The Pandora System

Pandora was a joint project between ORL and Cambridge University Computer Laboratory. The project investigated the use of multimedia workstations in a normal working environment, with particular emphasis on digital video.

As well as an interest in what it felt like to have access to an integrated high-performance multimedia peripheral, we wanted to exploit our recent developments in the areas of high speed networks and slotted ring technologies.

Work on the Pandora Project stretches back to ORL's beginnings in 1986, with experiments into sending digital video and audio over the Cambridge Fast Ring . Latterly, the system was updated to make use of our ATM switches .

Much has been written about our work on the Pandora System. On-line publications include an overview of the Pandora System as well as a more detailed account .