For Consumer Device Manufacturers

Extending broadcast-quality TV to portable devices opens up a potentially vast new market for consumer device manufacturers and automakers. Improved picture quality and access to more programming choices and local content will drive consumer interest, which makes mobile DTV a great opportunity for consumer electronics manufacturers and automakers to develop the killer devices that will capture a major share of this market. Indeed, studies have predicted a range from 25 million to 100+ million mobile broadcast end users worldwide by 2010.

One thing's for sure: Today's consumers are in motion, and they want their favorite broadcast TV to come right along with them. Consumer device manufacturers and automakers need to go there, starting now.

Handheld and Mobile

The OMVC anticipates that consumer electronics manufacturers will find a wealth of opportunities for new devices and applications in today's mobile consumer lifestyle.

Mobile DTV will be relevant for consumers via a host of devices that can include:

Cell phones
Laptop computers
Handheld PDAs
Portable media players
Gaming devices

Not to mention devices that we haven't thought of yet – but the innovators at consumer electronics companies probably have or soon will! It's going to be a whole new world enabled by local, full motion broadcast television, coming soon to a handheld device near you!

Automotive

With the advent of GPS, voice-activated cellular communication and digital and satellite radio, the car has become the new frontier for the latest digital technologies. Of special interest to consumers: Personal entertainment and local information at highway speed!

New automotive devices to meet this demand may include:

Factory-installed in-vehicle entertainment systems
Dealer-installed and aftermarket entertainment systems
GPS systems enriched with local broadcast receiver capabilities

Regardless of the type of device, television at the speed of today's consumer means a significant opportunity for automotive and after-market equipment manufacturers.

"The ATSC-M/H open mobile DTV broadcast standard is going to awaken US consumers to the value of mobile video. Broadcasters have an opportunity to provide a local service that complements emerging cellular-based models. Consumers will be able to receive ad supported local programming without the burden of monthly fees. Mobile DTV receivers are expected to show up in various handheld devices and automobiles as broadcasters develop new features and services and bring familiar programming to consumers whenever they want it."

Steven J Wilson Principal Analyst, Consumer Video Technologies Research Service ABI Research