OMVC Expands Support for Mobile Digital Television Tests

Commits Additional Funding, Station Participation, Manpower to ATSC Mobile DTV Testing Program

WASHINGTON — The Open Mobile Video Coalition (OMVC) today announced expanded support of the Advanced Television Systems Committee (ATSC) for its mobile/handheld (M/H) standard-setting process. The ATSC M/H Standard will enable services to mobile and handheld devices by broadcast digital television (DTV) stations nationwide. Specifically, OMVC is committing funding, member station participation and manpower to the ATSC’s testing and evaluation of its candidate standard.

“Expanding our support for the ATSC’s important work is a reaffirmation of broadcasters’ deep and unwavering commitment to fielding outstanding mobile digital television services to consumers,” said Brandon Burgess, OMVC president. “We will work together swiftly and steadily to accelerate industry adoption of the ATSC M/H Standard and realize this untapped opportunity nationwide.”

The Coalition’s proposed support includes corroborative testing of the M/H physical layer; independent verification of the candidate standard; complete system validation; and on-air facility and interoperability testing. The OMVC previously participated in the collaborative Independent Demonstration of Viability (IDOV).

“This is a natural follow-on to the successful IDOV work,” said Anne Schelle, OMVC executive director. “This moves beyond testing of the baseline physical layer to embrace end-to-end tests. Comprehensive test and evaluation is vital to maintaining our strong support from broadcasters and affiliated industry stakeholders.”