With HDTV (High-definition Television), users benefits from fresh customisation and interaction possibilities, in addition to improved image quality. This explains the advent of new Rich media services integrating sound, images and video. The entire imaging chain must be reviewed in this perspective.

Mobile television is now a reality. However, new uses and economic models have yet to be invented. This theme proposes to design and test new ways of use originating in the worlds of television broadcasting and mobile telecommunications.

Widespread access to predominantly image-based services is not possible without the generalization of high or very high bandwidth networks. This is true for the core of the network, but also for the access networks, and even the user installations.

This R&D theme concentrates on the adaptations of network architectures and protocols, domestic gateways and multimedia messaging system platforms that will allow the advent of attractive new services.

As networks carry more attractive services, they become more interconnected, and so the data and the content carried must be better protected. Security is now one of the essential components in the development of network applications.

Whether to confirm technological progress, check interoperability between equipment or perform user tests with user panels, the access to experimental and test platforms is an essential condition for the development of network applications.

Medical interventions, training, pre-manufacturing validation of a technique by simulation... The number of applications using virtual or enhanced reality is increasing rapidly. This R&D focus examines the fresh possibilities offered by virtual and enhanced reality, combined with high bandwidth networks.

All the R&D projects in the Images & Network field are major consumers of software developments. This theme aims to optimize developments by applying software engineering methods. These rely heavily on modelling to design complex systems, independent from hardware platforms.