MDTV (Mobile Digital Television) is a term coined by the Advanced Television Systems Committee and the Consumer Electronics Association to refer to products that meet the ATSC-M/H (Mobile Handheld) standards. Generally MDTV is the concept of watching broadcast over-the-air television, on a paid service or free broadcast, on a mobile device using ATSC-M/H technology.
The current network of broadcast transmission towers that carry TV signals to your home will be retrofitted to also deliver a Mobile DTV signal. That signal has the ability to deliver local, full-motion digital broadcasts on multiple mobile devices, without the need for additional broadcast spectrum.
The Mobile DTV platform enables local TV stations to deliver live, digital content to ATSC-capable mobile and video devices such as mobile phones, portable media players, laptop computers, personal navigation devices and automobile-based “infotainment systems.” The service is “in-band”, meaning local broadcasters are providing mobile TV services as part of their terrestrial transmission within the same, existing 6 MHz channel they use for their current ATSC DTV programming.
With little cost, broadcasters can install a Mobile DTV exciter and signal encoding equipment on existing TV transmission systems and gain the ability to transmit a robust, digital mobile TV signal. Consumers will receive that signal on various Mobile DTV devices. The Mobile DTV system allows the splitting of the 19.4 Mb/s of capacity into a slice for delivery to current DTV receivers and a slice for Mobile DTV technology that can be received on new Mobile DTV-capable receivers.
Mobile DTV Performance Capabilities
Mobile DTV will enable broadcasters to deliver consistent performance and functionality across a range of service requirements:
- Video quality – Delivering one or more compelling, high-quality mobile/handheld video programs that provide excellent viewing experiences using H.264 base profile video encoding now, and even better resolution (up to 480p) in the future.
- Mobile reception – Clear, consistent reception tested at speeds greater than 100 miles per hour. The system processes the mobile program stream(s) with additional forward error correction and data redundancy to help ensure successful reception.
- Efficient/flexible use of spectrum – Mobile DTV provides for robust delivery of programming. Bandwidth flexibility is evident in the number of audio/video services, data rates and the signal robustness attainable with main ATSC data requirements
- Backward compatibility – 100 percent backward compatibility with all existing/deployed ATSC consumer equipment/receivers. Compatibility eliminates the risk of DTV service disruption and reduces additional equipment cost for broadcasters.
- Device/UI parameters – With only a single receiving antenna required, design options are maximized and ease of use is enhanced. Convenience features (e.g. programming guide, time-shifting and storage) are part of the system architecture. Significant mobile/handheld receiver power savings result from bursted transmission that maximizes receiver battery life.
Mobile DTV Receiving Devices
Video enabled devices capable of receiving broadcast TV services continue to be developed and upgraded by manufacturers. These devices include mobile phones, portable media players, laptop computers, personal navigation devices and automobile-based “infotainment” equipment.
- Mobile Phone: Almost always on hand, the mobile phone is an essential device for connecting to millions of viewers.
- Portable Media Player: Live local broadcasts make the traditional mode of watching video on-the-go even more mobile.
- Laptop Computer: The laptop is the perfect device for bundling broadcast television with a large screen viewing area.
- Navigation Device: On-the-road or in the park this ever increasingly popular device is used by millions today for their day-to-day activities.
- Automobile-based: Whether after-market or stock mobile DTV is the perfect addition to the family vehicle.
MDTV Content
View a list of current MDTV broadcast stations at http://www.watchmdtv.com/current-list-of-mdtv-stations/.
Current FLO TV Channels
In the U.S., all FLO television providers offer a set of 14 basic channels:
- 2.FLO (6am to 10pm) — Original made-for-mobile reports and concerts; added in early 2010
- Adult Swim (10pm to 6am)
- ABC Mobile
- CBS Mobile — Containing a mixture of sports and other CBS content
- CNBC
- Comedy Central
- ESPN Mobile TV — Frequently simulcasting live sporting events from their family of networks
- Fox Mobile
- Fox News Channel
- MTV Mobile
- MSNBC
- NBC 2Go — A mix of MSNBC, NBC, CNBC, and Bravo networks
- Disney Channel
- Nickelodeon — 24/7 children’s programming