Mobile TV the catalyst for mobile convergence

Stuart Corner
Wednesday, 19 October 2005 19:50

Your IT - Home IT

IDC says its latest research into the ongoing developments of mobile multimedia reveals that disparate audio and video services are now being "merged into a single, immersive experience 'mobile TV'."

IDC says its research identifies mobile TV broadcasting as an innovative example of multimedia convergence on the cellular platform, as well as being a revolutionary mechanism for digital content delivery to mobile phones.

"Since mobile TV broadcasting is a nascent industry anywhere in the world, understanding users' consumption behaviour and preferences, which can be highly localised, will be the ultimate key to its success," according to Jerson Yau, IDC Australia's wireless & mobility associate analyst and co-author of the study.

IDC's study, titled "Defining A New Prime Time: Mobile TV Developments in Australia, 2005" discusses the various mobile TV standards competing for dominance, the morphing business models, and mobile TV's potential beyond its entertainment value. It also sheds light on Australia's first DVB-H mobile TV trial currently underway by Telstra and The Bridge Networks.