40 responses to “Mobile TV is the next “big thing””

1. 

   Colby Beacham January 21st, 2010 at 08:32

   Though this new technology seems promising there seems to already be a shift towards internet video taking over the cable industry, for example Hulu. All smart phones already have the ability to go online, so this approach would make the most sense, it wouldn’t require new hardware, software etc. it just uses services that are already common place and easily accessible everywhere. So although the technology to actively stream live-tv to cellphones is just now becoming available I feel like it would get as much support as it needs to to survive. Internet video is the logical next step for cable companys wanting to stay relevant.

2. 

   Joseph Mecca January 21st, 2010 at 08:37

   I guess we had to see this coming, but personally, I’m not too excited. my favorite part about watching TV is relaxing. I want to blop into a a big, over stuffed couch that I sink into as I gaze towards my favorite programs. I’m not trying to strain my sight glaring down at a 2×2″ screen resting in my palm. I don’t doubt it will have some success, just not for me. My real inquiry is: why does South Korea have the fastest internet speeds, and how long until we match or surpass them?

3. 

   Kyle Egbert January 21st, 2010 at 08:42

   I have mobile tv on my Sprint device and I never end up using it because the experience is not a good one. I would much rather wait until I have time at home to sit down and watch Chuck on my 21 inch monitor in HD instead of looking at a 4-5 inch phone that is bouncing on my lap as I ride the bus and try not to miss my stop. I think as 4G starts rolling out in areas, live TV might become a better service, but it certainly isn’t there now. What I think would do well today is recorded TV. For instance, I have a Media Center PC (which means there is a TV Tuner in my Windows computer so I can watch/record TV). I subscribe to all my favorite shows and it automatically records them for me. Now if I want to watch a show on the go, my Microsoft Zune software automatically converts and syncs the video to my Zune PMP (Personal Media Player). So as I walk around on campus, if I get bored, I whip out my Zune and watch a recorded show and can skip all the commercials. (at least the last time I’ve tried) Apple makes it very hard to get programming onto their iPhone/iPod unless it is Apple blessed (meaning it came from their marketplace and you paid money for it). If people could get over paying for something they normally could see for free (well, included with their cable bill), this might be a good model, but it isn’t. I believe if mobile TV were to happen, you’d need some free service (maybe hulu blessed?) and a better cell network with a device that was built for this function (ie, i won’t loose my cell phone all day because I killed my battery after watching an hour of Shark Tank). There is much work to be done, but someone could make a lot of money if they can figure out how to overcome a lot of these obstacles.

4. 

   John Gorbandt January 21st, 2010 at 08:54

   I already watch most of my favorite T.V. shows on my laptop through Hulu.com. I would definitely purchase another electronic device or software if it would make this possible.

5. 

   Amanda Salomon January 21st, 2010 at 09:42

   Just one more thing for people to crazy over. I really am not one for technology, and do not see a use for something this high tech in my life. I can go home and watch my favorite shows on my tv when there on, and if I miss them I just get on my computer and watch them.

6. 

   Kyle Wheat January 21st, 2010 at 10:03

   Why oh why do companies insist on pushing proprietary standards. There is already a mobile standard for terrestrial broadcasts!!!! ATSC-M/H (the M/H stands for mobile/handheld). Carriers are reluctant to roll out anything they don’t have the direct ability to charge consumers for. As to why does the US have a crappy infrastructure, you can thank a combination of government bureaucracy, and a reluctance of companies to invest in infrastructure.

7. 

   Tyler Collingbourne January 21st, 2010 at 10:41

   This new technology is something that I can’t say I didn’t see coming ever since I was younger and new technologies such as the internet and digital television were hitting the market. However, I am not that excited to see this coming. Television for me is something that I enjoy when I am sitting on my couch and relaxing from everyday stresses. I don’t think I would enjoy watching television as much if I were sitting on the train going to work. Sport programs are the only ones I guess I would find myself using this technology for.

8. 

