In 2007, transmission of full-motion digital television signals to mobile and handheld devices was proven technically feasible. Leaders of the broadcasting industry came together to make mobile digital television a reality; they formed the Open Mobile Video Coalition (OMVC) to accelerate the development and rollout of mobile DTV products and services, maximizing the full potential of the digital television spectrum.
Today the OMVC truly represents the industry, with members that own and operate more than 900 commercial and public television stations nationwide.
A comprehensive marketplace study projected a potential $2 billion annually in mobile digital television advertising revenue, but only if broadcasters move quickly. A single standard must be agreed upon by early 2009—approximately the same time television stations in the United States complete their transition to digital-only broadcasting. This means that mobile DTV services must be launched by the end of year 2009.
These technology and marketplace requirements are the reason the OMVC is working with the Advanced Television Systems Committee (ATSC) to produce a comprehensive standard by the first quarter of 2009. OMVC has already worked successfully with ATSC to conduct field trials, called an Independent Demonstration of Viability (IDOV), in the first quarter of 2008.
The Coalition's scope includes promoting development of industry technical standards, technical requirements, conditions, protocols, reference implementations, test suites, and best practices related to enabling mobile digital television. The Coalition's advocacy efforts will focus on accelerating the development of mobile digital broadcast TV technology, solutions and content, driving regulatory support, as well as promoting consumer mobile DTV adoption.