EU decides on Nokia backed DVB-H Mobile TV, 4 reasons to not complain
When it comes to new technology standards, having a single protocol on which everybody can base their hardware and service decisions can only be described as a blessing. The European Commission has made a significant move by adopting DVB-H as the single European standard for mobile TV.
Critics argue that it is backed by Nokia and that there is also other standards that might be technologically superior. However, the EU is firm that 16 countries -the majority- in the EU are on course with DVB-H, while the decision will also turn other undecided countries outside the EU towards the same standard. The GSM association is impartial as long as there is a single standard, while some criticism has come from Germany, the Netherlands and the UK.
I believe the decision should be applauded by everybody for the following reasons:
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The EU mobile market is fragmented due to companies operating within country borders and being forced to set up shop in every single state in which they operate. At least a common standard will ease operations.
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Hardware is standardised and costs are better kept in check.
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So far, mobile TV tests have not exactly been runaway successes. Now that the standards ambiguity is out of the way, the bias will fall on services that will generate much needed cash flow and eventually profits.
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The EU market is huge and therefore will influence other markets on its way. The fact that the US, China, South Korea and Japan have chosen different paths does not make the EU less influential in any way. Look at what happened with GSM!
The EU has learned its lesson very well. Judging by the Blu-ray vs HD-DVD mess and the endless energy and money virtually wasted on an uncertain DVD replacement, at least now the focus will fall on the services to be provided. Again roaming charges are expected to be horrific, but at least we have a step in the correct direction.
The European Football cup and the Olympic Games this summer are both seen as milestone events that could help DVB-H take off. Allow me to be a bit doubtful on this, as only a small fraction of mobile devices are DVB-H ready at the moment. Also, service plans are nowhere near finalised and everything is up in the air as to what ads will be transmitted or what charges will apply. But if mobile TV has a future in the EU, now is finally the moment of truth…
Link: New York Times
