Coach potato [TV on mobile phones]

The inevitable arrival of TV broadcasts on mobile phones moves a step closer. The DVB-T (digital video broadcasting-terrestrial) transmission system has proven its ability to serve both fixed and portable terminals in the various networks it has been deployed. In some networks such as Berlin and Singapore, even mobile terminals are supported. What the standard has been missing is support for handheld terminals, which require specific features from the transmission system. In January 2003, work began on a new version of the standard: DVB-H (DVB handheld). Following a period of consultation and proposals from various industry players, work was completed in January 2004, and the draft standards sent to ETSI for final approval. The article describes the properties of the draft DVB-H system. The specification has been verified via computer simulations, but real-world measurements and tests are yet to be made. Once the pilot phase is complete, it is expected that countries which have adopted DVB-T will see the introduction of commercial services complementing the emerging technology within two to five years.