HTC is a prominent designer/manufacturer of Windows Mobile handhelds. The company makes an estimated 80 percent of the Windows Mobile phones that are being sold today.
Penthera Viewer enables mobile devices such as cell phones, PDAs, and laptops to receive live television and radio broadcasts from DVB-H-based networks, according to the Panthera. The Viewer provides mobile device end users with a "virtual set-top box" experience, an approach familiar to anyone who has used cable or satellite media services in the home, Panthera says.
The
DVB-H (Digital Video Broadcast - Handheld) specification aims to deliver an improved "end user experience" and lower network usage, compared to current video streaming services that utilize cellular networks. It is "an open procedure standard... [which] incorporates OFDM air interface technology with good spectral efficiency, immunity to multi-path fading, and good mobile performance," according to the
Mobile DTV Alliance, which promotes the standard in North America.
Panthera cites analyst predictions that DVB-H is likely to be the leading implementation of mobile broadcast TV worldwide. Numerous service trials and customer surveys have been conducted in many countries across the globe, U.S. broadcasters have announced plans to offer commercial service in the second half of this year, according to the company.
In addition to the Viewer client, Penthera also provides application software for the broadcast end of the mobile TV service. The company sells its products to broadcasters, chipset manufacturers, and makers of handsets, laptops, and other mobile devices.
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