Broadcast spectrum to be utilized for the new mobile service will come from the three owned-and-operated station groups — Fox, NBC & Telemundo, and ION — and the nine local broadcast groups, which are Belo, Cox, E.W. Scripps, Gannett, Hearst, Media General, Meredith, Post Newsweek and Raycom. Separately, these nine local broadcast companies formed Pearl Mobile DTV Company LLC as a vehicle for their involvement in the venture.

By aggregating existing broadcast spectrum from its launch partners, the new venture will have the capacity to offer a breadth of mobile video and print content to nearly 150 million U.S. residents. In addition to broadcast spectrum, the partners will commit content, marketing resources and capital to the new venture. The service will employ ATSC-M/H, an open broadcast transmission system developed by the Advanced Television Systems Committee (ATSC) specifically for mobile devices.

The venture is designed to complement the Federal Communication Commission’s (FCC) National Broadband Initiative by giving consumers mobile access to video content while reducing congestion of the nation’s wireless broadband infrastructure. In addition, the service’s mobile content network will have the capacity to deliver local and national time-sensitive emergency information to citizens across the U.S.

Regarding the announcement, Jack Abernethy, Chief Executive Officer of Fox Television Stations, stated: “We are excited about building a platform that makes mobile television universally available and economically viable. This venture is the first step in forging cross-industry and company partnerships to deliver content to consumers.”

“This initiative offers a path for the next generation of video consumption, and will help the FCC in its goal of ensuring efficient and reliable broadband service for US consumers,” said John Wallace, President, NBC Local Media.

“Local broadcasters are the backbone of the U.S. media industry,” said David J. Barrett, President and CEO of Hearst Television Inc. “This sharing of content, broadcast spectrum, marketing resources and capital is unprecedented, and underscores U.S. broadcasters’ commitment to bringing vital local news, weather, and emergency information to increasingly mobile U.S. consumers. This is a critically important initiative that holds great promise for our audiences and the television industry. This is truly the next generation of local television service.”

“This venture takes to the next level the work we embarked upon three years ago with the development of Mobile DTV technology, in anticipation of digital TV capabilities and consumer mobile demand,” said Brandon Burgess, CEO of ION Television.

“Mobile digital television places each of our companies at the center of a consumer transformation, putting us on cell phones, netbooks, DVD players and even in-vehicle entertainment systems,” said David Lougee, President, Gannett Broadcasting, Gannett Co. Inc. “And it’s the consumers who are the big winners. From news and entertainment to emergency information, virtually all U.S. consumers will soon be able to bring their most valuable content with them wherever they go.”

Information regarding a dedicated management team that will focus on securing additional content, spectrum and distribution partnerships for the venture will be made available at a later date.

- Programmable Circuits Based on DiBcom’s Octopus Platform Provide the Solution, Especially in the USA, Where a New Standard is Introduced.

    - NAB Show 2010
    - Las Vegas, 12-15 April 2010
    - TeamCast Stand SU6023

DiBcom, the market leader in dedicated components for mobile TV reception, will be demonstrating its Octopus programmable platform at the NAB Show, which runs from 12 to 15 April in Las Vegas.

As the United States launches into a new mobile television venture with the ATSC M/H standard, a “mobile” derivative of the DTT standard currently used in North America (ATSC), operators face the question of the business model, just as they have with DVB-H in Europe. DiBcom has used its experience to develop a flexible platform, called Octopus, which enables manufacturers to enter the field at reduced risk.

The main problem encountered by mobile television around the world is the requirement to invest in a network specifically for mobile transmission. In the United States, the broadcasters think the investment is worthwhile, as they just agreed to add supplementary transmission equipment to the network, enabling their channels to be broadcast free to mobiles. The ATSC-M/H standard makes it possible to upgrade traditional DTT transmitters for “hybrid” fixed/mobile transmission.

The various standards around the world make the task of developing terminals very complicated for manufacturers, as current solutions require a different terminal to be developed for each standard. Leading terminals such as the very latest “state-of-the-art” smartphones rarely have an integrated TV tuner because of the fragmentation of standards across the World.

