LONDON-Digital video broadcasting for handhelds (DVB-H) is poised to become the primary channel for mobile video in Europe, according to a study from Frost & Sullivan.
Manufacturers will launch DVB-H services on a trial basis by 2008, the research firm predicts, and operators will lure users with low prices until business models are established and broadcast quality becomes sufficient. Once mobile video gains traction, operators likely will set prices between $8.50 and $14.50 a month.
The European mobile video market will grow quickly, Frost & Sullivan said, with DVB-H broadcasts generating as much as $8.24 billion in revenues by 2011.
“Mobile TV using the DVB-H standard is likely to be the catalyst that will help in expanding the mobile infotainment industry,” said Pranab Mookken, a Frost & Sullivan industry analyst. “The market will drive innovation in content creation using formats, which are flexible, easier to implement and provide growth opportunities to content owners (and) aggregators.”
