China Mobilizes for Mobile TV

A new series of combined broadcast systems from broadcast solutions group, Radio Frequency Systems (RFS), is providing dual-channel mobile TV service to China's southern province of Guangdong. Implemented in three stages and scheduled for completion in mid-2007, the Guangdong mobile TV project incorporates 42 separate RFS antenna systems, and represents the largest commercial mobile television network in the world to-date.

The complete VHF antenna solution from RFS represents an essential component of one of China's first mobile television services, provided by mobile media company, Guangdong Mobile Television Media (GMTM). With transmission sites located in Guangdong province cities of Guangzhou, Foshan, Zhongshan, Dongguan, Shenzhen and Zhuhai, the country's latest broadcast installation is predicted to attract over three million viewers.

The Guangdong mobile TV network employs digital multimedia broadcasting (DMB) technology, making GMTM one of the first service providers outside of South Korea to adopt the digital transmission system. With the Chinese government yet to establish a national digital transmission system standard, the success of the Guangdong mobile TV network is sure to provide a valuable reference point.

Stage one of the Guangdong mobile TV project was completed in May, 2006, with eight antenna systems installed across the major city centres. These support uninterrupted broadcasts of a range of information, sports and entertainment programs. Stage two is currently underway and is due for completion by the end of 2006. This stage includes the provision of an additional 13 antenna systems, with 21 antenna systems to follow in the third and final project stage in mid-2007.

With the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympic Games approaching and the 2006 World Cup contested earlier this year, the implementation of the mobile TV technology could not have come at a better time. "The first-stage network provided die-hard football fans with around-the-clock World Cup coverage, while the completed Guangdong mobile TV network will be fully operational in time for the 2008 Olympics," said Zeng. "RFS's ability to provide GMTM with a tailored end-to-end broadcast solution means millions of Chinese sports fans won't miss a thing."

Posted to the site on 13th July 2006