ICO, Alcatel-Lucent kick off satellite-to-mobile TV trials at CES
Jan 20, 2009 3:07 PM
The ICO mim adds a terrestrial network to the satellite system for reliable, high-quality service.
ICO Global Communications and Alcatel-Lucent demonstrated a fully integrated satellite-terrestrial network to deliver mobile video and interactive two-way communications services. The network supports ICO's mobile interactive media service, ICO mim, which delivers live television, interactive navigation and two-way communications to a variety of mobile and portable devices.
ICO mim is powered by ICO G1, one of the largest commercial satellites launched to date, covering the United States, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. ICO G1’s services are supplemented by a terrestrial network that covers dense urban areas. This hybrid satellite-terrestrial network is designed to provide anytime, anywhere coverage — especially important where wireless networks aren't unavailable. Trials of the ICO mim service are underway in Las Vegas and Raleigh-Durham, NC. ICO has also been testing handsets and mobile devices that could offer wireless phone services in conjunction with current cellular networks.
Working with ICO, Alcatel-Lucent has developed mobile video technology based on the worldwide DVB-SH standard. Alcatel-Lucent is also ICO's network integrator, supporting terrestrial network construction in both test markets and ensuring the overall network performance across the multivendor hybrid network.
The mobile demonstrations during CES showcased several vehicles in a range of configurations. Mobile video demonstrations included several channels of news, entertainment and children's shows, delivered to 7in-10in video screens. The mobile TV receiver lets passengers choose from both local mobile TV broadcasts and ICO's national offerings.
One demonstration vehicle was equipped with a Delphi “dual-view” screen. This screen lets the front passenger watch videos while the driver only sees navigation, communication and command functions.
"With the satellite, mobile TV now works everywhere a user might roam; tomorrow, this service will be as ubiquitous as radio is today," said Olivier Coste, chairman of Alcatel-Lucent's mobile broadcast activities.
For more information, visit www.ico.com and www.alcatel-lucent.com.
| Want to use this article? Click here for options! |  |