The revolutionary Octopus circuit offers manufacturers a flexible solution enabling them develop a single hardware design to meet the challenge of the proliferation of fixed and mobile TV standards. “Octopus” is a versatile solution based on a programmable architecture targeting current and emerging mobile TV standards, at the best price-performance ratio.

“By adding new standards to our Octopus platform, we can offer our customers the prospect of reaching ever broader markets, meeting their growth and globalisation needs,” comments Yannick Levy, CEO of DiBcom.

At this year’s NAB Show in Las Vegas, DiBcom will be presenting the Octopus programmable platform on the TeamCast stand (SU6023).

About DiBcom

DiBcom is at the heart of Mobile TV. As a fabless semiconductor company that designs high-performance chipsets, DiBcom enables low-power mobile TV everywhere. The company’s solutions are used in automotive, PC/peripheral, Set Top Boxes, and mobile phones. Its chipsets are compliant with the current worldwide Digital Video Broadcast standards DVB-T, DVB-SH, CMMB, DAB, T-DMB and ISDB-T.

For more information, please visit: http://www.dibcom.com

• Company now offers live, mobile TV in eight 2010 model-year vehicles: Chrysler Town & Country, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Jeep® Commander, Dodge Grand Caravan, Dodge Journey, Dodge Nitro, Ram 1500 and Ram 2500/3500
• Watch live sports, breaking news, kids’ programs and primetime network shows in the back seat
• Content includes programming from ABC, ABC Entertainment, ABC Family, ABC News, Adult Swim Mobile, CBS, CBS College Sports, CBS News, CNBC, CNN Mobile, COMEDY CENTRAL, Disney Channel, Disney Channel Original Movies, ESPN, ESPNEWS, ESPN 2, FOX, FOX News Channel, FOX Sports, Fuel TV, MSNBC, MTV, NBC, NBC2Go, NBC News, NBC Sports, Nickelodeon, Playhouse Disney, SOAPNet and Speed
• Feature available now as a Mopar option for $629 plus installation, includes one-year subscription
• Mopar’s live, mobile TV option includes 3-year/36,000-mile warranty for new vehicles and a 12-month/12,000-mile warranty on used vehicles

Live, mobile TV is coming to the Big Apple.

Mopar is channeling live, mobile TV into Chrysler, Jeep®, Dodge and Ram vehicles. The company will showcase its new technology at the 2010 New York International Auto Show.

Chrysler Group LLC is the first automaker in the United States to offer live, mobile TV to consumers. The system offers something for everyone: college and professional sports, breaking news, children’s shows, primetime sitcoms, reality TV and daytime dramas.

“We are the first automaker in the United States to offer live, mobile TV in more than 100 metropolitan markets,” said Pietro Gorlier, President and Chief Executive Officer – Mopar Service, Parts and Customer Care, Chrysler Group LLC. “Live, mobile TV gives our customers the ultimate in entertainment and it’s a great example of how Mopar adds value to our Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge and Ram Truck brands.

“With Mopar’s wide range of options and accessories, customers may customize their vehicles to fit their needs and aspirations,” Gorlier added. “In addition to accessories, Mopar also supports each brand with excellent customer service, enhanced with cutting-edge service-tool technology including wireless diagnostic.”

Until now, the challenge for mobile TV has been to deliver high-quality, uninterrupted coverage in urban environments and at highway speeds. Existing mobile TV systems in the United States either offer limited channels or require larger satellite dishes on vehicle roofs – and a large price tag to match.

Mopar’s suggested retail price is $629, plus installation. A one-year pre-paid subscription is included with installation.

The entertainment package is available as a dealer-installed option on the following 2008-2010 model-year vehicles with factory DVD entertainment systems: Chrysler Town & Country, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Jeep Commander, Dodge Grand Caravan, Dodge Journey, Dodge Nitro, Ram 1500 and Ram 2500/3500.

The service also may be added to select 2008-2010 model-year vehicles when new Mopar headrests or seat-top DVD entertainment systems are purchased.

