WASHINGTON, DC and LAS VEGAS, (January 4, 2010) - The National Association of
Broadcasters (NAB) along with other organizations is showcasing the consumer benefits
of some of the many innovations being delivered through digital over-the-air broadcasting
at a gathering this week at the annual Consumer Electronics Show. The gathering
will take place at the Bellagio Hotel where attendees will hear about and experience
innovations made possible only through broadcasting such as Sezmi, set to bring
advanced television services at very low cost to consumers in 2010, and mobile
television solutions presented by the OMVC (Open Mobile Video Coalition). Mobile
television is expected to see tremendous growth this year through the adoption
of digital broadcast-based services.
Gordon Smith, president of the NAB, said "Broadcasters are charging into 2010 working with innovative organizations like Sezmi and the Open Mobile Video Coalition that improve the quality, delivery and accessibility of broadcast content. Such services represent the vibrant future of broadcast-based services that will greatly benefit the public, and cannot be replicated by broadband. Their foundation is the digital television spectrum."
Digital broadcast enables advanced television alternatives that bring greater affordability and choice to the public, increased competition to the television service industry and lucrative business opportunities to broadcasters. Unlike broadband delivery, mobile television and Sezmi utilize the spectral efficiency of broadcast to deliver content to millions of viewers at a time. In contrast, to deliver that same content to millions of broadband viewers requires millions of separate transmissions.
Sezmi goes a step further, using a hybrid network that delivers popular content over broadcast and niche content over broadband, driving new efficiencies that save consumers money. While just emerging in the United States, hybrid television solutions are accelerating internationally as a key consumer opportunity, with initiatives such as Hybrid Broadband Broadcasting TV gaining momentum.
Sezmi's service, which will begin rolling out in U.S. markets early this year, operates over broadcast spectrum to deliver a highly differentiated television viewing experience combining broadcast, cable, on demand and Internet content, at a price much more affordable than cable or satellite services. Currently in a public pilot In Los Angeles where consumers are proving strong demand for such new television alternatives, Sezmi demonstrates the type of powerful innovation and forward progress in home entertainment made possible through highly efficient use of broadcast spectrum.
"Our breakthrough nationwide television service brings significant new revenue opportunities to broadcasters while providing consumer with competitive choice in television service," said Buno Pati, cofounder and CEO of Sezmi. "As we prepare for our nationwide rollout this year, we're pleased to have the support of many television broadcasters paving the way for more competitive consumer choices in television."
"Consumers are interested in taking their favorite TV programs while on the go. Another innovative service now being rolled out by America's broadcasters is Mobile Digital TV, which brings live, local programming to viewers wherever they are. At the Consumer Electronics Show, manufacturers and service providers are demonstrating more than a dozen new Mobile DTV products that will be introduced to consumers this year. New products include prototype cell phones with Mobile DTV reception capability, USB receivers for laptops, small netbook computers with integrated Mobile DTV receivers, an accessory that receives Mobile DTV broadcasts and beams those programs to a Wi-Fi device such as a laptop or smartphone, and battery-operated Mobile Digital Television sets expressly designed to receive the robust signals from local broadcasters," said Anne Schelle, Executive Director of the Open Mobile Video Coalition.
About NAB
The National Association of Broadcasters is the premier advocacy association for America's broadcasters. NAB advances radio and television interests in legislative, regulatory and public affairs. Through advocacy, education and innovation, NAB enables broadcasters to best serve their communities, strengthen their businesses and seize new opportunities in the digital age. Learn more at www.nab.org.
About Sezmi
Sezmi Corporation is redefining the television viewing experience by combining traditional TV content, movies and internet video in a single easy-to-use product and service. Designed from the ground up with next generation TV functionality, Sezmi puts consumers in total control with a personalized on-demand viewing experience. Sezmi is working with broadcast and broadband partners, content providers and advertising industries to create a new TV choice for consumers. Sezmi will be offered to consumers through broadband service providers and national retailers. Learn more at www.sezmi.com.
About Open Mobile Video Coalition
The Open Mobile Video Coalition is a voluntary association of television broadcasters whose mission is to accelerate the development of mobile digital television in the United States. The OMVC is composed of 29 members that own and operate over 450 commercial television stations, as well as the Association of Public Television Stations, Corporation for Public Broadcasting and the Public Broadcasting Service, which represent an additional 360 public television stations. Membership in the OMVC is open to all U.S.-based television broadcasters. Learn more at www.omvc.org.
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