DD to launch TV on Mobile service in May

New Delhi, Mar 22: Watching TV on mobile phones will be a reality in less than two months.

Doordarshan's TV services receivable on mobile will be commercially launched in May, Prasar Bharati CEO Baljit Singh Lalli announced here today.

The trial runs of the new experiment in broadcasting are on in Delhi in collaboration with Nokia, and the service will be introduced in other metros--Kolkata, Mumbai, Chennai -- and their adjoining cities after the system is successfully tested in the capital, Mr Lalli told a news conference here.

The Prasar Bharati CEO sought to clarify that Doordarshan does not have a tie up with any specific mobile phone manufacturer and the TV services could be received on DVB-H compatible phones of any manufacturer like Nokia, LG, Samsung, Sony Ericson, Siemen etc.' The system will run on the DVB-H (Digital Video Broadcasting Handheld) technology which gives a very high quality of pictures.

It is the best mobile broadcast delivery system currently available, and works as per an approved standard adopted since November 2004 for handheld equipment by ETSI (European Telecommunications Institute).

At present, four DD channels--DD-1, DD News, DD Sports and DD Bharati -- are being transmitted on an experimental basis.

Mr Lalli said the main challenge before DD was reformating the content for mobile TV. There are countries like Italy and Germany which are making films only for mobile TV. The content for such services has to be specific and smart and DD would try to do that.

Mr Lalli also announced plans to revamp the DD Direct Plus by increasing the number of channels.

Replying to a question he said the five private broadcasters were currently negotiating with DD for its DTH platform and soon DD's free to air service would be carrying more channels.

UNI