Harris Mobile DTV Platform Set for Launch

Harris Corp.’s ATSC Mobile DTV technology platform for broadcasters and consumer-electronics manufacturers is expected to be available within the next 60 days. The technology enables the first significant new over-the-air broadcast medium in decades, delivering a mix of broadcast-quality video and data services to a variety of consumer mobile devices.

In cooperation with the Open Mobile Video Coalition (OMVC), Harris is presenting a series of live ATSC Mobile DTV demonstrations this week at the 2009 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas. ATSC Mobile DTV was recently elevated to ATSC Candidate Standard status, an official recognition that paves the way for consumer-electronics manufacturers to begin developing receiving devices.

Approximately 95% of the technical capabilities of the ATSC Candidate Standard are being demonstrated at CES this year, and Harris has indicated that 100% of the technology required for Mobile DTV transmission will be deliverable to broadcasters within 60 days. The complete Harris ATSC Mobile DTV platform provides the broadcast equipment that ATSC broadcasters need to immediately begin transmission of ATSC Mobile DTV services once the standard is approved.

The complete Harris ATSC Mobile DTV platform includes the software-definable Harris Apex M2X exciter and the Harris NetVX networking platform, which features a mobile video encoder, multiplexer, and encapsulator. Harris is also working with Roundbox and Triveni Digital to integrate electronic-program-guide services for program stream and data information into its ATSC Mobile DTV platform.

Harris has been fully engaged in the development of Mobile TV technology for more than two years.

“Mobile DTV is a significant new broadcast technology that leverages one of the industry’s oldest and greatest assets: wireless over-the-air communications,” says Howard L. Lance, chairman, president, and CEO of Harris Corp. “The medium gives local broadcasters a new opportunity to connect with an increasingly mobile audience at the airport, beach, in a car, bus, or train with local full-motion digital video of news, sports, weather, traffic, and entertainment. New revenue models for broadcasters potentially include advertising from new, unique Mobile DTV channels and the transmission of advertising and news programming to public-transit vehicles and non-moving digital signage displays.“

The Harris ATSC Mobile DTV technology demonstration is being performed in conjunction with several business partners this week at the LG Electronics booth (Central Hall, Booth #8214). Sinclair Broadcasting stations KVCW-DT and KVMY-DT are supporting the over-the-air transmissions to ATSC Mobile DTV-capable receivers both within the Las Vegas Convention Center and around the Las Vegas television broadcast market.