Posts tagged ‘mobile tv’
Grab a Dongle and Take Local TV With You!
Local TV stations from coast to coast are presenting more exciting ways viewers can enjoy broadcast TV on the go! Mobile TV (a service offered by local stations that uses the TV airwaves, not streaming over the Internet) gives you the option of taking your favorite morning show with you, watching TV instant replays while you’re sitting in the stadium or keeping your children occupied in the back seat of the car on long trips – and all without taking a bite out of your monthly data allowance!
By using the TV airwaves, local stations send content to your tablet, laptop or smartphone without the need for WiFi (so no annoying buffering!) But you need t
o be sure your device is mobile TV ready. Some phones and tablets have this built in. If you are an iPhone or iPad user, you just need a dongle (a small unit that plugs into your device to pick up the service).
Many viewers are already experiencing the benefits of TV on the go, and just recently it was announced that more cities will have mobile TV service in the very near future. Get ready Baltimore, Jacksonville, Fl. and Salt Lake City, you’re next! To find out if mobile TV service is already reaching your area, check out this coverage map.
On the West Coast, Seattle broadcast station KOMO-TV recently released the MyDTV app for iPad and iPhone users. Free through iTunes, this app allows users to receive KOMO-TV and other local TV stations, as well as record their favorite broadcast shows from channels available through the app. App users are then able to enjoy their recorded show at a later time, even if the device is no longer in the area where the show was recorded.
Broadcast TV continues to adapt to meet the changing needs of its viewers. So grab a dongle and get ready to enjoy your favorite shows anywhere, any time!
The Future of TV was on Display at the 2013 NAB Show!
More than 92,000 media and entertainment representatives were in Las Vegas last week for the 2013 NAB Show. This annual conference is the premiere event for content and communications professionals from around the globe, especially those anxious to see what new technologies are on the horizon. 
Among other things, attendees learned more about how they can watch their favorite local news and TV shows on the go without the need for WiFi or buffering at The Mobile TV Pavilion. Broadcasters are using their traditional airwaves to send content to cellphones, tablets, in-car entertainment systems and more. The top mobile TV companies demonstrated the technology, including explaining how a dongle can turn your iPhone or iPad into a traveling TV. Broadcasters’ mobile TV service is already available in half the country, and just last week 25 more stations announced they will deliver mobile TV in some of America’s largest cities.
4K TVs, the next generation HDTV, were also on display at the NAB Show. The screens on the exhibit floor were some of the largest available on the market – the image size is 3,840 by 2,160 compared to 1,920 by 1,080. 4K TVs boast the best picture quality, making them one of the most coveted items of TV loving Show attendees.
8K video (with 22.2 channel sound) was highlighted in the NHK exhibit at the NAB Labs Futures Park during the show in the “Super Hi-Vision” (SHV) presentation format. Continuous showings of SHV content were presented throughout NAB Show on a 300-inch screen in an 80-seat theater. NHK also showed a new SHV studio camera that captures images at a 120 Hz frame rate, along with a 60 Hz portable SHV camera. There was also an historic 8K event at the Show: For the first time in the world outside Japan, 8K video was transmitted and received over the air at the 2013 NAB Show, using two terrestrial TV channels.
Did you attend this year’s NAB Show? If so, you know that broadcasters in the U.S. and across the globe are constantly exploring innovations to better serve viewers. The future of TV is the content you want, when and where you want it.
March Madness
Brackets have been made. New records have been set. Dreams have been achieved.
Over the past few weeks, Americans have gathered around their televisions to cheer on their favorite college basketball teams. Nothing brings people together like sporting events!
Nielsen reports that the 2013 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament averaged 9.07 million viewers during the first two weeks of the tournament – up 11 percent from last year and the highest average in 19 years.
The regional game on Sunday averaged 12.82 million viewers, up 31 percent from last year’s tournament.
The Final Four games will be this Saturday, with Louisville taking on Wichita State and Syracuse going head to head with Michigan. Whether you plan to watch at home, in your favorite sports bar surrounded by friends or on your tablet thanks to the power of mobile TV, broadcast television will bring the winners, losers and can’t-miss-moments of the championship!
NAB’s Kaplan: Four Steps to a Successful Spectrum Auction
The upcoming spectrum incentive auctions have been a closely monitored issue on this blog, and it was the topic of a recent speech given by NAB’s Executive Vice President of Strategic Planning Rick Kaplan, one of the top experts on spectrum policy. Earlier this week, Kaplan spoke at the Media Institute’s Communications Forum luncheon, focusing on key issues that need to be addressed before the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) moves forward with the auction.
Kaplan reaffirmed that broadcasters’ goal is to see the spectrum auction done right and with minimal impact on TV viewers so that stations can get on with the business of serving their local communities in traditional and innovative ways.
