CES 2006

A short introduction into the digital video broadcasting should definitely help some of your to be more familier with what we are talking about when DMB, DVB-H or MediaFlo are mentioned.

The common between all the Digital Broadcasting technologies is that uses transmitters (towers or satellites) to send data to all the recipients that are in range. In a regular Wireless phone network, the transmitters and receivers have dedicated connection between them. In order for a Digital broadcasting to work, the mobile device which will receive the broadcasting needs to be equipped with the appropriate hardware and software.

DMB or Digital Media Broadcasting is a way of digitally transmitting data, TV or radio to mobile devices. The standard is based on Eureka-147 DAB standard but has added error-correction. The DMB systems are two types – DMB-T (terrestrial) or DMB-S (satellite). DMB is currently tested in Europe and is actually been implemented and working in South Korea (DMB-S was launched in May, while DMB-T broadcasting started in December).

DVB-H (Digital Video Broadcasting – HandHeld) is a competing to the DMB standard and is based on DVB-T (standard for broadcasting digital TV to non-hand held devices). Trials of DVB-H are also underway in many countries. In the US, Modeo, a subsidiary of Crown Castle is expected to launch their DVB-H network in selected cities in 2006. Nationwide deployment to the top 30 US markets is expected in 2007. Modeo's video services will broadcast in QVGA resolution (320x240 pixels) at up to 30 frames per second.

MediaFlo a standard developed by Qualcomm and will be the backbone for Verizon Wireless multicasting network. The service, which is expected to be launched some time next year, will be accessible for Verizon's subscribers through MediaFLO-enabled EV-DO handsets. The service is planned to be initially launched in approximately half of the EV-DO markets, covered by Verizon Wireless and then slowly to expand in order to cover all EV-DO areas.
Qualcomm's MediaFLO will aggregate and distribute the content that is available to all MediaFLO partners(like Verizon) and will provide seamless integration of this content with unique content that individual operators provide to maintain their competitive differentiation. The network will support 50-100 national and local content channels, including up to 15 live streaming channels and numerous clip-cast and audio channels. This content will be delivered in QVGA resolution at up to 30 frames per second.

During CES 2006, Samsung showcased devices that use the above described technologies.

Samsung B300 S-DMB phone will be available in Korea in Q1. It features 2 mega pixel camera, microSD memory extension, Nano-silver antibacterial coating, MP3 player and TV-output support.

B300


Samsung B360 is a compact S-DMB phone, currently available in Korea. Main features are 2 mega pixel camera, TV output and MP3 player.

Samsung B360


Samsung B340 is currently the slimmest S-DMB phone. It is scheduled to be released Q1 in Korea and will offer 2 mega pixel camera, microSD memory expansion and office file viewer.

Samsung B340

Samsung B4100 is the world's first dual-DMB phone, offering support for both S-DMB and T-DMB.

Samsung B4100


B2300 is a T-DMB device with swiveling screen, 2 mega pixel camera with Flash User Interface.

Samsung B2300


During CES Samsung also showed a UMTS phone with DVB-H, 3.2 mega pixel camera, Bluetooth and microSD which should be aimed at the European markets.

Samsung UMTS DVB-H


Covering S/T-DMB and DVB-H was not enough for Samsung, so they had on display also a MediaFlo headset. It is based on the B250 but instead of the S-DMB is supports MediaFlo.

Samsung MediaFlo phone