Mobile Content Venture has announced that it will begin upgrading TV stations in 20 major US markets to be able to also broadcast Mobile Digital TV (DTV). By late 2011, it is expected that up to 40% of the US population will have access to the service, which will begin rolling out across New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Dallas and Washington DC amongst others. The service will initially consist of at least two ad-supported free-to-consumer channels in each market. Additional channels and markets will be added over time.
In order to receive the service, consumers will need a device capable of receiving an ATSC-M/H signal. MCV is working with a number of device manufacturers to ensure that mobile phones with this capability will become available in the second half of 2011.
“Live, local video will ultimately be a key part of mobile services,” said Salil Dalvi, co-GM of MCV. “Upgrading our stations for mobile is an important first step in making this a reality.”
“Our commitment to launch in 20 markets, including 13 of the top 15 DMAs, is a significant and necessary step in building a viable commercial mobile TV business that delivers a comprehensive product to viewers,” added Erik Moreno, co-GM of MCV. “We welcome the opportunity to work with Fox and NBC affiliates, as well as additional broadcasters, in rolling out many more markets.”
According to the market research firm In-Stat, the U.S. mobile DTV sector will experience solid growth over the next few years, with more than 30 million ATSC Mobile DTV devices expected to be deployed by 2014.
The Mobile Content Venture (MCV) is an alliance of twelve major broadcasters that includes Fox, NBC and Pearl Mobile DTV.
