tools have also been developed as an open source development kit to encourage broad uptake of the concept.
"These tools won't just revolutionise your computer browser experience," says Pfeiffer. "The CMWeb concept is transferable to the digital TV domain, handheld computers and even mobile phones. In a few years we will wonder how the Web stayed static for so long."
A number of companies are already exploring the use of CMWeb in their software. Among the first is Australian digital media specialist, PIVoD Technologies.
PIVoD specialises in the application and use of video on demand technology and its integration for management of cultural institutions such as museums, as well as residential and corporate systems. The company has undertaken major projects throughout Australia and internationally and sees tremendous potential for the Australian-developed CMWeb technology.
PIVoD executive chairman, Phillip Jenkins, says, "CMWeb addresses significant issues in improving indexing, navigation, and re-use of large collections of digital audio and video content. It's a very exciting development in the evolution ofdigital communications."
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