SES Astra, a subsidiary of SES Global [Luxembourg: SESG], Canal Satellite, Canal+ Technologies, Newtec, STMicroelectronics, and Thomson have signed an agreement to develop a low cost satellite-based response channel for direct-to-home set-top boxes.

The 49 euro million ($53 million) project will be funded both by the consortium and by the European Space Agency, through a contract under its ARTES program, which supports the development of advanced-technologies related to both the satelliteand media industries.

The product, called SATMODE (satellite modem), will provide an always-on satellite return path, in Ka-band via Astra 1H, between a digital TV set-top-box in a user’s home and content providers. The interactivity enabled by the ASTRA return link will greatly enhance future applications such as video-on-demand, messaging, gaming and growing audience interaction in various types of shows.