The Open Mobile Video Coalition (OMVC) has announced the first wave of broadcasters who have committed to launching mobile digital television (DTV) services in 2009. The coalition, an alliance of U.S. broadcasters dedicated to accelerating the development of mobile DTV, said plans are to have 63 stations in 22 markets reaching 35% of U.S. households broadcasting this year.
The OMVC and ATSC recently announced acceptance of a Candidate Standard for mobile DTV that will be tested in multiple market trials during 2009, revised as needed, and proposed as a final standard by mid-year. Working together on an exceptionally fast-track schedule, the groups have met every milestone and goal they established.
The robust and flexible ATSC Mobile DTV Candidate Standard supports over-the-air delivery of digital broadcast content to next-generation devices such as cell phones, laptop computers, handheld PDAs, portable media players, and gaming devices. The standard also offers a variety of automotive opportunities, ranging from factory-installed in-vehicle entertainment systems to dealer-installed and aftermarket entertainment systems, as well as GPS systems enriched with local broadcast receiver capabilities.
To showcase the consumer experience of Mobile DTV and the technical feasibility of the ATSC Mobile DTV Candidate Standard, the OMVC conducted a live demonstration on the opening day of CES at the Las Vegas Convention Center. The demo involved multiple Las Vegas-based television stations broadcasting popular local and national TV programs, music video, and local sports and public affairs programming to ATSC-compliant devices produced by LG Electronics and Samsung Electronics, and using transmission equipment manufactured by Harris Corporation.
The 63 first-wave stations include 14 NBC affiliates, nine ABC affiliates, nine CBS affiliates, five Fox affiliates, nine ION Television affiliates, four CW affiliates, and four MyNetworkTV affiliates. In addition, nine PBS stations are in discussions with the OMVC to join the 2009 launch.
Open Mobile Video Coalition
www.openmobilevideo.com