M-Net and Multichoice have begun trials to deliver selected DSTV programmes to cellphones, via digital video broadcasting handheld (DVB-H) technology.
A new division, M-Mobile, has been set-up to coordinate pilot tests with a closed user group in Gauteng.
"There are several hundred participants in the trial," says M-Mobile CEO Linda Vermaas, "however the exact number of participants at any given time is known only by the independent research company that conducts the selection of candidates."
The technical trial period is scheduled to be a year-long project, but at this early stage it is difficult to say exactly how long it may last, she adds.
The trial involves the broadcast of selected DSTV channels to a prototype Nokia 7710 mobile trial handset, explains Astrid Ascar, GM for content at M-Mobile, adding: "The phone is fitted with a special receiver across the back of the handset so that it can receive the DVB-H broadcast signal."
The Nokia 7710 mobile trial handset accommodates an ordinary cellphone SIM card.
With DVB-H, consumers will be assured of high video quality irrespective of the number of concurrent users, Vermaas says. "Broadcast standards use frequency bands that are dedicated to broadcasting, and can be received by mobile phones, PDAs and in-car receivers."
DVB-H offers downstream channel at high data rates which can be stored in a buffer. This buffer can either store the downloaded applications or play out live video streams.
"It must be stressed that this is only a technical trial for research purposes - it is not a product roll-out," Vermaas notes.
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