Through the alliance, known as the Mobile DTV Alliance, the wireless communication and entertainment companies are looking to promote the advantages of DTV-H, an open standard for broadcasting TV on wireless equipment, to aid deployment efforts in North America.
One of the major advantages of DTV-H technology is that it bypasses mobile networks and broadcasts directly from TV masts to handsets, thereby enabling millions of users to access the same broadcast at the same time.
In addition to receiving live TV programming directly on their phones, Nokia said users will also benefit from on-demand and interactive programming that would utilize the cellular network, and increase revenue opportunities for operators.
Nokia claims there are more than 10 DVB-H network trials that have either been completed or are underway around the globe. It expects most US major markets to have DVB-H infrastructure built out and ready for deployment by 2007.
The Mobile DTV Alliance provides an open ecosystem for the mobile digital TV marketplace, greatly increasing revenue opportunities, innovation and services to consumers, said Yoram Solomon, director of strategic marketing and industry relations for Texas Instruments Mobile Connectivity Solutions. DVB-H is the most widely adopted standard in the world, and having an alliance with members at every level of the wireless ecosystem, including partners and competitors alike, will ensure widespread adoption of DVB-H in North America.