   Spencer Abrams January 21st, 2010 at 10:43

   I, like the others above, don’t really see this catching on any time soon. Since similar versions have already been on the market for some time now, I just don’t think America is ready for it. In order to watch and listen at the same time, one would almost have to be sitting down, which offers no advantage to sitting in front of a TV. If this does catch on, watch out for all kinds of headlines about people watching TV while driving or getting run while crossing the street.

9. 

   Tony Coiro January 21st, 2010 at 10:56

   This just does not strike me as a good idea. It sounded good at first until I realized I couldn’t think of a time where I could watch TV on my cellphone that I would want to watch TV. I’m sure there’s a market of people who will pay for it to say they have it but I don’t think it will be the next “gotta have it” cellphone app.

10. 

    Angeline Tran January 21st, 2010 at 11:12

    I think that if Hulu were to ever make an app for smart phones, then I would be hard-pressed to believe that any other mobile tv technology would catch on. Most people with smart phones have unlimited data plans, so why would they pay an extra $10 a month just for television if they could watch Hulu for free through 3g or a wireless connection? You could argue that mobile tv could be marketed to multimedia phones who don’t have unlimited data plans, but it costs $15 a month for an unlimited text plan, and adding $10 a month after that is $25. Add another $5 and you can get yourself an unlimited data plan for most smart phones where you can do so much more than just text and watch tv. My whole point is, as long as you have the internet on your phone, you shouldn’t need any other subscriptions on your phone plan because the internet gives you access to unlimited resources.

11. 

    Dan Wyss January 21st, 2010 at 11:41

    Yea this seems like an unnecessary luxury to me. It sounds great but I watch TV at home when I have nothing to do. When I am out, I am doing something and don’t think that I would have time to really watch it. It sounds great but I just don’t know how much people would actually take advantage of it or use it especially if it costs money.

12. 

    Kelly Plantz January 21st, 2010 at 12:28

    Having T.V. broadcast to a mobile device would be beneficial to many individuals. However, at this time in my life it would not be necessary or beneficial for me. I very rarely watch tv in college because I have many other things to do for school. Except I know that possibly in the future when I am older and I am in the business field this would be a nice luxury to have. It would be convenient to catch up on important news when working and having down time. I am excited to see where this technology with be in the next few years because its bound to only get better!

13. 

    Kevin Nuest January 21st, 2010 at 12:35

    While Korea does have very fast internet (average 46mbps), Japan edges them out with 61mbps. The US doesn’t even compete with a national average of only 4.8mbps.

    You can see a great map of Internet Speeds and Costs on Gizmodo:

    http://gizmodo.com/5390014/internet-speeds-and-costs-around-the-world-shown-visually

14. 

    Damon Ward January 21st, 2010 at 12:57

    This technology seems like it might be somewhat useful in the future, but for now I really don’t have the need or use for it. I think a target market would be those people who are constantly on the go and whose DVR is always piling up more and more soap operas and reality shows that they are missing daily.

15. 

    Daniel Johnson January 21st, 2010 at 14:20

    My step-brother has a I-phone and he can view his home satelite TV on his phone anywhere he has service. I think that is great because it allows you to not miss anything if you wish to watch your favorite show! I wish I had this service on my phone but am unable to afford it.

16. 

    Casey Piquette January 21st, 2010 at 14:55

    I have Korean friends and they tell have told me about watching tv from their phones. I think it was something that was bound to surface, but I personally do not see much of a use for it.

    As someone else had commented above, I feel watching TV is a relaxing activity and I can’t imagine watching a program from a 2in by 2in screen. But there is something out there for everyone!

17. 

    Ravi Mody January 21st, 2010 at 15:07

    It’s pretty crazy how tv on cell phone devices is common in other countries, but yet is taking a while to get to american phones. I’m sure it’ll be a big hit even though watching tv on 2×2 inch screen isn’t enjoyable. The IPOD Video was a huge hit when it came out and ipod screens are just as big or slightly bigger than phone screens.

18. 

    Alexandra Graves January 21st, 2010 at 15:12

    I really like how our technology is advancing but I think it is also making our world unsafe. It’s similar to when the cell phone came into the world, everyone wanted one but after they had it they could put it down, including while they drove. I think being able to watch tv at any point in ones day or while one is doing just about anything is dangerous. If you are paying attention to your phone you’re not paying attention to what is going on around you. It’s a good advancement but I think it will come with more risks.

