Mobile TV Is Inevitable, Or Is It?

Sometimes what’s not said during a panel can be as important as what’s said. Judging by a CTAM session on portability and mobility, it’s a sure thing there will be an explosion of people watching TV on cell phones and other devices shortly, assuming digital rights management (DRM) issues can be smoothed. Of course, optimism about such things is part of being Sony vp Steve Jacobs and Idetic chmn/CEO Phillip Alvelda-Sony develops portable and mobile devices; Idetic is the parent of Mobi TV, a leading infrastructure player in mobile TV that 2 years ago made it possible for consumers to watch MSNBC and other channels on their cell phones. Questioned after the session, Advance Newhouse vp Arthur Orduna was more sober about TV on cell phones. His employer "is in a wait, watch and see mode right now," he said. "We see a bit of power there, but the clear next step is not clear…this is all in the very, very early days." On the other hand, for MSOs "it’s not a matter of if, but when" regarding mobility and portability of digital content, Orduna said during the panel. "We deliver video, voice and data on a tethered wire…sometime tomorrow we have to un-tether those services."