Broadcasts to mobile devices to start in 22 cities
LAS VEGAS (AP) - TV stations in 22 U.S. cities announced Thursday that they will start broadcasting their signals this year in a format designed to be received by mobile devices like cell phones, MP3 players, GPS units and in-car entertainment systems.
Unlike current mobile TV services, the broadcasts would most likely be free, and would provide access to local news, weather and traffic updates. The broadcasts could also fill an important role in emergencies like hurricanes, since they can be received by portable devices and don't jam up under load like cell-phone networks.
But will there be any gadgets on the market that can receive those signals? That's less clear, since there are no firm launch dates for compatible products.
As with other launches of new broadcasting services, there's a "chicken-and-egg" conundrum, said Mark Aitken, director of advanced technology for the Sinclair Broadcasting Group Inc. Without broadcasts, there is no market for devices. Without devices, there is no one to broadcast to.
"Broadcasters have come together and said 'We'll be the chicken,'" Aitken said. "We'll put services out there without devices."
Though their marketing plans are not firm, manufacturers did show off prototype devices at the International Consumer Electronics Show here on Thursday that were able to receive trial broadcasts from two local stations. LG Electronics Inc. of Korea, a major partner in developing the broadcast technology, showed off two prototype cell phones and a portable DVD player. Kenwood Corp., Delphi Corp. and Visteon Corp. are developing car-based receivers.
MOREMaybe they should invest in developing something that's actually worth watching for a
real change.
The last thing we need is people watching TV on their phones while driving. It's bad enough that they can't talk and drive at the same time (some of 'em can't even walk & chew bubblegum at the same time).