How It Works

Television signals are delivered through a dedicated multicast network built by San Diego-based FLO™ TV Inc., a live, mobile TV service provider and a wholly owned subsidiary of Qualcomm Inc. FLO TV offers live and time-shifted programming from top entertainment brands.

The service is available in more than 100 major markets and many interstate driving corridors; however, it is not available in some rural areas.

Audiovox Corp., of Hauppauge, NY, supplies FLO TV Auto Entertainment hardware that integrates with Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge and Ram vehicles’ existing entertainment systems and new Mopar 7-inch DVD screen systems. A small antenna, similar in size to a laptop mouse, is mounted on a vehicle’s roof to deliver the digital TV signal. Inside the vehicle, the receiver and wiring are installed under the interior trim of the vehicle and are not visible to occupants.

User-friendly wired and wireless remote controls allow viewers to easily surf channels, similar to TV systems at home.

Mopar’s live, mobile TV option includes a 3-year/36,000-mile warranty on new vehicles or a 12-month/12,000-mile warranty on used vehicles for hardware and installation.

About Chrysler Group LLC

Chrysler Group LLC, formed in 2009 from a global strategic alliance with Fiat Group, produces Chrysler, Jeep, Dodge, Ram Truck and Mopar brand vehicles and products. With the resources, technology and worldwide distribution network required to compete effectively on a global scale, the alliance builds on Chrysler’s culture of innovation — first established by Walter P. Chrysler in 1925 — and Fiat’s complementary technology.

Headquartered in Auburn Hills, Mich., Chrysler Group LLC’s product lineup features some of the world’s most recognizable vehicles, including Chrysler Town & Country, Jeep Wrangler, Dodge Challenger and Ram 1500. Fiat will contribute world-class technology, platforms and powertrains for small and medium-size cars, allowing Chrysler Group LLC to offer an expanded product line including environmentally friendly vehicles.

Follow Chrysler news and video on:

Chrysler Connect blog: http://blog.chryslergroupllc.com  

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/chryslercom and www.twitter.com/chrysler  

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/pentastarvideo  

Streetfire: http://members.streetfire.net/profile/ChryslerVideo.htm

“The key strength of any local TV broadcaster is that station’s ability to respond quickly to live events and to reach millions of viewers with a single digital broadcast transmission — a system designed to enable fast, easy, and robust reception in viewer’s homes. Now that digital TV broadcasting is going mobile, we strongly believe that Mobile DTV is a key ingredient in the nation’s drive to deliver timely news, information, and entertainment to our country’s citizens. And it’s even faster, more reliable, and more scalable than information routed through the Internet,” said Brandon Burgess, President of the Open Mobile Video Coalition and ION Media Networks Chairman and CEO.

Moreover, the advantages of Mobile DTV are laid out in the Federal Communications Commission’s newly issued report “Connecting America: The National Broadband Plan,” which notes that “emerging broadcast applications, such as mobile DTV and datacasting, may provide an opportunity to take advantage of the relative efficiencies of point-to-multipoint and point-to-point architectures in order to deliver various types of content in the most spectrum-efficient ways.” The report goes on to highlight the public interest service provided by local broadcasters, noting that “it is important to allow television broadcasting to continue to fulfill these obligations to local communities.”

Mobile DTV is delivered utilizing the same infrastructure as over-the-air broadcasts for home televisions, with special enhancements made to allow viewing on mobile devices. The technology has even been tested in trains moving more than 150 miles per hour, with robust reception of transmitted signals. 45 U.S. broadcast stations are already sending Mobile DTV signals and hundreds more are expected to sign on with mobile service in the coming months.

The technology’s potential to unlock new sources of information for viewers and new viewers for broadcasters is underscored in a new white paper just issued by IDC. Mobile DTV has the potential to expand the reach of broadcast TV while simultaneously relieving data networks that are overburdened with ever-growing demands for video content.

“Mobile DTV is a cultural and technical extension of digital over-the-air broadcasting and is a spectrum-efficient technology to deliver hugely popular content. But more than this, Mobile DTV allows consumers to also receive local channels, programming, and advertising, as well as relevant local and national news, emergency information, weather, and other alerts. Like over-the-air broadcasting, Mobile DTV easily makes possible a one to many broadcast that instantaneously can reach millions of viewers,” said Danielle Levitas, Group Vice President of IDC’s Consumer, Broadband & Digital Marketplace team.

