Las Vegas - Nine major broadcast TV station groups have formed a coalition aimed at speeding the development of mobile digital TV.

The Open Mobile Video Coalition was founded by Belo Corp., Fox Television Stations, Gannett Broadcasting, Gray Television, ION Media Networks, the NBC and Telemundo Television Stations, Sinclair Broadcast Group and Tribune Broadcasting, which combined count 280 TV stations that reach 85% of U.S. TV households.

The coalition, which said it is seeking additional members, will address mobile TV product requirement and technology specifications; promote the development of products, services and standards; and educate broadcasters, technology developers, consumers and regulators about the value, benefits and applications of mobile digital broadcasting.

"If you consider that the 100 million mobile video device units estimated to be sold in the U.S. in 2007 is almost equivalent to the number of total TV households in the country, then clearly there is significant potential for broadcasters to extend reach, keep the viewing audience tuned in to their favorite programs, and offer a greater array of programming options through mobile digital television," said Sinclair president and CEO David Smith.

Related Links:
http://tinyurl.com/263de6

http://www.broadcastingcable.com/article/CA6434322.html

http://www.openmobilevideo.com