Just as most cell phone users are barely getting used to the idea of TV via their mobile phones, LG announces mobile phones capable of handling high-definition digital TV. Credit must be given to LG Electronics and Harris Corporation considering that not only is such a technology very complex and not fully understood, but also because economically speaking, it is very risky.
Ah but on the other hand, if it wasn’t for companies taking risks, then the economy would fall and the ice age would cometh. So in that light, let’s see what this digital mobile TV is all about.
Officially it is called “In-Band Mobile DTV service” and un-officially there is a great deal of technical jargon that even most techies are still figuring out. To keep the technical specs to a minimum, this mobile DTV service would be possible by means of A-VSB transmission and receiving equipment. According to an Engadget article by Darren Murph, this technology ultimately allows the transmission standard to be enhanced to be able to “get television broadcasts in motion, indoors and out.” Also, this technology better synchronizes signal timing across towers (a Siginal Frequency Network). Enough of that.
What does this mean for the consumer?
Basically, the consumer will be able to receive the same DTV signal that is being sent to their home receiver, on their mobile device. This is definitely a nice little perk for all the techies out there but that’s the problem–seems that people are taking on mobile TV in general at a snails pace. What companies have to do is market a mobile DTV service in such a way that it does not scare away the customer.
One way to accomplish this is that watching DTV will not kill the cell phone battery and will not cost an arm and a leg if say, you watch two episodes of The Simpsons. Also, the technology must be at a good enough quality so that there won’t be any interruptions/interference while watching TV. The marketing departments can definitely have fun with this as long as they don’t isolate the non-technology savvy users. Unfortunately it is too early to put a price tag on such a service but like everything else, it won’t be for pennies the first few years.
In all honestly, a service like this can quickly scare a lot of people away if not treated the right way. Integrating such a technology from the mobile device to the home could be a way to get people comfortable with the idea...hint hint.
It will be interesting how cell phone companies react to this new technology. It will be more interesting to see if the iPhone will come up with its own version of the technology or play fair and just accept it as is…I can guess which way they’ll go.
Engadget-LG / Harris announce In-Band mobile DTV system By Darren Murph
http://cellphones.engadget.com/2007/04/03/lg-harris-announce-in-band-mobile-dtv-system/
Engadget-ATSC developing its own mobile DTV broadcasting standard By Darren Murph
http://cellphones.engadget.com/2007/04/10/atsc-developing-its-own-mobile-dtv-broadcasting-standard/
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