In the report, IDC notes that local TV broadcasting service is an integral part of our nation’s wireless ecosystem. Free and local broadcast television delivers services – such as local news programming – that are critical to creating a sense of community and that no other video medium provides. Essentially all consumers, whether they receive their broadcast stations for free over the air or through pay television service, depend on their broadcast stations for local programming.

“We see Mobile DTV starting as a free service, delivering broadcast channels to viewers on the go. But the upside potential is even more interesting, because the technology can support subscription services to premium channels, a la carte access to other media, cached recording, localized and targeted advertising, and more – especially when Mobile DTV is paired with great mobile devices like netbooks and in-car entertainment systems,” Levitas said.

Sponsored by the OMVC, the IDC white paper “The Mobile DTV Opportunity and its Role in the Communications Ecosystem” predicts that the number of broadcasters transmitting with the new Mobile DTV standard will more than quadruple this year to 150 stations throughout the country. Today, 45 broadcasters have installed the new equipment that makes Mobile DTV broadcasting possible. Consumer electronics companies this year have already announced more than 20 new products that are poised for retail introduction as broadcasters sign on-the-air with Mobile DTV.

The IDC report is available for download at: www.tinyurl.com/IDCMobileDTVreport

Mobile DTV “More Efficient” for Popular, Live Programming

The IDC report notes that “while there is a lot of buzz around 4G technologies like WiMAX and LTE, 3G is still being built out and will be the dominant mobile broadband technology for years to come. For popular broadcast programming such as the top shows on network TV, major live news events, and live sporting events, mobile broadcasts are more efficient to deliver that content live and to millions at a time.”

IDC reports that video viewing on mobile phones is still in its infancy. The research firm makes clear that “in IDC’s past two annual mobile entertainment surveys, we have found the percentage of mobile phone owners that regularly or at least once in the three prior months view TV/video on their phone to be 2.5% to 5% of respondents.” The company’s most recent ConsumerScape 360^o survey fielded at the end of 2009 found that out of more than 7,000 U.S. respondents “only 2% reported watching premium content/TV on their phones within the prior month. Even if we assume the data to be underreported, it clearly is in its early stages.”

Broadcasters: Best Positioned for Favorite Shows, New Advertising Options

The report also highlights that “with some modest storage, devices with Mobile DTV receivers can potentially store different promotions that are triggered when the device is in a specific geo-location. This can be done on the device by triangulating the broadcasting TV signals. Also, if the device is a portable or in-car navigation device, the GPS radio can be a source of information for increased localization. Furthermore, if the device has WiFi or cellular, then the interaction can be more customized and additional services and calls to action can be delivered via the two-way connection. This is particularly valuable for both local businesses (advertisers) and transit systems that are delivering digital ads to commuters.”

Washington Consumer Showcase and Upcoming Product Introductions

Washington, D.C. broadcasters are gearing up for the OMVC’s Consumer Showcase of Mobile Digital Television that starts later this spring. Mobile DTV applications to be showcased under the recently approved Mobile DTV technical standard include favorite live, local television programs just as they are transmitted to DC-area homes, interactive broadcasts, and lifesaving emergency alerts for weather incidents and other unforeseen events. During the Washington, D.C. Consumer Showcase, the OMVC is planning an evaluation of quantitative and qualitative usage for each of the selected device platforms. The purpose of the Showcase is to understand factors that may motivate greater usage of Mobile DTV, early adoption, propensity to tolerate pay services, and interactive services and usage patterns, as well as to learn more about the core qualitative aspects of the user experience from pre-adoption to post-usage insights.

The Washington Consumer Showcase comes on the heels of the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, where more than a dozen companies introduced a variety of new Mobile DTV products that they plan to roll out in the coming year. Mobile DTV technologies unveiled at CES include netbooks equipped with Mobile DTV; battery-operated Portable Mobile TV Sets; Mobile DTV USB Receivers for Laptop computers; a unique Wi-Fi Access Point for Mobile DTV Reception; prototype cell phones with Mobile DTV; and Electronic Service Guides that provide information and interactivity such as voting, polling, and web access.