The FCC’s proposed spectrum incentive auction is the first of its kind, in which the government will offer some number of TV stations money in exchange for their spectrum (airwaves) licenses. In a process known as “repacking,” the TV stations that remain (those that do not want to go out of business) may be shuffled around by the FCC, as the government tries to free up large chunks of contiguous spectrum (airwaves) for wireless companies to use. This very complex process is what concerns TV broadcasters and viewers most. If not executed properly by the government, many TV viewers could be impacted and some will lose their free, local TV service.
In his speech, Kaplan noted the complex task that lies before the FCC, and pointed out some tough economic, engineering and policy questions that need to be addressed, such as:
- How will the FCC attract volunteers (stations that will turn in their spectrum licenses) and determine how much to pay them?
- How can we efficiently and effectively coordinate with Canada and Mexico (where U.S. airwaves overlap) to ensure that TV viewers in border states are not harmed?
- How is the FCC going to reimburse stations that are forced to move in the repacking phase and do so within their budget and the tight timeframe following the auction?
These questions are just a few that must be addressed by the FCC. If not carefully thought out and properly implemented, the spectrum auction will fail either because there will not be enough volunteers to give up spectrum or because the outcome of the auction could result in widespread harmful interference among both television and wireless services.
Kaplan also discussed some of the very challenging engineering questions the agency has yet to address. Most pressing is the FCC’s proposal to take different amounts of spectrum from TV broadcasters in different markets. Kaplan explained why this would lead to massive interference between broadcasters and wireless companies, potentially undermining the entire auction and leaving viewers in the dark.
To avoid this, Kaplan proposed four basic steps to maximize the likelihood of achieving useable and worthwhile nationwide bands of spectrum (airwaves) for the wireless industry:
- First, the FCC should lay out a number of nationwide repacking scenarios explaining how they could shuffle TV stations following the auction. This involves looking at a variety of options and focusing in particular on the more congested television markets.
- Second, from these scenarios the FCC can determine how many stations it needs to participate in the auction to achieve certain spectrum targets, and where those stations must be.
- Third, the FCC should estimate how much revenue it would, under each scenario, raise nationwide in a spectrum auction.
- And finally, the FCC should take its nationwide estimate and use those funds to ensure it entices volunteers in the markets where it really requires participants.
Kaplan ended his remarks by urging the FCC to work closely with all stakeholders in the auction process. To read Kaplan’s remarks in their entirety, please click here.
Broadcasters’ number one concern is for our TV viewers and ensuring that stations can continue to provide services – both traditional and new, such as mobile TV – for those who rely on free, local television.
The Future of Television was on Display at CES!
It seemed like everywhere you turned at the 2013 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) last week, there was a new way to enjoy broadcast television! From having local news and your favorite broadcast network shows right at your fingertips thanks to mobile TV to the stunning, crystal clear picture quality of the new 8K TV, here’s a round-up of all the newest innovations in television seen at CES:
- Coming to a living room near you sometime in the future: the 8K TV! Interested in seeing a live broadcast of the 8K TV signal? Register to attend the 2013 NAB Show, being held April 6-11, 2013 in Las Vegas, where the technology wi
ll be demonstrated! - Samsung is pre-installing the Univision app on their TVs to keep up with the demand for diverse, quality broadcast programming.
- Meanwhile, the popularity of mobile TV continues to grow – Dyle and MyDTV now offer live broadcast television for smartphones in select U.S. markets! This service is the same that you get on your TV at home – no data charges or Internet access necessary because it uses the broadcast airwaves.
The future of TV is here – it’s your favorite local channels when and where you want them. It’s the local news you rely on and the shows you can’t live without at your fingertips. Which innovation are you most looking forward to including in your TV viewing routine?
Mobile TV Availability Expands to New Cities
Mobile TV is one of the fastest-growing broadcast innovations that TV fans can’t get enough of!
To keep up with the growing interest in broadcast programming on-the-go, the Mobile500 Alliance, with Fisher Communications and Hubbard Broadcasting, have launched a new mobile digital television service, myDTV. They recently announced that they will be distributing 750 receivers in Seattle and Minneapolis to iPhone and iPad users so that they can try free, local TV on the go via the free MyDTV app.
The MyDTV app provides users with a unique viewing experience, with closed captioning, an electronic program guide, built-in social media tools and an option to record live programs.
Even better, since the MyDTV app relies on broadcast signals (not streaming) you don’t have to worry about using your data plan or getting hit with overages! You can enjoy your local news and favorite broadcast programs for free.
With more options to get your broadcast TV shows live and on the go, 2013 is off to a great start!
Is A “Dongle” On Your Holiday Wish List This Year?
The holiday season is officially upon us! Before you pack up the kids to go over the mountain and through the woods to grandma’s house, make 
sure you can make the car ride even more enjoyable for everyone by having free TV on your iPhone or iPad!
