RSSNokia: Mobile TV Will Be Big by 2008
By Ed Oswald | Published March 3, 2006, 12:27 PM
Handset manufacturer Nokia said Thursday that it was placing its bets on mobile television as becoming the next big thing, saying it would reach mass appeal within two years. The Finnish cell phone maker cited studies and trials that indicate the technology is appealing to many consumers, and that they would be willing to pay 5 to 10 euros ($6 to $11 USD) per month for such a service. The statements were made as part of a filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
Nokia has lent its support to the DVB-H standard, one of about a half-dozen options proposed. The standard has already gained the support of several companies in the United States, who are working to implement it as soon as possible. However, in some countries in Europe, the needed frequencies are unavailable. This means some countries like Finland, France, Spain, Italy and the Netherlands will have the technology available soon, while others may need to wait several years.
Perfect. Now I can eat breakfast, watch the news and drive to work all at the same time...
I will have to admit, even though the video iPod has a small screen it is pretty cool when waiting in the airport, so this cell phone thing might be worth it (depending on the price).
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|Depends - a mobile TV service that offered more than free-to-air (ie, more like pay-TV services) would be worth paying for. I'd love to be able to pick out my favourite or latest episode of a TV series to watch on the train.
We can currently get access to Mobile TV paying $4 per channel ($3US), which is ridiculous, really. But with reasonable prices it could be a decent service.
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|Is it just me or do most people just not care at all whether or not they can watch Television on their 1" cell phone screen? Maybe if I didn't have to pay for it....but then again free things are always more popular no?
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|I think it would be great in some cases, like if you're waiting in line someplace or you have some time to kill at work/school or something.
Although, in the long run I’ll be against it because you know they’re going to do everything in their power to squeeze every penny they can out of you for the service.
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|It certainly isn't just you. I personally couldn't care less about such a service, and certainly wouldn't pay for it. But the manufacturers have obviously decided it's the next big thing, so will do everything in their power to make it happen. Oh, and I'm sure there's always going to be one or two dozy pratts who will go for it. You know the sort - more money than sense.
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|I have a pda phone and like the idea that I can watch my favourite TV shows or movies on the train if I want. It is free provided you have the right conversion software. 'Fair Use' is a good one.
I doubt I'd ever pay for a subscription service to watch video on a tiny mobile screen.
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