| MOST - An Automotive Success Story
The Story of the Automotive Multimedia Network Over 10 years ago the carmakers BMW and Daimler together with Harman (today Harman/Becker) and OASIS SiliconSystems (today SMSC) started cooperating on defining and designing the Media Oriented Systems Transport Technology. With their clear vision the companies saw the need for a common infotainment network standard instead of proprietary solutions. The activities around MOST aim at concrete and measurable results for volume production rather than only defining a theoretical standard. In 1998 the companies founded the MOST Cooperation with Audi joining shortly thereafter. They quickly developed the first specification since they had to meet deadlines for mass production. Within only 3 years BMW introduced the 7 series as the first MOST car in 2001. The following year 13 more models implemented the MOST infotainment backbone. Now, 10 years later, 16 carmakers and their 78 premier suppliers contribute to the success of the MOST Technology. MOST150 Enables Efficient Transport of Video Streams and IP-Based Packet Data In addition to the higher bandwidth of 150 Mbps, MOST150 features an isochronous transport mechanism to support extensive video applications, as well as an Ethernet channel for efficient transport of IP-based packet data. With MOST audio and video signals can be transported with high bandwidth efficiency and without any overhead for addressing, collision detection/recovery or broadcast. This way MOST150 offers capacity that packet-switched networks can only achieve with much higher gross bandwidth. Consequently multiple high-definition (HD) video streams and multi-channel surround sound with premium quality of service can be transmitted, while simultaneously moving high loads of packet data around. DTCP over MOST for Secure Transmission of DVD Audio, DVD Video, HD-DVD and Blu-ray Content Digital Transmission Content Protection over MOST is available: The MOST Cooperation has optimized the MOST network for high quality video streaming - MOST150 enables direct isochronous transport of e.g., MPEG video streams without bit-stuffing or transcoding. The MOST standard supports approved content protection schemes and therefore enables digital transmission of DVD Audio, DVD Video, HD-DVD and Blu-ray content. MOST was the first network to be fully approved by the DVD Copy Control Association (DVD CCA) to carry DTCP protected content. This was made possible by adapting DTCP to the MOST standard. By doing so, also HD-DVD and Blu-ray content on MOST is supported since AACS (Advanced Access Content System) licensing allows digital outputs which are protected using DTCP. MOST Cooperation Enhances Robustness and Ease-of-use The MOST Cooperation has overhauled the specifications and implemented an integrated compliance verification process to enhance the quality while reducing the cost at the same time. For cost reduction for example the supply chain for optical connectors has been shortened through a new design and the requirements for new ICs with more implemented functions for MOST nodes have been introduced. To further optimize robustness and user friendliness, the specifications have been refined to remove ambiguities and add clarity. Since its first volume implementation, the MOST specifications have continuously been amended and extended in order to narrow the possibility for different interpretations by implementers. The specification is further complemented through respective standard driver stacks (Network Services) that are available from several sources. They have been optimized for seamless portability to different system architectures as they have to run on different platforms with a wide range of characteristics and performance capabilities. About MOST Technology MOST (Media Oriented Systems Transport) is a multimedia networking technology optimized for but not restricted to use in cars. It enables transport of high quality of service audio and video together with packet data and real-time control over a single transmission medium. MOST offers transmission over Plastic Optical Fiber and Unshielded Twisted Pair copper physical layers under automotive conditions. MOST to date is used in over 55 car models and represents the communication backbone for their information and entertainment equipment. About MOST Cooperation The MOST Cooperation is the organization through which MOST Technology is standardized and refined so that it continues to stay abreast of the latest industry requirements. Today it consists of 16 international carmakers and more than 75 key component suppliers. They have joined together to work with the MOST Technology and to contribute to its innovation. The MOST Cooperation is prepared to embrace efforts to further develop and standardize the technology for other industries and to establish the corresponding work structures. The MOST Cooperation was founded in 1998 to standardize MOST Technology as a global standard for multimedia networking. Audi, BMW, Daimler, Harman/Becker and SMSC as core partners form its Steering Committee. For more information see www.mostcooperation.com. Media Contact hueggenberg gbr Mandy Ahlendorf T +49 8151 55 50 09-11 E MOSTCO_PR(at)hueggenberg.com |