The Elgato mobile TV dongle plugs into your iPhone or iPad turning it into a portable television, without the worry of data charges since it relies on signals directly from your local TV stations.
This first of its kind device in the U.S. market can connect to Apple devices and is available in all markets where TV stations are transmitting mobile TV signals.
Mobile TV allows you to stay informed and entertained on the go with the same local and national broadcast news and entertainment programming that you receive on your TV at home. This is live TV, not streaming. And because it uses the broadcast TV airwaves, not the Internet, an unlimited number of viewers can watch on their iPhones and iPads at the same time without buffering.
Dongles have been extremely popular since their debut in early November. In fact, dongles are so popular they are flying off the shelves, making it challenging for the manufacturers and retailers to keep up with demand.
Whether waiting to board a plane or driving to see loved ones over the holidays, users are able to watch their favorite broadcast TV programs live and on the go – for free – with the Elgato mobile TV receiver. With all the expenses that are rung up during the holidays, this is something all consumers can cheer about!
Don’t Miss the Chance to Cheer for Your Team on Sundays!
Sunday football has been a tradition for millions of sports fans across the country for decades. This past Sunday, more than 15 million Americans tuned into broadcast TV to cheer on their favorite teams along with friends and family.
Although they may not be able to agree on a favorite team, all sports fans can agree there’s nothing worse than having to miss a game when you are on the go during game time. Thanks to mobile TV, you may never have to miss watching a live game again!
In addition to being able to watch a game no matter where you are, with mobile TV you don’t have to worry about buffering since it doesn’t depend on an Internet connection. Mobile TV uses the same TV airwaves as the big screen in your house, so you can be in a stadium with tens of thousands of people and watch the game on your mobile TV for instant replays without buffering or dropped signals. In fact everyone could watch the same replay at once on mobile TV and there wouldn’t be a problem. The TV signal is always out there, just waiting on your mobile TV enabled device to receive it. Meanwhile, if you used your smartphone or tablet to stream video in a crowded stadium, you would likely run into buffering issues – online traffic jams – since – different devices are struggling to get the same signals at the same time.
But whether you choose to watch your favorite team on the go or gathered around your set in the comfort of your own home, rest assured America’s TV broadcasters will continue bringing you the great sports and shows you love, when and where you want it.
Capitol Hill Celebrates the Launch of Mobile TV
This tim
e last week, members of Congress and their staff were on Capitol Hill celebrating mobile TV technology that allows Americans to watch live, local TV in the palms of their hands.
The launch event, sponsored by the Open Mobile Video Coalition (OMVC), included demonstrations of the newest mobile phones and portable TVs equipped with mobile TV capability. Attendees also got to try out adapters (called “dongles”) that plug into an iPad or tablet, turning it into a portable television – without WiFi, 3G or 4G and the pesky data charges that come with it. This new technology uses the existing TV airwaves, so the signal comes in directly from your local TV stations – no Internet required.
With more than 130 stations on the air in 50 markets, now more than half the U.S. population can watch mobile TV with an equipped smartphone or tablet.
Whether watching your favorite primetime show, keeping up with a big game, hearing breaking news as it happens while running Saturday errands or receiving emergency alerts about an approaching storm, “Americans will be informed and entertained as never before with TV on the go,” OMVC President and President/CEO of LIN Media Vince Sandusky said at the event.
Rep. Anna Eshoo (CA-14) called the day a “celebration of American innovation,” and said broadcasters were smart to come up with a service that would not use up wireless subscribers’ capped data plans. Read more about the event here.
As mentioned in an earlier post, mobile TV is another innovative way broadcasters are working to keep their communities informed, especially in times of emergency. Mobile TV not only lets you watch your favorite shows live on the go, but it has the ability to provide you with weather alerts and breaking news information.
Have you tried mobile TV? What did you think? Let us know in your comments.
How Will You Cheer On Your Team This Fall?
While we still have a few days to go until fall officially begins on September 22, nothing announces the arrival of fall like the first football game of the season for sports fans!
From mobile TV to the new 4K TV, viewers have a variety of options when it comes to watching their favorite teams this football season. Mobile TV (launched just last month in several cities across the country) allows you to watch the big game on the go, and because it doesn’t require an Internet connection, there’s no buffering… even if 65,000 of your closest friends are in the stadium watching TV coverage at the same time!
In addition to airing college and NFL games, local TV stations are increasing their coverage of local high school football games, many airing them in their entirety on their multicast side channels. What is that, you ask? All local TV stations began broadcasting digital signals following the 2009 Digital Television Transition (DTV). Because digital signals are more efficient, stations are able to broadcast additional channels with niche, local content (still free to viewers with a TV antenna). Want to know which stations in your area are broadcasting high school sports? Check their websites or follow them through social media to learn more.
Broadcast TV continues to provide Americans with more options for how they can watch their favorite TV programs. How will you watch your favorite teams this season?
