Parkbridge Estate Technology Trials
The Department of Finance and Services assisted research organisations to undertake in-home broadband technology projects at a new housing development in south-west Sydney between 1 July 2010 and 30 June 2011. All homes in the development were built with a connection to the local fibre optic cable communications network.
Connected Classes
Students from Middleton Grange and Kellyville Public Schools collaborated in a new technology that delivers a virtual learning environment using web cameras, computers and live video.
The project was managed by the NSW Department of Education and Communities and the Smart Services Cooperative Research Centre.
Energy Consumption Portal
Integral Energy installed a smart electricity meter that collected data across the day and provided near real-time updates on the energy use at Mirvac’s display home. This type of meter gives households a tool to budget their energy use and manage future energy costs.
The trial helped inform how smart meters could be connected to high-speed broadband networks and how residents could take advantage of home energy monitoring.
On-Demand TV
Using a TV remote control, residents were able to access programs sourced from the internet on-demand on their televisions at a time that suited them.
The content was in a higher definition and better quality than the ‘catch-up’ shows currently available online. The trial included all free-to-air television channels, ABC Television’s iView service, and other selected material from the NSW Government and from the Internet.
The project was managed by National ICT Australia (NICTA) in collaboration with OptiComm with support from the Australian Academic Research Network (AARNet) and the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC).
Multicasting Network Capability
A key enabling technology for the future will be the broadband network’s ‘multicasting’ capability. Multicasting is the ability to send the same digital transmission, such as a high definition television channel, to many receivers without using more bandwidth on the communications link.
OptiComm was trialling a solution to support retail television suppliers identify how to most effectively use high-speed broadband networks especially when internet-based TV (IPTV) becomes commonplace in Australian homes..
Keep in Touch online messaging service
This project featured a simple touch screen communications system based on Apple’s iPad to help people who have difficulty using traditional communication methods to communicate with loved ones and care providers. It allowed residents to easily keep in touch with relatives especially someone in aged care or community care, and even allowed neighbours to regularly stay in touch.
The project was managed by the Smart Services Cooperative Research Centre in collaboration with Consult Point.
All project trials ended in June 2011.