Beyond live broadcasts, the OMVC envisions mobile services such as emergency alerts that can be customized by market or location, live audio feeds, datacasting with traffic maps, closed captioning, “clip casting” sports and news highlights that could be stored in memory on a device, “push” Video On Demand for future viewing, time-shifted television, mobile digital video recording, interactive polling, electronic coupons, targeted advertising, and an electronic service guide for ease of tuning. Broadcasters will be able to extend their programming reach to a growing audience of new viewers — anywhere, anytime, and at any speed (since the new Mobile DTV can even be received by viewers in the back seat of a car that is moving down the freeway.)

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 30 members that own and operate over 529 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. For more information, please visit http://www.omvc.org.

4Caster C42 also extends beyond broadcast to support 3GPP and HTTP streaming formats, allowing distribution of Mobile TV to all Multimedia phones, including Android, Apple iPhone, Blackberry and Windows, over wireless broadband and Wi-Fi networks. Breaking through screen boundaries, 4Caster C42 can be configured to support distribution to PCs using Microsoft Smooth Streaming and Adobe Flash Dynamic Streaming, as well as HD and SD IPTV and broadcast television.

Envivio will debut 4Caster C42 for Mobile Broadcast on March 23 at simultaneous events around the world. It can be seen in Beijing at CCBN 2010 (Stand 3401); Las Vegas at CTIA Wireless 2010 (Stand 1333); London at IPTV World Forum 2010 (Stand 158), and New Delhi at Convergence India 2010 on the SeaChange stand (Stand C-95). The solution will also be on display April 12-15 at NAB 2010 (SU4302) in Las Vegas.

“Two critical and tightly related factors will establish the success of mobile TV broadcasting,” says Julien Signes, President and CEO at Envivio. “The efficiency with which we can fit mobile TV within the available bandwidth and the quality of the experience we can deliver together will determine customer satisfaction. By succeeding on both accounts, the Envivio 4Caster C42 is a true enabling platform for this exciting new way of reaching consumers around the world.”

4Caster C42 for Mobile Broadcast builds on the proven technologies and extensive field experience Envivio gained through its award-winning predecessor, the widely-deployed 4Caster M2. The result is the best video quality possible within the tight bandwidth allocated for mobile broadcast.

4Caster C42 for Mobile Broadcast readily adapts to any broadcast operation while delivering four times the channel density of previous generation encoders. It ingests MPEG-2 or H.264 sources from satellite and terrestrial networks, as well as analog, SDI and HD-SDI sources direct from broadcast studios. Envivio’s exclusive compression technologies ensure the best experience for consumers by enabling broadcasters to deliver more channels of content and higher quality video. IP-based statistical rate control delivers up to a further 40% bandwidth reduction per channel for mobile broadcast networks. An available DVB-Simulcrypt interface provides comprehensive content protection through third part conditional access systems. All Envivio encoders feature a flexible software architecture that is readily upgradeable to deliver quality enhancements and support changing requirements.

Envivio is an established leader in Mobile Broadcast encoding solutions. In China, more than 250 mobile broadcast channels using Envivio systems and the CMMB standard are on-air with the ability to reach millions of consumers. Envivio is also used in the U.S. by the Open Mobile Video Coalition (OMVC) to showcase Mobile DTV services based on the ATSC-M/H standard.

Designed to the highest broadcast standards, 4Caster C42 delivers 99.999% uptime and features fully redundant signal routing and power management. The Envivio 4Manager system further provides automatic N+1 redundancy protection for always on reliability, as well as high level service management functionality.

For more information about Envivio Mobile TV solutions, visit www.envivio.com.

CEA’s Vice President of Technology and Standards Brian Markwalter said, “From supporting development of the mobile ATSC standard to outreach and education, CEA has taken a leading role in promoting mobile DTV. As more products are available in more markets, we are pleased that the major stakeholders are utilizing this critical interoperability checkpoint. We are excited to participate as this technology truly takes off this year.”

