by Sepideh Chakaveh, head of ERCIM Media Technology & Edutainment Working Group
Horst Santo one the pioneers of Interactive Digital Broadcasting has sadly died in July 2012 at the age of 70.
I had the great honour and privilege of working with Horst for over 13 years. Horst Santo was truly a remarkable individual; a man of highest integrity who concealed his extensive and detailed knowledge of many subjects with an impeccable modesty.
After his graduation from the Technical University of Karlsruhe in 1975 Horst was employed at GMD (later Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft) in St. Augustin near Bonn a research centre which he served for 30 years till his retirement.
At GMD/FhG Horst Santo held various positions such as deputy head of Planning and Decision Support Systems of IPES, later FIT. This was later followed by his appointment as the head of successful R&D Interactive Television (iTV) group of Institute for Media Communication (IMK). During this time Horst Santo was also elected as a member of the Media Council of German state of North Rhine-Westphalia.
Horst’s pioneering works in the areas of Internet streaming systems and interactive broadcasting technologies were numerously recognised and valued on a global scale. These included the implementation of the first European Internet “Radio & TV” systems and the development of the first ever interactive digital infotainment platform for ZDF (German second national TV channel).
Horst Santo was a man of great vision and tenacity, who always supported, motivated and encouraged any young researcher who would come in his vicinity. I like many of my colleagues who had the pleasure of knowing Horst owe him, a great deal.
Horst is greatly missed.
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