Around the Net

Broadcasters Compete to Put TV on Phones

TV broadcasters and electronics device makers have a vision for the future in which we access live television not just on big screens in our living rooms, but also on the cellphones in our pockets.

Shows and live video clips are already available on some phones, but after the digital switch on Thursday, companies will use the broadcast spectrum freed by the switch to transmit more live television to mobile phones. Broadcasters and cellphone companies intend to turn TV-via-phone from a luxury into a must-have.

Expect broadcasters to push customers to use service provided by the Open Mobile Video Coalition, a group that represents more than 28 station groups in the U.S. It will broadcast free local TV to mobile handsets, Netbooks and MP3 players. One possible hitch: the young consumers who are more likely to watch television on their phones tend to watch on-demand programs -- rather than live TV.

advertisement

advertisement

Read the whole story at Los Angeles Times »

Next story loading loading..