How Mobile TV Works

The current network of broadcast transmission towers that carry TV signals to your home can be retrofitted to also deliver a mobile TV signal. That signal has the ability to deliver local, full-motion digital broadcasts on multiple mobile devices, without the need for additional broadcast spectrum.

The mobile TV platform enables local TV stations to deliver live, digital content to ATSC-capable mobile and video devices such as mobile phones, portable media players, laptop computers, personal navigation devices and automobile-based "infotainment systems." The service is “in-band”, meaning local broadcasters are providing mobile TV services as part of their terrestrial transmission within the same, existing 6 MHz channel they use for their current ATSC DTV programming.

With little cost, broadcasters can install a mobile TV exciter and signal encoding equipment on existing TV transmission systems and gain the ability to transmit a robust, digital mobile TV signal. Consumers will receive that signal on various mobile TV devices. The mobile TV system allows the splitting of the 19.4 Mb/s of capacity into a slice for delivery to current digital TV receivers and a slice for mobile TV technology that can be received on new mobile TV-capable receivers.

Bandwidth Flexibility for Mobile Transmission

Digital TV allows for bandwidth flexibility, providing a number of possibilities for broadcasters to divide bandwidth and distribute channel usage. The illustrations below show examples of channel usage for mobile operation.

Mobile TV Performance Capabilities

Mobile TV enables broadcasters to deliver consistent performance and functionality across a range of service requirements:

• Video quality – Delivering one or more compelling, high-quality mobile/handheld video programs that provide excellent viewing experiences using H.264 base profile video encoding now, and even better resolution (up to 480p) in the future.
• Mobile reception – Clear, consistent reception tested at speeds greater than 100 miles per hour. The system processes the mobile program stream(s) with additional forward error correction and data redundancy to help ensure successful reception.
• Efficient/flexible use of spectrum – Mobile TV provides for robust delivery of programming. Bandwidth flexibility is evident in the number of audio/video services, data rates and the signal robustness attainable with main ATSC data requirements
• Backward compatibility – 100 percent backward compatibility with all existing/deployed ATSC consumer equipment/receivers. Compatibility eliminates the risk of digital TV service disruption and reduces additional equipment cost for broadcasters.
• Device/UI parameters – With only a single receiving antenna required, design options are maximized and ease of use is enhanced. Convenience features (e.g. programming guide, time-shifting and storage) are part of the system architecture. Significant mobile/handheld receiver power savings result from bursted transmission that maximizes receiver battery life.

Mobile TV Receiving Devices

Video-enabled devices capable of receiving broadcast TV services continue to be developed and upgraded by manufacturers. These devices include mobile phones, portable media players, laptop computers, personal navigation devices and automobile-based infotainment equipment.

Mobile Phone
Almost always on hand, the mobile phone is an essential device for connecting to millions of viewers.

Portable Media Player
Live local broadcasts make the traditional mode of watching video on-the-go even more mobile.

Laptop Computer
The laptop is the perfect device for bundling broadcast television with a large screen viewing area.

Navigation Device
On-the-road or in the park this ever increasingly popular device is used by millions today for their day-to-day activities.

Automobile Based
Whether after-market or stock mobile DTV is the perfect addition to the family vehicle.