Astro, Maxis & Nokia Showcase Live Mobile TV Broadcasting over DVB-H Technology

August 31, 2005

“The future of TV is in our hands”

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia - Malaysia’s leading cross-media operator Astro, together with leading mobile operator Maxis Communications Berhad (“Maxis”) and global mobile device maker Nokia jointly showcased a live demonstration of Mobile TV Broadcasting to Malaysians on the eve of the Merdeka Day celebrations in Kuala Lumpur yesterday. The showcase used the new Digital Video Broadcasting - Handheld (DVB-H) technology standard now undergoing extensive field trials in Europe, the USA and in other parts of Asia.

Prime Minister of Malaysia, YAB Dato’ Seri Abdullah Hj Badawi and Deputy Prime Minister, YAB Dato’ Sri Mohd Najib bin Tun Haji Abdul Razak had the opportunity to view the live broadcasts of the celebrations on TV1 and live simulcasts of other Merdeka programmes on TV3, Astro Ria and Astro AEC whilst attending the Ambang Merdeka concert held at Dataran Merdeka last night. Also present to view it were YB Dato’ Sri Kadir Hj Sheikh Fadzir, Minister of Information and YB Dato’ Zulhasnan bin Rafique, Deputy Minister of Federal Territories.

Visitors to Dataran Merdeka were also given demonstrations of the Mobile TV Broadcasting technology on the Nokia 7710 widescreen smartphone equipped with a DVB-H receiver/streamer by the Mobile TV Broadcasting promoters at the venue.

In this initial trial service launched for the Merdeka showcase, Astro provided the broadcast transmission for the event coverage with 4 live channels: TV1, TV3, Astro Ria and AEC, while Maxis supplied telecommunication and network services. Nokia is the technology provider for this showcase and has provided the network equipment and mobile devices used in the demonstration while Rohde & Schwarz provided the transmitters.

With this showcase, Malaysia becomes one of the leading countries globally to demonstrate DVB-H. Elsewhere in the Asia Pacific, the Mobile TV Broadcasting trial based on DVB-H technology has started in Australia. DVB-H has now been adopted by the European Telecommunications Standards Institute (ETSI) as the Mobile Broadcasting Technology standard and many other regions of the world are expected to follow suit once their own trials are concluded.

Astro plans to move forward from the demo stage to commercial services in the near future. This will be announced once a decision is made based on trial results and in consultation with the regulator.

“Astro is proud to spearhead this technology demonstration. Mobile TV Broadcasting is a distinctive extension of our broadcast offer and with it we are able to further extend the reach of television to viewers beyond their sets in the living room”, said En. Azran Osman-Rani, Director of Business Affairs, Astro. “With the live mobile feeds, we plan to demonstrate that viewers can watch the latest in news and entertainment programming anytime, anywhere.”

“This showcase, which comes on the heels of the launch of maxis3G, further reiterates our compelling value proposition that integrates technology with exciting content. Today, while Maxis’ customers are already watching live TV on their mobile phones with 3G, we are looking at enhancing that experience and are pleased to trial this new technology that would offer a much higher quality mobile TV viewing experience,” said Maxis Head of Product Development and Management, En Karim Abdul Malik.

“The strong support of the government and industry players such as Astro and Maxis has helped make this showcase possible. This LIVE showcase, jointly with Astro and Maxis demonstrates the future of convergence between broadcast and mobile services & will help pave the way forward to show the myriad opportunities that exist for advertisers and players in the Mobile TV ecosystem in Malaysia, and what consumers can look forward to in the future’,” said Jawahar Kanjilal, Director, Rich Media & Music Programmes, Nokia Multimedia, Asia Pacific.

The Mobile TV Broadcasting demonstration used the DVB-H (Digital Video Broadcasting-Handheld) standard, which combines traditional television broadcast technology with elements such as mobility, smaller screens, indoor coverage, optimized use of battery and in-built antennae that are specific to handheld devices such as mobile phones. To receive the live television broadcast, the Nokia 7710 smartphone is paired with a Nokia streamer, the first mobile DVB-H receiver, designed specifically for pilots and trials.


What is Mobile TV Broadcasting?
Mobile TV Broadcasting allows the user to watch their favourite TV programmes such as dramas, news, music, sports and documentaries on their mobile device. The service works by receiving a specialised digital TV broadcast signal from the air in much the same way as televisions at home will do in future. Channel guides will also be broadcast allowing users to keep abreast of the latest programmes on air. It is not the same as a streaming video service over 3G or GPRS, but one which is optimised for longer period TV viewing by large numbers of simultaneous users with high picture quality and low battery power consumption.

More information about Mobile TV can be obtained from www.nokia.com/mobiletv.


About ASTRO
ASTRO is the region’s leading cross-media operator with Direct-To-Home satellite television services in Malaysia and Brunei and soon, in Indonesia. It is also the leading commercial radio broadcaster in Malaysia and a major publisher of TV guides and lifestyle magazines. ASTRO subsidiary, Celestial Pictures, owns the world’s largest Chinese Film library and its digitally remastered films are released internationally through theatrical, video, television and new media distribution, and the Celestial Movies channels. The strength of these complementary brands has extended into interactive and multi-media services including provision of content for mobile telephony. ASTRO operates out of the All Asia Broadcast Centre, a fully-integrated digital broadcast and production complex in Kuala Lumpur.
Website: www.astroplc.com

Maxis Communications Berhad
Maxis is Malaysia’s premier telecommunications company and market leader that provides high quality voice and data services to more than 6.6 million customers. Its mobile postpaid and prepaid services are offered under the maxis and Hotlink brands respectively. The company reaffirmed its leading position through a clear strategy of developing premium brands, providing quality network and customer services and introducing innovative services and products. This includes being the first to launch prepaid maxis3G services, as well as the maxis3G Connect data card. In support of its mobile business, Maxis also operates an international portal as well as a domestic fixed line network which offers voice and data services to business customers. Its broadband infrastructure includes fibre optic, microwave and VSAT technologies. Maxis also operates in Indonesia through subsidiary, PT Natrindo Telepon Seluler. For more information on Maxis, please visit http://www.maxis.com.my/

About Nokia
A market leader in the cellular industry in Asia Pacific, Nokia provides innovative, industry leading and market-relevant technology and products to around 20 diverse markets in the region.

Nokia is a world leader in mobile communications, driving the growth and sustainability of the broader mobility industry. Nokia connects people to each other and the information that matters to them with easy-to-use and innovative products like mobile phones, devices and solutions for imaging, games, media and businesses. Nokia provides equipment, solutions and services for network operators and corporations.

You may visit the Nokia Asia-Pacific website at http://www.nokia-asia.com or the Nokia Group website at http://www.nokia.com

Contact Information

Annette Pau

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APAC Communications

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