Watch MDTV - MDTV News, Previews and Programming

OMVC predicts Mobile DTV devices and service in most U.S. homes in a year

admin — Mon, 08 Aug 2011 18:31:30 +0000

The Open Mobile Video Coalition (OMVC) says that mobile DTV is on track to reach two-thirds of U.S. households by early 2012, based on a survey it conducted among its member stations. Some 96 stations are now on the air with a mobile DTV signal (most simulcasting their linear TV channel) and that number is expected to increase steadily to 126 in 48 DMAs by the end of this year.

The group, made up of numerous station groups and network O&Os, said dozens of broadcasters are now installing new transmission equipment enabling a station to use part of its government-allotted 6 Mhz of RF spectrum — at a cost of roughly $150,000 per station.

The OMVC also announced that its Mobile DTV Trust Authority, managed by Neustar, is now in discussions with several consumer electronics companies to spur them to develop new products that include conditional access technology and the necessary ATSC A/153 receiver chip. These manufacturers are said to be signing agreements directly with Neustar in order to obtain the digital certificates and keys necessary for secure use of Mobile DTV service by the new devices.

The recently announced Dyle mobile TV branded service will feature content from NBC, FOX, Telemundo and ION, as well as local news, weather and other local content, across 32 markets, reaching 50 percent of the U.S. population in 2011.

Colleen Brown, CEO of Fisher Communications and chairman of the Mobile 500 Alliance, said that OMVC members are making the investments needed to make Mobile DTV available to millions of viewers. The Mobile500 Alliance represents more than 400 local TV broadcasters who are planning to add Mobile DTV capability to their digital broadcasts.

The OMVC has also established a “Mobile DTV Forum” that the group said is working to complete Consumer Electronics Device Profiles for new programming services later this summer. The profiles are baseline technical guidelines that will give CE manufacturers details about how broadcasters will implement new services and the inputs needed to build consumer electronics products that receive Mobile DTV. The Mobile DTV Forum is comprised of TV technology companies, consumer electronics firms and broadcasters.

In the fall, the OMVC will launch a trial Conditional Access System in the Washington, D.C. market to help CE companies test gear that receives, decodes and displays mobile broadcast signals. Everyone agrees that conditional access is critical to the success of Mobile DTV, both to protect content from illegal viewing and to facilitate audience measurement strategies as well as the (eventual) deployment of subscription programming.

Last month, the OMVC announced a new Predictive Model for reception of UHF Mobile DTV signals, a tool intended to predict signal coverage in automobiles and for personal viewing. The coalition is also making available recorded Mobile DTV signals, a new library of content that will help broadcasters and product developers improve Mobile DTV service and consumer products.

Representing over 900 TV stations across the country, the OMVC 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 36 members that own and operate over 500 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, visit http://www.OMVC.org/.

MCV Unveils Dyle Mobile DTV Brand

admin — Thu, 21 Jul 2011 22:18:05 +0000

Consumer brand will be used for mobile DTV service launched this fall by broadcasters backing the Mobile Content VentureGeorge Winslow — Broadcasting & Cable, 7/18/2011 1:17:30 PM In a move that will be important for the marketing of mobile digital TV services and mobile DTV capable devices, the broadcaster-backed Mobile Content Venture (MCV) has announced that it will be using “Dyle” as its consumer brand for the launch of mobile DTV services next fall.

The Dyle logo and brand will also be appearing on consumer devices to certify that it is capable of receiving the national mobile content service being developed by MCV, a joint venture that is made up of Fox, Ion Television and NBC and by the 12 major groups of broadcast stations that make up the Pearl Group.

“When a consumer sees the Dyle logo on a box, they will know that the device has the technology required for live mobile TV, on-the-go, wherever they are,” noted Salil Dalvi and Erik Moreno, co-GMs of MCV in a statement. “TV station owners can be confident that a Dyle-enabled device offers users the best possible live mobile TV experience.”

