Mobile DTV On The Way

By Carolyn Giardina

In a move that underscores the shift toward viewing television content on non-traditional devices, the Advanced Television Systems Committee has approved a mobile digital television standard.

The standard defines the technical specifications necessary for U.S. broadcasters to provide TV content and new services to mobile and handheld devices — including mobile phones, small handheld DTVs, laptop computers and in-vehicle entertainment systems — using its digital television transmission system.

The mobile system was developed to support services including advertiser-supported television and interactive services delivered in real-time, subscription-based TV, and file-based content download for playback at a later time. The system might also enable transmission of data broadcasting services.

Additionally, the ATSC Mobile DTV Standard was developed to provide a framework to enable new receiver capabilities. Per the spec, receivers that make use of an optional Internet connection would enable interactive television services, such as audience measurement, viewer voting, and the integration of Internet-based applications and transactions with TV content.

Industry leaders in the consumer electronics and broadcasting fields applauded the new standard.

“This will introduce the power of local broadcasting to a new generation of viewers and provide all-important emergency alert, local news and other programming to consumers across the nation,” said Paul Karpowicz, National Association of Broadcasters television board chairman and president of Meredith Broadcast Group.

Added National Association of Broadcasters executive VP Dennis Wharton: “We strongly believe that all Americans will benefit from the advanced capabilities of mobile DTV and broadcasters’ innovative use of over-the-air spectrum.”

“The Consumer Electronics Association congratulates ATSC on achieving this new standard, which will help chipmakers and equipment manufacturers proceed with product development and deployment,” said CEA president and CEO Gary Shapiro. “The ATSC Mobile DTV standard gives broadcasters an opportunity to provide consumers with the next generation of compelling over-the-air content.”

The ATSC began formal development of the Mobile DTV spec in May 2007.