According to ABI research, the approaching switchover to all-digital TV broadcasting in major countries will create an unprecedented opportunity for the mobile TV market. Although mobile TV was pioneered in Japan and South Korea, following the switchover traditional and mobile TV broadcasters and carriers in many regions will launch mobile TV services that are set to attract over 500 million viewers by 2013.
ABI Research’s senior analyst Jeff Orr argues that mobile TV viewing will not solely be on mobile phones, but also on MIDs and automotive infotainment systems. “I believe that once the content is available and the services launched, mobile TV will enable more classes of mobile devices that are ‘natural fits’ for mobile entertainment,” he added.
Apparently mobile TV adoption will bring benefits to all the parties involved — including content developers and providers; device vendors, especially MID and handset OEMs; and service providers. In addition, multimedia and security software, semiconductor and network infrastructure vendors are also expected to gain from mobile TV.
ABI Research believes the timing of the market’s emergence is good. As 2009 progresses, signs of economic recovery may emerge, and allow the fledgling industry to establish a foothold before the holiday shopping season… More information about ABI Research’s study “The Mobile TV Market” is available from their website.