Broadcasters are set to announce free streaming digital television signals could be beamed across Washington, DC as soon as this summer. However, soaking up these signals will require a special antenna which isn’t standard on any current phones or MP3 players.

The first major networks to jump on board the mobile DTV bandwagon are: local affiliates of CBS, NBC, PBS and one station owned by Fox. While the trials will start in Washington, DC, the broadcasts could be available in as many as 39 major markets this year.

The obvious device to receive this DTV upgrade would be mobile phones, but carriers are in no rush to offer this free service. Many American wireless carriers already offer paid mobile television services, giving them no motivation to buy and integrate mobile DTV into their devices.

A few handset makers are preparing to test out the new mobile TV in their devices. LG Electronics and Samsung are looking at the technology and Kenwood is working on a car-based receiver.

The broadcast from mobile DTV will duplicate the stream sent to normal television, commercials and all. So far none of the stations are planning to broadcast a stream specifically suited to the smaller screens on mobile devices.

While mobile DTV could prove quite useful, one has to wonder if its time has already passed. With TV.com offering a free iPhone application and Hulu’s groundbreaking application rumored to be coming to iPhone soon, do we really need live streams?

Mobile DTV won’t have a DVR functionality at its outset so that programs will be available when the users are ready. Not to mention the navigation challenges inherent in the mobile platform.

Overall mobile DTV might be an entertaining way to catch the news or weather during your daily commute, but one major barrier remains: nobody will want to buy a separate mobile device just to watch television.

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Entry was posted on Monday, April 20th, 2009 at 10:05 am under Media players, Technology.

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