MCV is expecting to have member stations up and running in 32 markets covering 50% of the U.S. population but is not yet releasing additional details about how it plans to market and position the new Dyle brand or the specific content that it will offer on the Dyle mobile DTV services.

Previously announced markets include New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Dallas, Washington D.C., Atlanta, Houston, Detroit, Tampa, Phoenix, Minneapolis, Orlando, Portland, Cincinnati, Greenville, West Palm Beach, Birmingham, Knoxville, Miami, Las Vegas, Denver, St. Louis, Cleveland, Charlotte, Seattle, Raleigh, Kansas City, Columbus, Tulsa and Montgomery.

Participating station groups include Gannett, Media General, Bahakel, Belo, Raycom, Scripps, Post Newsweek, Meredith, Hearst, Cox, FOX, NBC, ION and Telemundo.

View the Original article

Mainstream cord-cutting of subscription TV for OTT a long way off

admin — Thu, 21 Jul 2011 14:18:05 +0000

21-07-2011

The replacement of mainstream TV by over-the-top (OTT) alternatives is going to happen, but at a rather glacial pace over the next five years at least according to SNL Kagan.

The analyst fundamentally believes that OTT video services such as Hulu, Netflix and increasingly those from the likes of Amazon will erode traditional multi-channel providers’ subscriber bases, especially those currently signed up for cable TV.

In its analysis, SNL Kagan estimates nearly 4% (2.5 million) of occupied US households will employ an online video alternative in lieu of multi channel video package by the end of 2011, representing a small but respectable audience of 4.5 million.

The other thing that the analyst notes is that the growth of OTT will occur as the traditional marketplaces plateau, or actually decline as is the case of cable TV. It adds that even though modest gains in Q4 2010 masked slips in the preceding two quarters, the modest subscriber gain was neither convincing enough to dispatch the threat of cord-cutting nor dismiss the impact of over-the-top substitution.

Specifically SNL Kagan calculates that at the end of 2010, 84.9% of occupied US households subscribed to a multi-channel package after eliminating the overlap of customers with multiple subscriptions, 1.1% less than was the case in 2009.

By way of contrast, SNL Kagan anticipates that OTT substitution will be the primary agent in the expected declines in traditional cable, DBS and telco video penetration, growing to 12.1 million homes by 2015, almost 10%.

The OTT substitution estimates account for nearly 10% of the occupied homes in the U.S. in the five-year forecast

Winegard Brings Live MDTV to the 2011 NAB Show

admin — Mon, 11 Apr 2011 13:11:25 +0000

LCD entertainment monitor equipped with live mobile digital TV technology and Internet capabilities

April 08, 2011 — LAS VEGAS, April 8, 2011 /PRNewswire/ — Winegard Company, innovator and leader in television antenna and mobile satellite television systems, will display CioTv, an LCD monitor that can pick up live mobile digital TV signals, in the Open Mobile Video Coalition (OMVC) booth at the 2011 National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) Show in Las Vegas, April 11 through 14.

Winegard Company has taken personal electronics to the next level with CioTv, a fully mobile entertainment device. Equipped with Winegard’s touch-screen technology and an industry-leading 10.2-inch screen, CioTv brings all electronic data together in one sleek, portable package.

“Perhaps the most exciting aspect of CioTv is its ability to receive live mobile DTV signals, which is the most cutting-edge technology available today,” said Aaron Engberg, director of the Mobile Entertainment Division, Winegard. “CioTv can provide everything consumers want – all in a small, portable device. It’s truly the most comprehensive portable entertainment device on the market today with the first fully enclosed hi-gain internal MDTV antenna.”

CioTv’s PCAP touch-screen is hi-bright and provides a super fast, super clear and intuitive user-interface. This multi-standard automotive entertainment system features ATSC-MH mobile digital TV and the first fully enclosed, hi-gain internal MDTV antenna. CioTv is equipped with a 10.2-inch TFT touch-screen and progressive capacitive controls for viewing a wide range of entertainment options on the go.

