NTL successfully trial mobile digital TV

NTL Broadcast have successfully completed UK tests of mobile digital terrestrial television (DTT) whereby moving vehicles can receive high-quality video, audio and data using existing frequency spectrum.
The work follows NTL's producing the world's first commercial mobile digital TV network in Singapore last year, which provides a service to video screens installed on public transport. Of the three digital TV platforms, only terrestrial can offer mobile reception.
Using a rugged form of the established DVB-T transmission format, digital terrestrial television has the potential to offer perfect pictures on the move. This feature allows applications that could increase the scope of the digital terrestrial platform for broadcasters and viewers alike.
In the UK trials, which took place in the Oxford area over the last few months, a multi-channel service was broadcast over a single-frequency network. The trials also showed that reliable reception could be maintained at higher data rates with increased transmitter power.
Steve Holebrook, Business Director for Media Solutions at NTL Broadcast, said: "This initiative opens the way for development of the DTT platform. It's important that we explore this developing technology to show what can be achieved in mobile TV with relatively little frequency spectrum. There is considerable interest worldwide. The mobile audience is an untapped market for TV delivery and one which only digital terrestrial broadcasts can readily fill."
NTL, www.ntl.com
(GMcG)