Tech Shout!

Samsung and Nokia have announced that they will work together to achieve interoperability among their DVB-H (Digital Video Broadcast-Handheld) enabled mobile devices and the open standards based Nokia network services systems. This move on the part of both companies has been undertaken in an effort to encourage greater adoption of broadcast mobile TV services.

DVB-H is an effective technology for deploying broadcast mobile TV among the many digital technologies available to deliver mobile TV services. DVB-H technology offers high service level quality, low battery consumption and offers the end-user the ability to simultaneously receive broadcasts while using other mobile services such as telephony and internet access on their device.

The two handset manufacturing giants will work together to support solutions based on the open OMA BCAST standard available for operator partners interested in using multi-vendor mobile TV services and trials in 2007 and onwards.

According to Kwang Suk Hyun, Senior Vice President of Alliance Team of Samsung Electronics, “Within DVB-H technology, Samsung has already commercialized handsets based on the CBMS OSF standard, and will develop the OMA BCAST standard based mobile TV handset. Its inclusion in our product portfolios will enhance our customers’ flexibility in choosing suitable standards based on their business models.”

The deployment of mobile TV services will offer new business opportunities for companies across the value chain, including content and broadcast companies, mobile service providers, infrastructure and handset manufacturers, and technology providers. The availability of interoperable DVB-H enabled devices and services is a key factor in further opening up the market.

According to Harri Männistö, Director, Multimedia, Nokia, “We see that the OMA BCAST standard is essential in launching mobile TV services on a global scale. Further, the well-defined service and content protection profiles within the OMA BCAST standard such as the already now available OMA DRM, provides the ieal path toward standardized solutions enabling a coherent and open market for successful worldwide mobile TV deployments.”