Three Jamaicans have used their technical and scientific knowledge to create what they declare to be a revolutionary system that will combine cellular phones and television sets for a combined audio, visual and data communication.

Firestream Media Distribution System (FSMDS) is the brainchild of David Cassanova, managing director of DC Digital, Neil Rhule and Grayson Alert, directors of Aura Technologies. According to Cassanova, the FSMDS, through the utilisation of cell phone and television science, provides an integrated visual and data application that is suitable for mass communications.

Winners of the inaugural Science and Technology Award display their trophies presented recently at a gala awards banquet at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel in Kingston. They are joined by the science and technology minister, Phillip Paulwell (right), who initiated the award, and Dr Francesca Toso (second right) of the World Intellectual Property Organisation in Geneva, who was guest speaker at the function, and Dr Audia Barnett (left) executive director of the Scientific Research Council, the coordinator for the awards. The awardees are (from second left) Georgia Jefferson, whose non-chemical process for the preservation of beverage placed second; David Cassanova, Grayson Alert and Neil Rhule, who collaborated on the design of an integral visual and date application which won the top prize; and energy consultant, Frank Haughton, whose hybrid solar dryer placed third.

"This is a fully interactive audio-visual data distribution system that is for any and everybody," says Cassanova. "When you look at Jamaica.we have television sets and we have cell phones.

Basically, the FSMDS is a fusion of the television and cell phone technology creating interactivity, which is where the world is going.it is not only on audio, not only on video, but also on data."

How does this system work? The FSMDS facilitates the distribution of voice, video and data across multiple delivery channels over a wireless network. This allows for easy access to information. More importantly, it facilitates distance learning without the use of the Internet which could have a major impact on the island's educational system.

Cassanova was not able to give specific details on the type of technology that underpins this system, as a patent is currently pending with the Jamaica Intellectual Property Office (JIPO).
However he disclosed to the Sunday Finance that this technology could significantly reduce costs for companies.

"We have developed a system that can eliminate a television station," said Cassanova. "Under normal circumstances, if you wanted to put a logo on a television screen, you would have to buy an equipment for between US$3,000 and US$7,000. From a cell phone in my hand, I could direct a logo on your television screen."

In fact, the innovators' system has already attracted the attention of corporate Jamaica. For example;
. the Jamaica News Network (JNN) is currently using the system in the area of cable broadcasting.

. the technology is to be tested by the University College of the Caribbean, which is planning to introduce two degree courses under its distance education programme.

. Cable and Wireless Jamaica Limited will provide classroom support by sending content to cell phones, while a link with CVM Television will facilitate real time interaction between students and teachers anywhere.

Cassanova believes that the innovation is very marketable and, due to its diverse application, can be utilised by all segments of society.
"In Jamaica, we have over 900,000 television sets, over 700,000 homes; cable crosses over 500,000 homes, it is said to give you around 297,000 people who continuously watche," he said.

"We still have 2.5 million people. The only way to get to these people is through the cell phone."
On December 3, 2005, the trio was the recipient of the inaugural 'innovations in science and technology award' presented by the Ministry of Commerce, Science and Technology.

Mothers can't father

Trousers in Denim

Cream of the 'Crop'