Archive notice: This article was originally published on September 10, 2005. Links and embedded videos are preserved as part of the historical record.
Alongside the once again even more dominant trade fair topic of HD, IBC 2005 is also giving broad space to DVB-H (Digital Video Broadcasting – Handheld): At more than 30 stands, manufacturers and researchers are presenting new solutions intended to show how the hoped-for billion-dollar market can be realized technically and shaped with content. In addition, the entire conference program today, Saturday, is devoted to DVB-H.
During the trade fair, Dutch network operator Nozema is broadcasting five channels via DVB-H in the coverage area, including the BBC World offering. The Heinrich Hertz Institute of the Fraunhofer Research Association is showing a multi-program streaming server based on the H.264 standard; Nagravision (stand 1.420) and Thales (stand 8.171, M131) are demonstrating their complete systems; Irdeto (stand 1.469) is presenting content security solutions; and the device providers Samsung (stand 4.343, M322), Siemens (stand 9.240) and Nokia (stand 4.259) are also represented. The Finnish mobile phone manufacturer is showing DVB-H in what it calls the “ultimate mobile application” – in a car.
“From advertisers to content developers and mobile network operators, everyone has recognized the impact this technology will have on the future of broadcasting,” states Peter MacAvock, president of the DVB Project industry consortium: “From that perspective, the number of companies showing DVB products and services at IBC this year is no surprise.”
Whether the high expectations are justified – the DVB Project, citing analysts, speaks of a future 600-billion-dollar market worldwide – remains to be seen. While many industry representatives welcome DVB-H as an open standard and emphasize its importance for the further development of the mobile communications industry, content developers are somewhat more reserved. They suspect that merely being able to watch television pictures on a mobile phone is not enough for consumers.
Further Links:
- DVB Project – Official Website
