Nokia, Samsung in DVB-H Interoperability Tie

Samsung and Nokia have announced they will collaborate to achieve interoperability among their DVB-H (Digital Video Broadcast—Handheld) enabled mobile devices and the open standards based Nokia network services system. The companies say they have embarked on this project to encourage greater adoption of broadcast mobile TV services and accelerate service deployment.

The handset manufacturers will work together to support solutions based on the open OMA BCAST standard available for operator partners interested in deploying multi-vendor mobile TV services and trials in 2007 and onward.

Kwang Suk Hyun, Senior Vice President of Alliance Team of Samsung Electronics said, "Within DVB-H technology, Samsung has already commercialized handsets based on the CBMS OSF standard, and will develop the OMA BCAST standard based mobile TV handset. Its inclusion in our product portfolios will enhance our customers' flexibility in choosing suitable standards based on their business models."

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According to the companies, deployment of mobile TV services will offer new business opportunities for companies across the value chain, including content and broadcast companies, mobile service providers, infrastructure and handset manufacturers, and technology providers. The companies believe the availability of interoperable DVB-H enabled devices and services is a key factor in further opening up the market.

DVB-H is a technology for deploying broadcast mobile TV among the many digital technologies available to deliver mobile TV services. DVB-H technology aims to offer high service level quality, low battery consumption and offers the end-user the ability to simultaneously receive broadcasts while using other mobile services such as telephony and internet access on their device.

The companies will work on interoperability efforts using the open OMA standard while continuing to participate in industry-wide interoperability efforts within the related standardization bodies.