Digital Triple Play - An OMVC Showcase

The Open Mobile Video Coalition (OMVC), http://www.omvc.org/, the alliance of broadcasters dedicated to advancing the development of mobile digital television in the U.S., showcased the next generation of mobile digital television (mobile DTV) this past Tuesday, July 28, 2009, in the foyer of the Rayburn House Office Building.

OMVC, sponsor of the event along with ION Media Networks, demonstrated examples of programming that will be available once mobile DTV is launched. Prototypes of consumer and transmission equipment is also to be showcased. LG Electronics is also a lead co-sponsor. Also present were Washington-area broadcasters that, in addition to developing mobile DTV, are offering increased high-definition programming and new free “multicast” channels (DTV-sub channels) over those new portions of the television airwaves cleared by dropping analog transmission technology in favor of more efficient digital transmissions. Together, the new services constitute a “Digital Television Triple Play” of consumer benefits.

Co-sponsors include:

• National Association of Broadcasters (NAB)
• Association for Maximum Service Television (MSTV)
• Advanced Television Systems Committee (ATSC)
• Minority Media and Telecom Counsel (MMTC)
• Public Broadcasting Service (PBS)
• Association of Public Television Stations (APTS)

Manufacturer representatives expected included:

• Dell
• Harris Corporation
• Kenwood, Roundbox
• Rohde & Schwarz
• Samsung

“The broadcast industry appreciates leadership by Congress in driving the transition from analog to digital television transmission,” said Dave Lougee, President of Gannett Broadcasting and OMVC Executive Committee Member. “This event will demonstrate to Members of Congress how their constituents will benefit from the digital conversion. The `DTV Triple Play' includes more HD programming, new free channels and the launch of mobile DTV, which will bring live, broadcast DTV programming to mobile devices for the first time,” Dave Lougee added.

Prelude to the Mobile DTV Consumer Showcase
The OMVC’s participation in the Capitol Hill event will serve as a sneak peek at a Mobile DTV Consumer Showcase which will go live later this year in the Washington, D.C. market, which encompasses nine regions surrounding the nation’s capital. The showcase will provide a consumer test bed for mobile DTV content, services and features.

Initial participating stations (Washington, DC area):

• Fox Television Station's WDCA-DT
• Gannett Broadcasting’s WUSA-TV
• ION Media Networks’ WPXW-DT
• NBC Universal’s WRC-DT
• PBS’ WHUT-DT
• MHz Networks’ WNVT-DT
• Sinclair Broadcast Group’s WNUV-DT

Prototype consumer devices and services
(on display at the Capitol Hill event) included:

Kenwood’s Aftermarket In-Vehicle Video Player (the device that extends Kenwood’s existing in-dash DVD player and navigation products;

LG Electronics’ mobile DTV receiving devices, including mobile phones and portable DVD players;

Dell’s Mini 10 Mobile DTV Netbook, the first laptop with integrated mobile DTV capability;

Roundbox’s Electronic Service Guide (ESG), which will provide data services including program service guides;

DTV Interactive’s ATSC Mobile DTV USB Dongle receiver for PCs;

iSET’s Emergency Alert System (EAS), an early warning system utilizing mobile DTV technology to alert consumers about impending emergencies such as natural disasters, security threats or everyday calamities such as vehicular accidents or criminal activity.

Initial Offerings in 2009:
Some 70 broadcast stations serving 28 markets have announced plans to begin providing mobile DTV services by the end of 2009 utilizing the proposed ATSC A153 mobile DTV standard, which is expected to be adopted by the end of 2009.

Stations will experiment with a variety of services and business models, including traditional and interactive video, and ad supported and pay services.

A wide variety of consumer devices will be available for the launch of service, including cellphones, laptops, netbooks, portable video players, game players, PDAs, portable navigation devices and in-car players.

ABOUT THE OPEN MOBILE VIDEO COALITION
The Open Mobile Video Coalition, http://www.omvc.org/, is a voluntary association of television broadcasters whose mission is to accelerate the development of mobile digital television in the United States. The OMVC is composed of twenty-seven members that own and operate over 450 commercial television stations, as well as the Association of Public Television Stations, Corporation for Public Broadcasting and the Public Broadcasting Service, which represent an additional 360 public television stations. Membership in the OMVC is open to all U.S.-based television broadcasters. Members are committed to fostering open competition in the development of products and services related to television.

OMVC MEMBER COMPANIES

• Association of Public Television Stations
• Morgan Murphy Media
• Belo Corporationg
• Media General Inc.
• Capitol Broadcasting Company, Inc.
• NPG Broadcast Division
• Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB)
• NBC Universal -- NBC Station Group and Telemundo
• Cox Television
• Peachtree TV
• Dispatch Broadcast Group
• Post-Newsweek Stations
• Fisher Communications, Inc.
• Public Broadcasting Service (PBS)
• FOX Television Stations
• Raycom Media
• Freedom Broadcasting, Inc.
• Schurz Communications, Inc.
• Gannett Broadcasting
• Scripps Television Station Group
• Gray Television Inc.
• Sinclair Broadcast Group Inc.
• Hearst Argyle Television, Inc.
• Sunbeam Television Corp.
• ION Media Networks, Inc.
• LIN TV Corp.

OMVC MEMBER ASSOCIATIONS

• McGraw-Hill Broadcasting
• Association for Maximum Service Television
• Meredith Corp.
• National Association of Broadcasters (NAB)
• MHz Networks

{Portions adopted from http://www.investorcalendar.com/includes/PRNPressRelease.asp?ID=1483045}