CioTv supports MDTV, DVD video, iPod/iPhone video and audio, CD, MP3, SD and USB (photo, audio and video), as well as game device input. CioTv is also Wi-Fi enabled with Web browsing and supports e-mail by Opera.

CioTv will be on display at the 2011 NAB Show in the Las Vegas Convention Center’s North Hall, Booth #4036, April 11 through 14.

For more information about CioTv, visit www.ciomobiletv.com.

About Winegard:

Winegard Company, headquartered in Burlington, Iowa, has been manufacturing quality television and radio reception products for more than 55 years. For consumer product questions, contact Winegard Customer Service at 800-288-8094 or visit www.winegard.com; a wide selection of downloadable CioTv press releases and images are available on CioTv’s website at www.ciomobiletv.com.

LG 3D Mobile Digital Television at CES 2011

admin — Mon, 07 Feb 2011 15:00:31 +0000

LG 3D Mobile Digital Television CES 2011 from Dave the Gadget Guy on Vimeo.

WinTV-Aero-m Lets You Enjoy Live Broadcast TV Anytime

admin — Tue, 25 Jan 2011 17:05:11 +0000

Having cool gadgets such as a netbook or notebook when you’re on the go has provided more convenience than ever. See, even if you are inside a coffee shop, at the beach, at the airport waiting for your flight, or at the park, you are able to browse the Internet, check your e-mail, or update your Facebook account. Those things that you can do with your netbook are convenient enough. But let’s say you want to watch live broadcast with it, could it be possible? Well, of course YES! All you need is the all-new WinTV-Aero-m!

Dubbed as a digital terrrestial TV, the Win-TV-Aero-m allows you to watch the new ATSC M/H mobile broadcasts in the U.S. on any USB-equipped and Windows-based notebook or netbook. So whether you are inside your car, at a restaurant, at the beachfront, or practically anywhere, anytime, you can tune in to live local news, weather, sporting events, traffic news, and entertainment programs. No need to stress yourself just to get home in time to watch your favorite local news.

Simply plug this device into your netbook’s USB port and start scanning for the available ATSC M/H broadcasts in your area. Also, do you want to watch free HD TV on your PC or notebook at home or when you are on the go? The WinTV-Aero-m also allows you to do just that, with its built-in high definition TV receiver for live ATSC HD broadcasts.

Very convenient, right? Small as it may seem, but the WinTV-Aero-m just makes the perfect partner for those who want to enjoy live broadcast TV anytime, anwhere.

Original Article: http://www.geekiegadgets.com/tag/mobile-digital-tv/

CES: ION Media Preps Imminent Mobile DTV Launch

admin — Fri, 07 Jan 2011 17:07:06 +0000

Stations in top ten markets should be upgraded by end of the first quarter

By George Winslow — Broadcasting & Cable

ION Media Networks has committed to upgrading its stations to launch mobile digital TV signals in the first quarter of 2011, a move that will make mobile DTV signals available in the nation’s top 10 TV markets within 60 says.

ION has long been a long standing supporter of the technology and played a pioneering role in orchestrating industry R&D on mobile television through the Open Mobile Video Coalition. ION is currently a member of both OMVC and the Mobile Content Venture.

“We look forward to advancing Mobile DTV as part of a comprehensive next-generation broadcast offering for 21st century TV viewers,” says Brandon Burgess, CEO, ION Media Networks in a statement. “We welcome collaborative efforts among groups such as MCV and Mobile500 and support their efforts to advance dialogues with device manufacturers.”

ION decision to launch services means that stations in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Dallas, Washington DC, Atlanta, Boston and Detroit will have mobile DTV capabilty within 60 days..

The ION stations in these key markets will follow the MCV business partnership roll-out plans and deliver two mobile feeds–the primary ION Television general entertainment network and its Qubo children’s programming network.

