Nokia-backed video digital technology stands to profit from a
controversial European Commission decision to back it as the single
standard
The European Commission has thrown its weight behind mobile TV by
backing the DVB-H technology to become the single standard for the
continent.
But there are concerns this could stifle competition in the market and reduce innovation.
By promoting the Nokia -- backed DVB-H (Digital Video Broadcasting
for Handhelds) technology, EC intends to reduce fragmentation and
accelerate the uptake of mobile TV across its member states.
Viviane Reding, EU Commissioner for the Information Society and
Media said Europe needs to take the lead with mobile TV by backing a
single standard -- as it did with GSM in the 1990s -- or risk other
regions getting ahead.
But industry commentators say other mobile TV platforms such as the
Qualcomm-backed MediaFLO and DAB-IP, as used by Virgin Mobile, should
not be ignored.
Analyst house Datamonitor said the EC's strategy will not aid the
mass adoption of mobile TV and will reduce open market competition.
Associate analyst Chris Khouri told silicon.com: "We were hoping
that mobile formats could coexist through chipset interoperability."
He added it is not yet clear whether one technology is superior with
each offering a different number of channels and with different
spectrum requirements.
DVB-H for example needs spectrum currently used by analogue
television broadcasters in the UK which will only become available
following the digital switchover in 2012.
Khouri said: "It's [the ECs approach] kind of jumping the gun a bit."
Telecoms consultancy Analysys said mobile TV should be driven by
consumer needs and a competitive landscape rather than through
government backing.
Jim Morrish, consultant at Analysys told silicon.com: "Other
technologies have natural zones of advantage. And that's something the
industry has to deal with, it's not an EU intervention or regulatory
management at all."
Omar Javaid, VP of global strategy and business development for
Qualcomm MediaFLO said the company believes in fair competition in
Europe to encourage the development of innovative technologies and new
networks.
European mobile TV take-up has been slow compared to other regions
but the Commission predicts the market could be worth €20bn
globally by 2011.
Provided by silicon.com—Driving Business Through Technology
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Beside he is writing some others blogs for notebook computer , computer training , computer software and personal computer
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