Nokia - Mobile TV – Open Standards & Interoperability

Nokia has announced that it is to make the air interface specifications for its mobile TV technology freely available for third parties. Based on Digital Video Broadcast - Handheld (DVB-H), the end-to-end solution makes it easy for operators and service providers to roll out mobile TV services. The air interface specifies how mobile TV terminals interconnect with the network end of the mobile TV solution.

By making this interface specification public operators and service providers would be able to understand the standards - and emphasise its openness and interoperability., The Nokia mobile TV solution is based on available open standards such as the DVB-H radio layer standard. Some additional application layer specifications are in the process of being finalised by standardisation bodies. "Implementing products alongside standards development helps the industry to get early feedback from consumers and service providers. This means robust, tested standards and that interoperable products will be available when the market demands", added Mr. Sharp. DVB-H is a new technology that enables broadcast transmission of several television, radio and video channels to mobile devices. It combines digital broadcasting standards with specific features for mobile devices. To receive DVB-H transmissions, devices require an additional integrated receiver. Commercial mobile TV services are expected to start in 2006.