Digital Stream Plans ATSC-M/H Add-On

admin — Fri, 07 Jan 2011 14:20:03 +0000

LAS VEGAS – Korean supplier Digital Stream Technology is coming to the show with a pair of RCA-brand ATSC-M/H (Mobile/Handheld) TV tuners that will add mobile DTV reception to previously installed car A/V systems.

Separately, Winegard is coming to CES with its previously announced ATSC-M/H system at a suggested $799 with 10.2-inch touchscreen. It’s due in the first quarter.

For its part, Digital Stream plans two versions of its car ATSC-M/H tuner. One is a dual-tuner that will add ATSC-M/H and standard ATSC reception to a vehicle, while the other would add only ATSC-M/H reception. The dual tuner is designed for use in markets where ATSC-M/H stations aren’t yet on the air, although ATSC reception would be limited to stationary situations such as tailgating parties or camping, said sales and marketing VP Chris Lee.

The single-tuner ATSC-M/H model will retail for a suggested $99. Pricing on the dual tuner version was unavailable.

Both are palm-size models with channel-selection controls and wide-angle IR eye. They connect to already installed car- A/V systems through a composite- video output. Each comes with two types of antenna. One is a telescoping monopole antenna that attaches to the tuner. The other is a magnet-mount antenna with long coaxial cable for exterior mounting.

Both models get power through a cigarette-lighter adapter or through hardwiring. An AC adapter is included for in-door use.

The two will be available in January on the company’s RCA. com web site, followed by availability through other online sites and brick-and-mortar retailers, Lee said.

Here at CES, the company also plans to unveil RCA-brand portable TVs with dual ATSC and ATSC-M/H tuners at $99 to $159.

Watch Local TV on Your iPad, iPod or iPhone

admin — Thu, 06 Jan 2011 17:20:35 +0000

A slew of new mobile digital TV (MDTV) antenna/receiver dongles and attachments were announced today, including one that turns any iPhone, iPod or iPad into a digital mobile TV.

Made by a company called Valups, which makes a number of MDTV accessories, the Tivizen jacks into your Apple’s 30-pin jack. You’ll also need to download an MDTV app, which will be available when the Tivizen goes on sale in June for $99. (Sorry for the tease – it wasn’t my decision to announce the thing six months before you’ll be able to buy it.)

The Tivizen app will display an array of on-screen local channel selections – just tap the station button and start watching.

MDTV is digital TV broadcast over-the-air to any device with an MDTV receiver built-in, such as a portable DVD player, or with an antenna/receiver attached. These include laptop dongles with USB jacks that turn any laptop into a TV. MDTV reception is digitally perfect, even if you’re watching in a car or train traveling, and each local station broadcasts multiple channels of content.

If that long loopy antenna looks a trifle long for your iPhone, there’s the Cydle i30A iPhone cradle antenna/receiver ($149). From the looks of it, there might be similar cradles able to accommodate other smart phones when they become available sometime this spring. Like Valups, Cydle, a South Korea outfit, makes a number of MDTV antennas.

LG’s glassesless 3D Mobile DTV

admin — Thu, 06 Jan 2011 17:06:08 +0000

We briefly chatted with LG’s John Taylor, US VP of marketing, to better understand when LG might bring its auto-stereoscopic 3D mobile TV to market. The US market, to be precise, since this portable TV is built around the ATSC-M/H standard for mobile TV. The television on hand here in Vegas was a prototype using a 7-inch 800×480 pixel parallax barrier panel developed by LG Display and destined for other LG products including a 3D picture frame still under development. The 3D effect was on par with the capabilities we’ve seen from other parallax barrier displays of similar size. LG’s testing the waters right now with plans to launch in 2012 for less than $200 — just as soon as broadcasters embrace the fledgling technology in sufficient numbers. Full press release, including an image of a prototype CMDA touchscreen phone built around the Mobile DTV circuitry.