TV at 140mph

Posted on 6 Jan 2008 at 17:26

Mobile TV has been given a much-needed boost from LG's MPH (Mobile-Pedestrian-Handheld) technology. Unlike current mobile phone-based systems, which stream TV programmes using 3G, MPH uses the existing digital TV broadcast infrastructure, so that viewers can receive television at speeds of up to 140mph.

"MPH sends one or more TV channels using a small portion of the existing broadcast spectrum," said Dr Woo Paik, president and CTO of LG Electronics. "Programmes can be received on a wide-range of different devices with MPH chips, including GPS, mobile phones and laptops."

The advantage of the technology over existing mobile TV bundles is that it's cheaper for the consumer, as the broadcast technology means that there are no data charges. MPH should also be cheaper for broadcasters to implement, as the only change to existing infrastructure is the introduction of an MPH Exciter.

LG has prototype MPH chips and products, including a USB dongle for laptops, and demonstrated a live system at CES 2008 in Las Vegas. The roll-out of the technology is someway off, though, and MPH Exciter production isn't expected to begin until September 2008. Live systems are expected to be in operation in the US from early 2009. No UK launch date has been announced.

Click here for our full coverage from CES 2008

Author: David Ludlow

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