The next 'killer-app' for the cellular handset
18 May 2005
News
Just when you thought the mobile handset contained every possible function and feature, along comes 'the 75-year-old killer-app': television. The cellular 'ecosystem' is gearing up for this next innovation, and mobile TV will add a new set of players such as broadcasters, content providers, and advertising entities.
In the midst of this excitement, naysayers claim that mobile TV is mostly hype and will occupy only some niche market segments. They object that consumers will not want to watch video when mobile; that the small screen will detract from the viewing experience; consumers will not watch a half-hour sitcom on a cellphone; television will run down the cellphone battery; and that implementing mobile TV is too expensive and does not offer a business case for operators.
Alan Varghese, ABI Research's principal analyst of semiconductor research, strongly disagrees. "Consumers can watch TV when sitting in a taxi or train, or in any waiting room," he says. "For optimum TV viewing, the best viewing distance is 5x the screen size. That is exactly the distance people hold their cellphones, and typical screen resolution is now sufficient for TV."
Varghese concedes that much mobile TV will consist of short clips, but feels that "for die-hard fans, watching their favourite half hour sitcom is not out of the question."
Power consumption? IC vendors and handset manufacturers now have techniques that reduce the power consumption of the TV section, allowing many hours of viewing time.
"So hold on if you are in the market for a new TV," continues Alan Varghese. "You may want to buy a cellphone instead."
Further reading:
What’s new in Altium Designer
EDA Technologies
News
Altium has released a major update to its Altium Designer suite version 23.10, with many new features added.
Read more...
SIMCom Symposium 2024
Otto Wireless Solutions
News
Otto Wireless Solutions, in conjunction with SIMCom Wireless Solutions, will be hosting a free half-day seminar in Johannesburg – The SIMCom Symposium 2024.
Read more...
From the editor's desk: Exciting times ahead?
Technews Publishing
News
There are many subjects that excite me in this world, but two of the larger technical subjects are, firstly, renewable energy, and secondly, the idea of artificial intelligence as it continues to evolve
...
Read more...
Microchip expands partnership with TSMC
News
Microchip Technology has announced it has expanded its partnership with TSMC to enable a specialised 40 nm manufacturing capacity at Japan Advanced Semiconductor Manufacturing.
Read more...
Huge SA grid battery project
News
A standalone battery energy storage system (BESS) has won preferred bidder status under South Africa’s Energy Storage Capacity Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (ESIPPPP).
Read more...
Mouser sponsors NCP Cup 2024
News
The NXP Cup is an EMEA-based autonomous car competition, presented by NXP Semiconductors, which is designed to provide students with real-world experiences in autonomous vehicle programming and building.
Read more...
TrinaTracker brings its smart solar tracking to SA
News
The Vanguard 1P is designed to provide customers with trackers that combine suitability for flat terrain, together with outstanding system stability and reliability, quick installation, and flexible external compatibility.
Read more...
Nordex adding 830 MW of wind generation
News
Nordex Energy South Africa will be adding 830 MW of wind energy generation capacity to the company’s already-installed 1 GW base.
Read more...
Invertek produces its three millionth drive
iTek Drives
News
Invertek Drives Ltd, a global manufacturer of variable frequency drive (VFD) technology, has celebrated producing its three millionth VFD, just three years after its two-million milestone.
Read more...
Analog Devices’ digital storefront is live
News
Analog Devices has designed an improved digital experience with users in mind – a new analog.com website and eShop.
Read more...
printer friendly version