Nokia backs IP Datacast technology to bring TV to the mobile phone


Nice, France/Helsinki, Finland  - Nokia is using IP Datacast technology to bring TV to the mobile handset, as illustrated by the end-to-end demonstration with the Nokia Streamer, IP Datacast network elements, and the Nokia 7700 media device at the Nokia Mobile Internet Conference in Nice, France.  As mobile multimedia consumption continues to grow, the next content to evolve into mobile media will be the familiar television broadcast.  IP Datacast builds upon on the emerging DVB-H standard and existing digital television standards to broadcast content directly to mobile consumers, making one-to-many distribution of content cost effective and complementing current cellular, one-to-one offerings.
 
'There is demand for the familiar TV to move with us as we live in this mobile age, and Nokia believes in IP Datacast technology to make it happen reliably, efficiently and cost effectively,' said Seppo Sutela, General Manager, Nokia Ventures Organization.  'Now is the time for the industry to finalize the standards and create the networks, mobile handsets and introduce compelling content to make mobile phone TV a reality. With IP Datacast technology as the enabler of mobile phone TV, new market opportunities can open for the telecommunications, broadcasting and content industries.'
 
For the first time today, Nokia demonstrated its vision for mobile phone TV enabled by IP Datacast over a DVB-H (Digital Video Broadcast - Handheld) network.  IP Datacast uses of the proposed DVB-H broadcast standard because it is optimized for mobile, handheld receivers.  The DVB-H standard being developed by the DVB Organization combines traditional television broadcast standards with elements specific to handheld devices: mobility, smaller screens and antennas, indoor coverage and reliance on battery power. 
 
From the demonstration today, Nokia moves into the piloting phase of mobile phone TV with the Nokia Streamer.  By the end of next year, pilot projects will take place in selected European cities.  Following the piloting phase, Nokia believes that within a couple of years it will be possible to enjoy commercial mobile phone TV services in countries that have adopted the usage of DVB-H.
 
The Nokia Streamer, the first mobile IP Datacast receiver designed specifically for pilot purposes, is attached to the Nokia 7700 much like a battery pack.  The Nokia Streamer receives the broadcast signal and the content is viewed on the Nokia 7700 media device.  The IP Datacast solution needed for the pilot projects includes network and server products for scheduling the video broadcast service, for managing the use of network capacity, and for enabling the selection and purchase of content by the consumer.
 
About Nokia
Nokia is the world leader in mobile communications. Backed by its experience, innovation, user-friendliness and secure solutions, the company has become the leading supplier of mobile phones and a leading supplier of mobile, fixed and IP networks. By adding mobility to the Internet Nokia creates new opportunities for companies and further enriches the daily lives of people. Nokia is a broadly held company with listings on six major exchanges.

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