Are we ready for mobile TV?
Posted Wednesday, March 7th, 2007 6:37 am by Abe Olandres
Viewed 5745 times | Related entries: Gadgets, Mobile, Multimedia
Smart Communications is already testing out a new service for mobile TV on a story on Inquirer.net earlier. Using a Nokia N92, there were able to demo the service which uses digital video broadcasting-handheld (DVB-H).
Similar services have already been launched by other countries such as Singapore, Finland, Italy, Albania, Vietnam and the United States. Currently, only a limited number of mobile phones are capable of running this service – Nokia N92, Nokia N77, Samsung – SGH-P910, SGH-P920, SGH-P930, SGH-P940, LG – U900, KU950.
The Nokia N77 was announced during the last 3GSM 2007 Show. The Gamdala Mobile TV Blog adds:
… the show’s major announcement was probably the Nokia N77 DVB-H handset. As rumored just before the show, this is a mid-range handset, which is targeted at initial DVB-H deployments in Vietnam, Italy and Finland. I took a look at the video quality, and it was quite good at 15 frames per second. However, every minute or two there was an occasional error in the stream (picture freezes or breaks into blocks). The demonstrator at the N77 stand in the Nokia booth claimed that this was due to the “crowded network at the show”, which seems highly unlikely since DVB-H is a broadcast network… The channel switching time was also quite long, at 4-6 seconds. The long switching time was also apparent in other DVB-H demos at the show, and I also noticed this issue in CES demos last month, which leads to the conclusion that this is probably an inherent issue with current DVB-H implementations. The Nokia representative told me that the handset will cost 370 Euros without subsidies, and has a 5 hour TV viewing time, and 7.5 days standby time.
Now, if that’s a close estimate of the performance of the handset or the network, that’s no good news to me. Still, the question here really is the readiness of the local market to embrace mobile TV. Like Smart’s 3G network expansion being put on hold, mobile TV could suffer the same sluggish fate due to lack of handset support and steep pricing.
We’ll see though. I’m up to meet one of Smart’s PR people next week to discuss the Smart Bro status and maybe I could swing in and ask to get a review/test unit for their mobile TV.
Related Link: T-Mobile cell phones and data plans allow you to watch video, download music, take print-quality photos, and more.
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18 Responses to “Are we ready for mobile TV?”
[...] latest entry on PTB entitled “Are we ready for mobile TV?” links to a story on Inquirer.net about Smart’s plan to launch mobile TV [...]
Wow, the rate of advance out paces the ability of ordinary Pinoy consumers to pay for these services.
Take note that the DVB-H network is separate from 3G/GSM. So, more rollout costs.
Yuga,
I think the Sling Box is very good technology. You can actually view TV through your phone. What is your opinion about the Sling Box?
First, this is another shot of SMART to introduce a new service that is definitely irrelevant to the Pinoy masses. Second, what works in overseas markets (like the US or Europe) will not necessarily work here in the Philippines. Third, digital TV is still nascent, let alone waiting for it to reach its critical mass. So why bother with mobile TV? Don’t get me wrong. I’m in favor of harnessing technology. But I think SMART is better off improving their 3G offering.
[...] Useless overhyped idea of the week: Philippine cellular provider Smart hopes to put local TV on mobile phones. [...]
The real question is: who needs mobile TV?
you can buy phones with VHF/UHF receiver like this http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/articles.php?action=expand,46925
i had this one for about 3 months but i ended up selling it coz i don’t really use the TV when i’m mobile.
[...] already discussed this development here and here yesterday in some detail so we’ll just let it simmer. Me, I’m all for new [...]
Telcos can’t even improve wireless broadband net connection now they’re into mobile tv hahahaha very funny
[...] different takes on the mobile TV service on the blogosphere, check out these posts from Abe Olandres and Mike Abundo. [...]
[...] of Mobile TV in the Philippines. During our discussion, I asked why would Smart move into the Mobile TV market when their 3G roll-out hasn’t been completed yet. Besides, I haven’t heard of their [...]
Long switching time problem with DVB-H?
There are many observations that the switching time of channels is high in trade shows. However in most cases it is due to
improper setting of parameters in the stream( EPG,no of services,sleep & wake up times). This does not happen in commercial services where the parameters are finely tuned.
[...] earlier posted about MediaQuest’s announcement of mobile TV and even doubted whether the mass market is ready for it (only around 17% of Filipino homes are on cable). Some of my obvious questions before where now [...]
[...] seen several demo of this mobile TV and though I am impressed by the quality of the signal reception, I ‘m [...]
yeah i have this one right now and i try the free service of myTV it has superb signal when ur outside or open field but when im inside my house i cant find any place to get a signal from them…T_T
links…
These Americans will almost never recover. They will be in serious need of the best affiliate program. The percentage of unmarried couples living together that are male and female relationships are soaring at eighty nine percent….
[...] as PinoyTechBlog wondered, are Pinoys ready for mobile [...]
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