Siemens lets operators test DVB-H system — MobileMonday Global: Industry News

^{Taking the mobile TV temperature} Siemens lets operators test DVB-H system

4 Sep 2005 at 18:50 GMT Timo Poropudas

At the IFA consumer electronics trade fair running up to September 7 in Berlin, Siemens is presenting DVB-H (Digital Video Broadcast Handheld) based mobile TV broadcasts. The programs are broadcast by a variety of private TV stations live on a mobile phone equipped to receive digital TV signals. To demonstrate mobile TV, Siemens will for the first time use its new DVB-H test system comprising a server platform for mobile television and a handset prototype capable of receiving these services. According to Siemens the equipment enables mobile operators to conduct DVB-H trials with relatively little effort, for example to test the level of acceptance for mobile TV among consumers. The DVB-H test system from Siemens can carry not only live television or radio programs, but also specially prepared video streams. Premium content is protected via special access control. An Electronic Service Guide (ESG) on the DVB-H phone guides the user through the programs and provides access to all DVB-H services. The new phone is a prototype equipped with a DVB-H receiver, stereo sound and a large VGA touchscreen. It also doubles as a PDA and mobile phone. On the Siemens stand, live channels will be broadcast over DVB-H during the IFA and received on the DVB-H device prototype, thus allowing selected TV stations to be watched on the device. Informa Telecoms and Media believe that by 2010 there will be more than 124 million mobile TV users worldwide.