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Mobile TV programs may be a reality soon
Abertis Telecom, Nokia and Telefónica Móviles to start first digital mobile TV (DVB-H) pilot in Spain; Live broadcast programs will be provided by Antena 3, Sogecable, Telemadrid, Telecinco, TVE and TV3
BY OUR TECHNOLOGY CORRESPONDENT
5 July, 2005: TV programs on mobile phone, a concept which has never really taken off so far, is likely to witness a major change. Nokia has joined hands with cell operatos and TV broadcasters in Spain for a pilot project to broadcast TV programs to Nokia smartphones. Till now, video on mobile has been limited to small movie clips and newsbytes. if the pilot proect is successfully completed, it could trigger a new rush for broadcast-compatible phones and TV programs which air on the mobile.
The TV-mobile project is driven by Nokia, Abertis Telecom, and Telefónica Móviles España. The project will use Digital Video Broadcasting-Handheld (DVB-H) technology. The station-to-mobile project, which is supported by several regional and local channels in Spain, and is the first of its kind in the country.
500 Nokia users in Spain will be able to view high quality broadcast TV programs from TV channels Antena 3, Telemadrid, TVE, Sogecable, Telecinco and TV3 on Nokia 7710 smartphones, which will have a special accessory to receive mobile TV program broadcasts. The Nokia 7710 will have a wide color touch-screen (640 x 320 píxels) and stereo music speakers. Users can also part in program related interactive services while watching TV.
The mobile TV project is a convergence of mobile communications and TV broadcasting technologies. The project will be conducted in Madrid and Barcelona between September 2005 and February 2006 to coincide with the closing ceremony of the GSM World Congress 2006 in Barcelona.
The consumer pilot project will allow the three companies to test the viability of DVB-H and new mobile TV services. It will also be a chance to assess new business opportunities and refine the user experience. The pilot will assist in possible market research that would enable Abertis Telecom, Nokia and Telefónica Móviles to measure public interest in mobile TV services. Another important objective is to test the quality of the signal and broadcast in- and outdoors, in order to determine the best technical parameters for the viability of DVB-H based services.
Under the terms of the agreement, Telefónica Móviles is responsible for customer support, invoicing and interactive services. Abertis Telecom will broadcast the programs in Madrid and Barcelona and are also handling any technical issues with DVB-H signal. Nokia will provide the Mobile TV solution and smartphones that will be used for the pilot.
BY OUR TECHNOLOGY CORRESPONDENT
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