According to a report by the Open Mobile Video Coalition, which represents 900 broadcast TV stations, 45 U.S. TV stations across the nation are now broadcasting to mobile devices.
Mobile Digital Television, which was standardized and launched in 2009, is currently the most likely "one-to-many" broadcast solution when the "many" is many thousands or even millions of viewers.
Broadcasters utilize the same infrastructure as over-the-air broadcasts, splitting off a portion of the signal to send to mobile DTV devices.
Mobile DTV allows consumers to also receive local channels, programming and advertising, as well as relevant local and national news, emergency information, weather and other alerts.
The Open Mobile Video Coalition predicts that 150 U.S. TV stations are expected to broadcast mobile DTV by the end of this year.
The technology has even been tested in trains moving more than 150 miles per hour, with robust reception of transmitted signals.
Film Festivals Go Mobile
Mobile DTV services also are being tested in consumer trials in Washington, D.C.
The Open Mobile Video Coalition also sponsored a white paper by analyst IDC, which states, "Mobile DTV is a cultural and technical extension of digital over-the-air broadcasting and is a spectrum-efficient technology to deliver hugely popular content.”
Numerous mobile DTV devices such as mobile phones, USB dongles and netbooks, which were showcased at January’s Consumer Electronics Show, are expected to be shipping at the upcoming National Association of Broadcasters in April.
To download the IDC report or read more about mobile DTV trials and devices, click here.