RFMobile TV: Advantages and Disadvantages
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This page explores the pros and cons of Mobile TV (Television). It highlights the benefits and drawbacks of this technology.
Introduction:
Mobile TV technology allows users to watch television content on handheld devices like mobile phones, tablets, and laptops. The videos can be free or available for streaming or download with a subscription fee.
What is Mobile TV (Television)?
Definition: Mobile Television is the wireless transmission and reception of television content (video and audio) to platforms that are either moving or capable of moving.
Mobile TV offers personalized and interactive TV experiences with content tailored for the mobile environment.
Key Milestones in Mobile TV History:
- 2003: MobiTV launched the first mobile TV service in the US on the Sprint network.
- 2005: YouTube’s emergence created a vast database of user-generated videos.
- 2005: South Korea became the first country to standardize mobile TV. South Korea and Japan are leaders in this technology.
- Mobile TV Alliance (Intel, Motorola, Microsoft, Nokia, TI) formed to promote open standards.
- ATSC finalized technical specifications for mobile TV, paving the way for digital TV on mobile devices in America.
There are two primary methods for delivering mobile TV: cellular networks (3G, 4G-LTE, 5G) and broadcast networks, as illustrated above.
Cellular networks deliver content directly to mobile devices. In broadcast mode, the same content is transmitted to all mobile devices simultaneously. Technologies used for mobile broadcast include DVB-H, DAB-IP, Korean DMB, MediaFLO, and Chinese standards.
In mobile TV transmission, video, audio, and text are combined before being sent. They can be accessed on mobile handsets on-demand, through downloads, or via broadcast.
Benefits (Advantages) of Mobile TV
- Accessibility: Delivers mobile TV content to users everywhere, even while traveling. Users don’t have to miss their favorite shows.
- Cost-Effective: Many TV contents are free, without subscription fees.
- Industry Growth: Benefits media, broadcast network operators, mobile operators/service providers, and equipment/infrastructure vendors.
- DVB-H Advantages: The DVB-H mobile TV standard offers:
- Open standard
- Flexibility, scalability, and cost-efficiency
- Optimization for mobile devices (small screens, antennas, battery power, true mobility, indoor coverage)
- Entertainment: Helps to alleviate boredom for many.
- Advertising Opportunities: Allows advertisers to reach larger, specific target audiences.
Drawbacks (Disadvantages) of Mobile TV
- Internet Requirements: Requires a fast internet connection. Slow internet speeds can lead to frustratingly long loading times.
- Impact on Children: Can negatively affect children’s studies if not monitored. Parents must be extra cautious and limit usage time.
- System Management Challenges: Managing and resolving issues in case of major system faults can be complex. Rectification time depends on the wired/wireless mediums and the technicians’ expertise.
- Driving Hazards: Watching mobile TV while driving can cause serious accidents.
- Health Concerns: Prolonged viewing can lead to various health problems.
