N96 users test mobile TV

A few Optus mobile customers with Nokia N96 phones are getting to enjoy the benefits of digital video broadcast to handheld (DVB-H) services under Australia's second trial of the technology, reports iTWire.

The service, which will run until 28 February, will deliver more than 30 video channels over a single 7MHz UHF TV broadcast channel.

The trial is also running nine video streams and has been made available to selected Optus mobile customers.

Zcom Networks has started negotiations with an international satellite provider with plans to launch a satellite broadcasting station in the Los Angeles area, states TMC Net.

This will enable the company to link its IPTV broadcasting with satellite broadcasting.

The diversified media broadcasting and shopping network company has anticipated new negotiations will reap significant programming growth for the company.

Analysts predict some US citizens using converters for the conversion from analogue to digital TV signals next month will also have to buy more powerful antennas, says UPI.

The federally mandated switch from analogue to digital broadcasting, taking place on 17 February, means millions of Americans have to purchase converter boxers for older televisions with antennas in order to get a picture.

Several groups are lobbying for a postponement of the switch to give people more time to prepare.