SAMSUNG Electronics' TV chip for North American mobile digital TV

Samsung Electronics has announced its development of single chip compatible for newly approved North American mobile digital TV broadcasting standard.

This new single chip combines the radio frequency (RF) and digital chip components into one single 65 nm scale chip and suitable for the mobile devices such as mobile phones, car-mounted televisions and portable media players.

"Prior to Samsung's technical demonstration at the 2006 NAB Show, industry experts believed that the compatibility of mobile TV broadcasting technology with the existing ATSC broadcasting system was not possible. In early 2005, Samsung Electronics decided to apply significant resources to ATSC standardization," said Mr. Byung Duck Cho, executive vice president of the Digital Media and Communications R&D Center of Samsung Electronics. "Samsung succeeded in ATSC Mobile DTV standardization through its dedication and support in cooperation with the ATSC, broadcasters, and other electronics manufacturers. Through this collaborative accomplishment, Samsung Electronics aims to advance its leadership in the North American mobile market with mobile TV."

Samsung says, over 70 broadcast stations have announced their support of this initiative and have agreed to broadcast on a trial basis across North America by the end of 2009. The goal is to prepare for formal broadcasting tests to North American consumers beginning in early 2010.

ATSC Mobile DTV makes live mobile broadcast TV possible by installing minimal additional equipment at existing TV transmitters while utilizing the same frequencies as current terrestrial digital TV broadcasting. ATSC Mobile DTV does not influence current DTV receivers even when operating in the same channels making it in-band compatible. It is widely considered as the best solution for mobile broadcast digital television in North America. Through mobile broadcasting, consumers will be able to access free content such as local news, emergency alerts, weather reports and entertainment as well as premium paid services.