This event expanded on the success of CEA’s first ATSC Mobile DTV PlugFest last December and hosted 19 companies and 38 participants (up from 15 and 28 respectively). The PlugFest utilized six independently developed transmission systems to test against several receiver systems that consumers will buy as the ATSC Mobile DTV service rolls out in U.S. cities beginning in 2010.

The participating companies in PlugFest2 included: Acrodyne Services, ArcSoft Inc., Axcera, Axel Technologies, BnCom, DTVinteractive Co., Ltd, Elgato Systems, Expway, GMIT GmbH, Harmonic Inc., Harris Corp., JVC-Kenwood, Linear Industries, Rohde & Schwarz, Roundbox Inc., Thomson Grass Valley, Triveni Digital, Zenith/LG Electronics and more.

The ATSC Mobile DTV standard was initiated with a call for proposals in 2007 and culminated in final approval on Oct. 15, 2009. ATSC developed the Mobile DTV standard, while the Open Mobile Video Coalition and consumer electronics manufacturers worked through a CEA special interest group to move the technology from concept to standard to working products.

CEA leads technology manufacturers in fostering CE industry growth by developing industry standards and technical specifications that enable new products to come to market and encourage interoperability with existing devices. CEA maintains an unmatched reputation as a credible and flexible standards making body and has earned ANSI accreditation. Through more than 70 committees, subcommittees, and working groups, the CEA Technology and Standards program provides a unique and efficient forum where technical professionals throughout the industry develop a unified technology roadmap and address technical issues critical to CE industry growth. For information about CEA Technology and Standards, visit www.CE.org/standards.

About CEA:

The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) is the preeminent trade association promoting growth in the $165 billion U.S. consumer electronics industry. More than 2,000 companies enjoy the benefits of CEA membership, including legislative advocacy, market research, technical training and education, industry promotion, standards development and the fostering of business and strategic relationships. CEA also sponsors and manages the International CES – The Global Stage for Innovation. All profits from CES are reinvested into CEA’s industry services. Find CEA online at www.CE.org.

UPCOMING EVENTS

• EHX Spring 2010
  March 24-27, 2010, Orlando, FL
• CES on the Hill
  April 20-21, 2010, Washington, DC
• Digital Patriots Dinner
  April 21, 2010, Washington, DC
• LA Games Conference
  April 29, 2010, Los Angeles, CA
• CEA Line Shows
  June 22-23, 2010, New York, NY
• 2010 SINOCES
  July 8-11, 2010, Qingdao, China
• 2010 CEA Industry Forum
  October 17-20, 2010, San Francisco, CA
• i-stage
  October 18, 2010, San Francisco, CA

• Digital Hollywood Fall
  October 18-21, 2010, Santa Monica, CA

• CES New York Press Preview featuring CES Unveiled @ NY
  November 9, 2010, New York, NY

• Future of Television East
  November 19, 2010, New York, NY

• 2011 International CES
  January 6-9, 2011, Las Vegas, NV

Powered by the unique Grass Valley Mustang compression engine, the ViBE EM3000 HD encoder is now able to deliver remarkable and unprecedented performance in HD over MPEG-2. The power of the Mustang engine enables to deliver maximum quality at minimum bitrates and frees up capacity, allowing broadcasters to double the number of HD services available, and add new capabilities such as mobile television.

Grass Valley is also showcasing the latest innovations in 3D and 3G demonstrating how the precision, consistency, and excellent compression performance of its ViBE HD encoders now ensure that 3D shoots can be encapsulated in a single stream and delivered in perfect synchronization with excellent quality.

The ViBE family is enriched with a new range of encoders designed for contribution links, including point-to-point fiber to broadcast centers from remote locations such as sports venues. The ViBE contribution encoders’ family allows the user to set the compression ratio and codec to suit the transmission path, including low latency MPEG-4, MPEG-2 10-bit 4:2:2, and JPEG2000.

