NTT DoCoMo, Nippon TV bet on mobile TV

United Press International reports that Japan's biggest mobile carrier, NTT DoCoMo, and one of the major television networks, Nippon Television, "are putting up $42 million each for a total of $84 million in a special fund" for mobile TV efforts. Nippon Televison will "produce programs that are targeted for the mobile audience that will be watching shows on small screens, while the telecommunications giant will focus on developing the technology to make seamless viewing while traveling at high speed as well as underground possible."

The article citesthe challenges and obstacles faced and also looks at initiatives in other parts of the world to tackle the mobile TV market.

David Linsalata at IDC said, "The mobile TV market is heating up, with both trials and deployments accelerating over the next 12 to 18 months. The support of key industry players in promoting the advantages of the digital video broadcasting-handheld standard will significantly aid mobile TV deployment efforts in North America."