A Framework For Community-Oriented Interactive Digital Television

This paper presents the SAMBA Framework for community-oriented idtv. The main objective of this framework is to provide local communities and citizens - including low income population - to access community-oriented content and services by means of idtv channels. In order to achieve this, SAMBA implemented several steps such as: 1) development of a Content Management System for creating interactive applications that are cross-compatible between DVB-T MHP and DVB-H, 2) considering usability issues related to technology adoption by non expert users and 3) addressing low cost requirements for meeting the needs of low-income users and communities with use of power line communications for providing interactivity to remote rural areas.