For broadcasters looking to tap into the new commercial benefits of mobile television, Grass Valley can now offer an end-to-end, field proven ATSC Mobile DTV transmission platform. The one-stop solution includes a complete headend with ViBE Mobile TV encoder, Jade electronic service guide server, and NetProcessor multiplexer. For transmission, the ATSC-M/H version of the standard Adapt-IV digital exciter can be used across the Thomson transmitter line from Grass Valley, including the Elite solid state, DCX Paragon MSDC-IOT, and DCX Millennium IOT digital transmitters.

All broadcast network types are now supported by the Elite TV transmitters including DVB-T, DVB-H, ATSC, ATSC mobile DTV, FLO, DAB, and recently ISDB-T.

Finally, with environmental concerns at the top of everyone’s agenda, NAB 2010 sees a new addition to the transmitter range, the Elite 1000 GreenPower transmitter. Using the latest in high efficiency solid state components, the new series delivers a significant reduction in energy usage, paving the way for environmentally friendly transmission networks.

###

About Grass Valley

For information about Grass Valley products, please visit www.grassvalley.com.

“Live, breaking news is consistently a top performer on the FLO TV service, as people strive to stay connected to the world around them,” said Jonathan Barzilay, senior vice president of programming and advertising at FLO TV.  ”Adding CNN Mobile to additional devices with our service is a natural fit and keeps our subscribers connected to news and analysis anytime, anywhere.”

Live coverage of top U.S., world, political, health and entertainment news will be available to FLO TV subscribers through a dedicated 24/7 CNN Mobile channel, which showcases popular programming from CNN/US, CNN International and HLN – including Anderson Cooper 360, Larry King Live , Amanpour, Backstory and Morning Express with Robin Meade.  

The FLO TV service is currently available on multiple platforms, including the recently launched FLO TV Personal Television, the first-ever portable digital television with a dedicated network. In collaboration with Audiovox, FLO TV also offers FLO TV Auto Entertainment, an in-vehicle entertainment system that delivers high-quality mobile TV.  Additionally, iPhone™ and iPod touch™ users will soon be able to view FLO TV’s live mobile TV service at the flip of a switch with the mophie™ juicepack TV.

ESPN Mobile TV coverage during March and April will feature more than 100 live events and over 250 hours of coverage for Sprint customers with this new agreement beginning just in time for fans to watch the Big 12 and Big East Conference Championship basketball games on Sprint mobile devices. Programming and live events through April include.

- 23 Live Men’s NCAA Basketball Games (including Conference Championship games)
- 19 Live Women’s NCAA Basketball Championship Games
- 9 NBA Playoff Games
- 15 Regular Season NBA Games
- 30 Live NBA Fastbreak Shows
- 10 Regular Season MLB Games
- 50 Live Baseball Tonight Studio Shows
- 3 College Football Spring games
- 3 Live Friday Night Fights
- 3 Live NCAA Hockey Championship Games
- 5 Live MLS Matches

“Mobile has become an invaluable screen to the digital consumer,” said Matt Murphy, senior vice president, Digital Video Distribution, Disney and ESPN Media Networks. “To super serve sports fans, you have to provide live coverage on the go, and we are excited to be working with Sprint to provide this offering to its customers.”

“We are very pleased to offer ESPN’s world-class sports news and entertainment video content,” said Len Barlik, Sprint’s vice president of wireless and wireline services. “This collaboration is about giving great programming to our customers who are sports fans. Sprint is committed to delivering the best mobile video experience, which will continue to be enhanced with the deployment of our Sprint 4G services.”

More than 800 live events this year – including the 2010 FIFA World Cup, MLB, NBA, Grand Slam tennis, college football and basketball – will be available on the majority of Sprint’s device lineup, including the popular HTC Hero, Samsung Moment, Samsung Instinct, Palm Pre and Blackberry Curve. ESPN Mobile TV is part of the Sprint TV package, which is included as a part of Sprint’s Everything Data plans at no additional charge. With Sprint TV, customers get access to everything from news, weather, sports, children’s programs and comedy, including Disney Channel and ABC.

In addition to the 24/7 mobile sports television network, ESPN Mobile provides easy access to sports news, information, commentary, analysis, statistics and ring tones as well as streaming audio and video.