OMVC to integrate functions within NAB
December 19, 2012
The Open Mobile Video Coalition (OMVC), which has served as the principal proponent for Mobile Television in the US since 2007, is to integrate functions with the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB), suggesting that the alliance reflects the maturity of Mobile TV, accelerates its commercialisation, and solidifies its role in the larger broadcast television ecosystem.
The key functions currently coordinated by the OMVC executive director, including OMVC’s technical groups, advocacy efforts and marketing activities, will be integrated into the NAB from January 1 2013.
“The purpose of the OMVC was to help develop a Mobile TV standard, create an ecosystem for broadcasters, manufacturers and other interested parties and to encourage device development,” said Anne P Schelle, who has served as OMVC’s executive director since shortly after it began. “We’ve done that, and with the recent launch of Dyle mobile TV, operated by a consortium of broadcasters known as the Mobile Content Venture, and similar activities by the Mobile500 Alliance, Mobile TV is available in more than 35 US markets covering some 55 per cent of the population,” Schelle added. “Integration with the NAB is the logical next step as the commercialisation of Mobile TV enters its next exciting phase,” Schelle said.
NAB President and CEO Gordon Smith applauded the OMVC’s work and pledged the association’s full support for building further momentum for Mobile TV. “The NAB is honoured to assume the duties carried out so successfully by the OMVC,” said Senator Smith. “Through the joint efforts of the OMVC, ATSC and innumerable technical groups, the groundwork has been laid for an exciting new TV experience delivered to mobile devices. The NAB, as the voice of the broadcast industry, is the perfect home for this activity as it blossoms into the next great US technology story,” he added.
Building on her OMVC leadership and accomplishments, Schelle will continue her Mobile TV evangelism as a senior policy consultant to the NAB to help assure a smooth transition.
“Mobile TV is a key part of broadcasters’ future, and the power of the NAB will enable the industry to speak with one voice, to continue our advocacy efforts before the FCC and Congress and to significantly expand the reach of Mobile TV services for American TV viewers. I look forward to working hard to keep the momentum going, while collaborating with the talented NAB staff, Television Board and broad membership on the transition,” Schelle said.
Mobile TV, based on the ATSC A/153 broadcast standard, transmits live local news, sports, entertainment and emergency information to a wide variety of mobile devices. The OMVC says that by delivering popular video programming to a large audience over existing broadcast spectrum, Mobile TV helps to reduce congestion on less efficient wireless broadband networks.
The OMVC is composed of 36 members that own and operate over 500 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.