ATSC, CEA, OMVC, NAB Co-Sponsor Showplace for Mobile DTV Consumer Devices

WASHINGTON, Feb. 22, 2010 – As the excitement builds for digital television (DTV) broadcasting to mobile and handheld devices, leading industry groups representing key stakeholders announced plans today to co-sponsor the Mobile DTV Marketplace the NAB Show 2010 in Las Vegas this April. The Mobile DTV Marketplace, a showplace of the latest consumer devices for Mobile DTV, is being jointly organized by the Advanced Television Systems Committee (ATSC), the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA), the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB), and the Open Mobile Video Coalition (OMVC).

Under the banner “Experience the Power of Local Broadcast TV On the Go,” the Mobile DTV Marketplace will showcase a variety of exciting Mobile DTV consumer products, ranging from mobile phones and accessories, dongles, in-vehicle displays, personal computers, portable TVs, and much more. “As with the DTV transition, we have proven that when these organizations come together the consumer wins,” said Gary Shapiro, president and CEO of CEA. “CEA and its member companies are leading the way in providing consumers new and exciting products to enjoy mobile DTV. This marketplace will truly showcase the mobile future of broadcast television.”

The Mobile DTV Marketplace, which will be located in the Grand Lobby of the Las Vegas Convention Center, will allow users to experience the kinds of Mobile DTV products expected to be in retail stores this year, coinciding with growing number of TV stations launching mobile DTV services “We’re very encouraged by the number of companies that are bringing to market new consumer devices optimized for reception of wireless mobile video. The Mobile DTV Marketplace will be ‘front and center’ at the upcoming NAB show, and we expect many broadcasters to get their first hands-on experience with the very mobile video devices their viewers will be using to watch favorite programs when away from home,” said Brandon Burgess, President of the Open Mobile Video Coalition and ION
Media Networks Chairman and CEO.

“The Mobile DTV Marketplace will highlight the broad support for the ATSC Mobile DTV Standard,” said ATSC President Mark Richer. “The wide array of products from many manufacturers in the Marketplace is further evidence that the ATSC Standard will be the basis for a ubiquitous mobile television platform.”

“The NAB Show is the perfect venue to showcase the impressive progress made toward bringing local broadcast mobile DTV service to the consumer marketplace,” said NAB President and CEO Gordon Smith. “Mobile DTV is an excellent example of broadcasters’ innovative use of broadcast spectrum for the benefit of the public and we’re proud to collaborate with these impressive partner organizations to tell the world all about this continuing technology success story.”

Additional information regarding the Marketplace will be forthcoming in the weeks leading up to NABShow 2010.

The Advanced Television Systems Committee is an international, non-profit organization developing voluntary bstandards for digital television. The ATSC member organizations represent the broadcast, broadcast equipment, motion picture, consumer electronics, computer, cable, satellite, and semiconductor industries. ATSC creates and fosters implementation of voluntary Standards and Recommended Practices to advance terrestrial digital television broadcasting, and to facilitate interoperability with other media.

The Consumer Electronics Association unites 2,000 companies within the consumer technology industry. Members tap into valuable and innovative members-only resources: unparalleled market research, networking opportunities with business advocates and leaders, up-to-date educational programs and technical training, exposure in extensive promotional programs, and representation from the voice of the industry, CEA, promoting and advancing member needs and interests. Invest in the Consumer Electronics Association to strengthen your business' future.

The National Association of Broadcasters is the voice for the nation's radio and television broadcasters. As the premier trade association for broadcasters, NAB advances the interests of our members in federal government, industry and public affairs; improves the quality and profitability of broadcasting; encourages content and technology innovation; and spotlights the important and unique ways stations serve their communities.

The Open Mobile Video Coalition is an alliance of U.S. commercial and public broadcasters formed to accelerate the development and rollout of mobile DTV products and services. The OMVC is committed to maximizing and developing the full potential of the digital television spectrum.

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Contacts:
ATSC: Lindsay Shelton-Gross, ATSC (202) 872-9160, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
CEA: Megan Pollock, CEA (703) 907-7668, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
NAB: Dennis Wharton, NAB (202) 429-5350, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
OMVC: Dave Arland, Arland Communications, (317) 701-0084, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it