Raleigh, NC's WRAL testing MPH mobile DTV system
Although Raleigh, North Carolina is set to become one of the first DVB-SH test markets in America, WRAL is already testing out yet another standard. The station known nationwide for taking its local newscasts to the world of HD while everyone else sat and moped in their SD control rooms is currently teaming with CBC in order to test out the ATSC-compatible MPH mobile television transmission system. As we've seen before, the system enables "local broadcasters to deliver digital television to mobile devices including cellphones, laptops and personal media players," all while moving quickly in vehicles, hoverboards, rocket-powered scooters -- you name it. There's no word on what exactly will happen once the trials conclude, but we'll be keeping an ear to the ground just in case it's something big.[Via BroadcastingCable]
Filed under: Multimedia, Misc
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Jamar @ Jul 24th 2008 4:22AM
Please, can't everyone get with one standard (or two at the very most) already? How about ISDB-T for Japan/North+South America and DVB elsewhere? Too annoying.
Firelight @ Jul 24th 2008 9:15AM
Woot! I live an hour east of Raleigh. And we have enjoyed HD broadcasts for a while. Now we are getting local commercials in HD, too. (Even the local car dealers).
WRAL/Capital Broadcasting Corp have been innovative on Digital TV for over 10 years now.
nighthawk_cp @ Jul 24th 2008 9:44AM
I live just on the edge of WRALs coverage and love the channel. I have no desire to watch any other local news broadcast, and I find myself very letdown whenever I travel as I compare other far larger cities news coverage to WRAL and they always come up short.
That said, I fear this technology will not make it far, as WRAL will not get support from cellular carriers. Both AT&T and Verizon have their own MediaFLO MobileTV solutions, but neither has any coverage in NC. The cellular carriers are charging $13 & $15/month for this service. What incentive will they have to give up that revenue stream and throw more technology in their phones at a greater expense?
I hope it happens. I doubt it will ever become a standard thing like Bluetooth compatibility, but I think it would definitely be a nice option to be able to tune into local TV stations from my cellphone or smartphone without going through a wireless network or paying a premium for access.
nick @ Jul 24th 2008 6:54PM
this would be sick if mp3 players integrated it into their players for extra use along with a miniature dvr style component