Powering Mobile DTV

NAB 2009 was a big event for the launch of Mobile DTV. MobilizedTV has covered some of the announcements of the show, but to give an idea of how well-supported the mobile broadcast standard is being supported by equipment tv-phone-terrestrial manufacturers, the following is a round-up of where mobile DTV could be found on the trade show floor.

NBC Universal featured a Mobile DTV and SFN demonstration from their Las Vegas Telemundo station KBLR, channel 39. Two mobile channels will be broadcast: a simulcast of Telemundo programming, plus a custom CNBC feed… The demo will show how low power transmitters supplement a high power transmitter in a distributed transmission system to improve Mobile DTV coverage in venues like the LVCC, as well as congested urban areas such as the Las Vegas Strip. Partners include: Dish Network, ION Media Networks, LG Electronics, Microwave Radio Communications, Rohde & Schwarz and Triveni Digital.

At the OMVC booth, the Coalition featured partners displaying the latest in this new technology, from local and national programming to interactivity (VOD, DVR, etc.), to next-generation devices. Devices on display at the booth included LG Electronics’ ATSC Mobile DTV Receiving Devices, including personal Mobile DTV-portable DVD, and CDMA and GSM mobile phones; Kenwood’s ATSC Mobile DTV Receiver Demonstration with Kenwood Rear-Seat Entertainment System; and Dell Mini 10 netbook, the first laptop PC with integrated ATSC Mobile DTV capability

Other exhibitor highlights included:

Acrodyne (Ai)/Sinclair Broadcast Group is the system integrator for an entire Mobile DTV value chain: AVC Encoders, Program Service Metadata server, Open Mobile Alliance (OMA) Electronic Service Guide (ESG) and Interactive applications, Mobile Service Multiplexer with IP Encapsulation and Exciter - into one product – “Mobile 360.”

Axcera showcased a live, over-the-air demonstration of a complete end-to-end ATSC Mobile DTV transmission solution including Axcera’s ATSC Mobile DTV Pre-Processor/Multiplexer and AxciterTM digital exciter-modulator along with mobile content encoding and ESG equipment, broadcasting to consumer receivers.

DTV Innovations showed its new M/H Electronic Service Guide (ESG) Generator. ESG Pro provides broadcasting services for ATSC Mobile DTV systems, and is fully compliant with ATSC Mobile DTV candidate standard Parts 3 & 4. Integrated Mobile DTV metadata management and generation provide aggregation of programming data and reliable delivery of the ESG to the handset.

Grass Valley demonstrated a full line of ATSC Mobile DTV equipment. The Mobile DTV system is fully integrated and includes all necessary equipment from the headend (program encoders, MUX, ESG server) through the DTV exciter and transmitter.

Harris Corporation demonstrated its complete suite of solutions for ATSC Mobile DTV from mobile encoding through transmission. In addition, a number of software services including ESG, Mobile DTV Widgets, audience measurement, traffic information and Mobile DTV with digital signage will be demonstrated. Audience measurement opportunities will also be demonstrated by Nielsen and Rentrak.

Nielsen described how they can capture Mobile DTV tuning information based on an application developed by MobiTV.

Rentrak demonstrated Mobile Essentials, used to track, aggregate and analyze mobile device usage such as video clips, SMS messaging, ring tones, video game, wall paper and other content accessed/viewed by consumers.

LG Electronics, co-developer of the technology at the heart of the ATSC Mobile DTV Candidate Standard, showcased devices with built-in mobile DTV chips, including a personal mobile DTV-portable DVD player, three mobile phone prototypes, laptop PCs and automotive infotainment systems.

LG and its U.S. R&D subsidiary Zenith are collaborating with others “to highlight the momentum behind the emerging standard.” Demonstrations included a Dell Mini 10 PC with built-in mobile DTV, a Kenwood in-car mobile DTV receiver prototype, Pixtree external USB receiver for PCs, MobiTV “mixTV” hybrid broadcast/packet-based application and Expway Electronic Service Guide advertising and RSS applications. LG is also showed its Receiver Development Kit available to equipment manufacturers, and the ATSC Mobile DTV receiver chip, planned for mass production in June.

Roundbox demonstrated the latest release of their Mobile Broadcast Suite for broadcasters, device manufacturers, and mobile operators. Roundbox Server for Mobile DTV provides broadcasters a standards-based system for delivering ATSC Mobile DTV Signaling, Announcement, and Non Real Time (NRT) services. The Roundbox Client for Mobile DTV provides device vendors a state of the art, comprehensive client application experience for Mobile DTV delivering consumers both Television on the Go and rich, broadcast-delivered data services which go beyond TV.

Triveni Digital is demonstrating a new GuideBuilder software extension that gives broadcasters both terrestrial and Mobile DTV functionality in a single platform that utilizes a station’s established workflow. The company’s new mobile metadata software extension integrates metadata management and generation for Mobile DTV directly into the GuideBuilder PSIP system, providing broadcasters with a cost-effective means of introducing mobile services into their existing broadcast infrastructures.

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