Mobile DTV Demonstration is Centerpiece of ‘DTV Triple Play’ Celebrating Flexibility of Digital Television

The Open Mobile Video Coalition (OMVC), an alliance of broadcasters dedicated to advancing the development of mobile digital television in the U.S., will showcase the next generation of mobile digital television (DTV) on Tuesday, July 28, 2009, in the foyer of the Rayburn House Office Building. The OMVC, which is sponsoring the event along with ION Media Networks, will demonstrate the kind of programming that will be available when mobile DTV is launched, as well as showcase prototypes of the consumer and transmission equipment.

Joining the OMVC will be Washington-area broadcasters that, in addition to developing mobile DTV, are offering increased high-definition programming and new free “multicast” channels over portions of the television airwaves cleared by dropping analog transmission technology in favor of more efficient digital transmissions. Together, the new services constitute a “Digital Television Triple Play” of consumer benefits. LG Electronics is a lead co-sponsor. Additional co-sponsors include the National Association of Broadcasters, the Association for Maximum Service Television (MSTV), the Advanced Television Systems Committee (ATSC), the Minority Media and Telecom Counsel (MMTC), the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) and the Association of Public Television Stations (APTS), along with manufacturers Dell, Harris Corporation, Kenwood, Roundbox, Rohde & Schwarz, and Samsung.

“The broadcast industry appreciates leadership by Congress in driving the transition from analog to digital television transmission,” said Dave Lougee, President of Gannett Broadcasting and OMVC Executive Committee Member. “This event will demonstrate to Members of Congress how their constituents will benefit from the digital conversion. The `DTV Triple Play' includes more HD programming, new free channels and the launch of mobile DTV, which will bring live, broadcast DTV programming to mobile devices for the first time,” Dave Lougee added.

Prelude to Mobile DTV Consumer Showcase

The OMVC’s participation in the Capitol Hill event will serve as a sneak peek at a Mobile DTV Consumer showcase which will go live later this year in the Washington, D.C. market, which encompasses nine regions surrounding the nation’s capital. The showcase will provide a consumer test bed for mobile DTV content, services and features. Initial participating stations are Fox Television Stations’ WDCA-DT, Gannett Broadcasting’s WUSA-TV, ION Media Networks’ WPXW-DT, NBC Universal’s WRC-DT, PBS’ WHUT-DT, MHz Networks’ WNVT-DT and Sinclair Broadcast Group’s WNUV-DT.

Some of the prototype consumer devices and services on display at the Capitol Hill event include:

Kenwood’s Aftermarket In-Vehicle Video Player, which extends Kenwood’s existing in-dash DVD player and navigation products;

LG Electronics’ mobile DTV receiving devices, including mobile phones and portable DVD players;

Dell’s Mini 10 Mobile DTV Netbook, the first laptop with integrated mobile DTV capability;

Roundbox’s Electronic Service Guide (ESG), which will provide data services including program service guides;

DTV Interactive’s ATSC Mobile DTV USB Dongle receiver for PCs; and

iSET’s Emergency Alert System (EAS), an early warning system utilizing mobile DTV technology to alert consumers about impending emergencies such as natural disasters, security threats or everyday calamities such as vehicular accidents or criminal activity.

Some 70 broadcast stations serving 28 markets have announced plans to begin providing mobile DTV services by the end of 2009 utilizing the proposed ATSC A153 mobile DTV standard, which is expected to be adopted by the end of 2009. Stations will experiment with a variety of services and business models, including traditional and interactive video, and ad supported and pay services. A wide variety of consumer devices will be available for the launch of service, including cellphones, laptops, netbooks, portable video players, game players, PDAs, portable navigation devices and in-car players.

ABOUT THE OPEN MOBILE VIDEO COALITION

The Open Mobile Video Coalition is a voluntary association of television broadcasters whose mission is to accelerate the development of mobile digital television in the United States. The OMVC is composed of twenty-seven members that own and operate over 450 commercial television stations, as well as the Association of Public Television Stations, Corporation for Public Broadcasting and the Public Broadcasting Service, which represent an additional 360 public television stations. Membership in the OMVC is open to all U.S.-based television broadcasters. Members are committed to fostering open competition in the development of products and services related to television. For more information, please visit http://www.omvc.org.

Open Mobile Video Coalition
Anne Schelle, 443-857-0200
anne.schelle@omvc.org
or
Alex Cronin-Scott, 410-988-4593
alex.croninscott@omvc.org