The OMA is eyeing the simplification of content deployment for broadcast mobile TV.
The Open Mobile Alliance's recently-unveiled BCAST Enabler specification is designed to create a 'write once, run anywhere' environment' for broadcasters and other content providers.The spec - if widely adopted - could have significant implications for the concept of mobile TV 'roaming'.
In theory, it means broadcasters will be able to deploy their programming across the whole gamut of broadcast mobile TV platforms - DVB-H, DVB-SH, DMB, DAB-IP, ATSC-M/H etc - with little or no tweaking.
Because it works with any IP-based content delivery technology BCAST Enabler can also be used for the delivery of programming across cellular systems like 3GPP MBMS, 3GPP2 BCMCS and mobile unicast streaming systems, such as 3G streaming.
The OMA is now engaging in industry consultation and workshops later this year to evangelise and encourage adoption of BCAST Enabler among mobile TV technology and service providers.
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Speaking to ME, Jari Alvinen, chairman of the OMA board, said: "We are focussing on the service layers that plug into the various mobile TV platforms, which need to be simplified to attract a critical mass of broadcasters. The significance of this breakthrough is that OMA's broadcast enabler debunks the historical notion that TV without borders is impossible to achieve."
Over the next few months case studies will be published that examine various scenarios, such as how BCAST Enabler can be used to that a mobile TV subscriber in Australia can still access their content when on holiday in Austria.
