Consumer Media

If you mention the words `mobile` and `TV` to the average person they`ll probably conjure up images of clunky old portable TVs with their massive aerials and access to just the basic analogue terrestrial channels. Mention these words to a slightly more tech-savvy person and they might point out that you can buy portable TVs with built in Freeview tuners that allow you to watch digital TV on the go. However, both of these formats are limited by the fact that they only function within certain areas, have inadequate reception capabilities so if you`re on the go you won`t always see a whole show, and are also trying to squeeze the widescreen world of modern television onto a smaller format. Basically, it`s just not the same and that`s why not many people have bought into the idea. However, there is a new mobile TV solution on the horizon which piggybacks on the popularity of mobile phones and particularly mobile internet in the UK. Mobile Internet TV is an exciting new wave of on demand video services crafted exclusively for a mobile format, and though the technology has had a rocky start, the future is looking bright.

Mobile Internet TV – Origins

When 3G, the third generation of mobile telecommunications networking technology, was rolled out a few years ago, mobile TV services was one of the key things it boasted thanks to the increased data transfer rates possible over 3G networks. In 2006 the UK was one of the first countries in the world to open up a mobile TV service, with BT at the forefront. However in just a year the service was shut down because of the lack of compatible devices and a slow consumer take up. Thankfully technology has moved on and now more and more manufacturers are gearing up their handsets with 3G connectivity and mobile internet TV compatibility for the future. Handsets like Nokia`s N96 is particularly ahead of the curve with compatibility with BBC`s iPlayer service and compatibility with the mobile internet broadcasting standard DVB-H.

Mobile Internet TV – Services and Future

Though it has taken a few years to convince the public to watch television services on their mobile devices the falling cost of using mobile internet services and the increasing amount of content produced exclusively for mobiles is changing that trend. Mobile networks like T-Mobile are offering customers on certain tariffs the chance to have unlimited access to mobile internet services via 3G which allow users to access mobile internet TV services. The BBC offers clips and updates from their News channel exclusively to mobile users, and services like ROK TV offer a subscription based mobile internet TV service for their users. This includes programs and channels covering sports, comedy, music, the arts and technology so you`ll be spoiled for choice. Aardman animation, the company behind Wallace and Gromit, have a mobile internet TV channel, as do National Geographic, and the Film 24 service offers great programmes for film buffs, all direct and exclusive to mobile internet TV viewers.

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