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Hello and welcome to the November issue of the Nokia Mobile TV Forum Newsletter!

November 2006

This month's main topic is two brand-new studies: the bmcoforum study summarizes recent mobile TV pilot test findings, and the London School of Economics study draws a picture of the future of mobile broadcasting.

London School of Economics study: the future of TV is personal

The London School of Economics published earlier this week the first comprehensive study of how mobile TV is likely to change the television viewing experience. The study, titled "This Box Was Made for Walking", describes the transformation from the current era of mass consumption broadcast television towards a more personal and private TV experience. According to the study, the current trend of user-generated content will be a key feature of mobile TV.

Other key findings of the study:

Mobile TV programming will be a combination of original broadcast content and new content made specifically for mobile TV
User interactivity will play an essential role in mobile TV
A new concept of midday prime time will emerge
There is a demand for "snackable content", suitable for short viewing periods
Five-second ad spots will emerge, as advertisers need to develop new concepts for mobile TV audiences

The study can be downloaded at Mobile TV Resources section. The study has been commissioned by Nokia and conducted by Dr Shani Orgad.

Bmcoforum study reports on satisfied mobile TV trial users

The Broadcast Mobile Convergence Forum, the association fostering the development of mobile TV industry, publishes this month a study that summarizes the results of eight recently completed DVB-H mobile TV pilots.

"The study clearly has shown that there is a high user interest in watching established TV channels, especially well known parts of them such as news, magazines, series, and documentaries. Nevertheless, there is also an interest in content specially made for mobile channels and adapted to the different viewing peak times", says Claus Sattler, Executive Director of bmcoforum.

Other key findings of the study:

Some 80% of the pilot users were satisfied with the mobile TV service
Some 60% of the pilot users would be interested in subscribing and paying for a mobile TV service
For two users out of five, home was the place where they watched mobile TV most
Typical viewing time per session was 15-30 minutes
The most popular programming involved information, series, sports, and music

More detailed information can be found in the study, which can be ordered from the bmcoforum web site.

DVB-H to receive official standard status in US, commercial services to start soon

The Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA) has adopted DVB-H as an official standard for mobile digital video broadcasting. The publication of the standard TIA-1105 gives official recognition to the specification of DVB-H in the United States. DVB-H has previously been adopted as an ETSI standard for European markets.

Two US operators, Modeo and Hiwire, have announced their plans to commence DVB-H mobile broadcast transmissions. Modeo has recently disclosed that their service will first be launched in New York City at the end of this year.

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About the Editor

Timo Argillander is the independent editor of the Mobile TV Forum newsletter. Timo is a consultant and journalist specializing in digital media content and technologies.

He contributes articles to various publications, covering developments in mobile TV, digital TV, and the Internet. He also acts as a strategic advisor to media and technology companies and governmental organizations.