19. 

    Craig Hasbargen January 21st, 2010 at 15:42

    I fail to see why if the mobile technology is present via Verizon V Cast why other devices and carriers can’t incorporate/tap into this service. Before the digital switch over, my dad had a mobile TV the size of a PDA. I would only expect with the recent switch that the technology could be incorporated into netbooks, PDA’s, and cell phones with few problems. I suppose the “opportunity window” is presently open…

20. 

    Beck Warwick January 21st, 2010 at 16:40

    It is hard to see this new technology as a true breakthrough when we already have roundabout versions of television programing on portable devices, such as the iphone via the internet. with a flat internet fee you can access and d/l your favorite television programs already via an iphone or blackberry though you cannot recieve live feed. the lack of live feed in my opinion is a fine trade off to not have to carry around an antenna in your pocket and pay an extra 10 dollars a month for basic cable on your phone. if i really want to see a live stream ill find a television. preferably one that is larger than 2″ by 2″.

21. 

    Ryan Poxon January 21st, 2010 at 17:08

    “Note that this developing technology can also be used in vehicles.” I won’t mind being able to watch tv on those long drives across the country.

22. Mobile TV is the next “big thing” @ thinkbeta.com | TVPhoneMedia.com January 21st, 2010 at 17:40

    [...] Read more: Mobile TV is the next “big thing” @ thinkbeta.com [...]

23. 

    Jeff Olen January 21st, 2010 at 18:58

    I def. agree with Beck on this one. This technology does not seem like a huge breakthrough in today’s society. I have a blackberry and I can access NFL live on my phone which seems very cool. But I just don’t see a lot of people taking time out of their day to just sit down and catch a tv show on their phones. I can understand if it was a type of sporting event, which is mostly what guys would probably use it for, but people have jobs and if they have time to watch tv then I’m sure that they can just watch it at home. I would not even come close to investing in this type of technology because it is only used to watch tv. An iPhone or Blackberry on the other hand can do almost the same thing and be used for many other types of applications. I see this becoming a dead technology within the next 5 years because the way out generation is coming up with new technologies I see people coming up with something even better than this.

24. 

    Loïc Mazet January 21st, 2010 at 20:00

    I’m gonna be clear: I hate this idea of being able to watch TV anywhere at anytime. People are already watching TV too much. There are so many other things to do: reading, sport, cooking……

25. 

    Taylor Gelsosomo January 21st, 2010 at 20:01

    I personally would never watch TV on my phone just because the screen is so small. I just don’t watch much TV in general and the things I do watch I want to be able to enjoy on a normal size TV screen. This may be a convenient thing for many people, and I’m sure it will catch on.

26. 

    Shawn Gearhart January 21st, 2010 at 20:26

    We already have the capabilities of staying connected to the word via our cell phone, why not add a few more hours of dependence to the little gadget we all have? It is frustrating and puzzling as to why we in America are not on the forefront of this new technology though.

27. 

    Harsh Sanghvi January 21st, 2010 at 20:44

    Instead of this if youtube comes up with a number of live chanels they can be accessed through the cellphone having the 3G network or wifi capability.

28. 

    Soroosh Karamyar January 21st, 2010 at 21:19

    TV has made its move to the internet awhile ago and was only a matter of time before it came to phones. What I am interested to see is the technology of a projector with the phone and TV.
    Personally this technology is cool, but I dont like TV and do not watch that much of it so I do not care. Entrepreneurs should be looking forward to the prospect of reaching more people through different medias like this though.

29. 

    Stephanie Mellady January 21st, 2010 at 22:30

    I don’t think this will catch on as a household product. I know when I bought my Voyager from Verizon like last year or so they were pushing their new mobile TV as an option for a certian fee per month, but I would honestly never use it. If I want to watch something or find out information I would just use the internet.

30. 

    Zach Morgan January 21st, 2010 at 22:45

    I would agree with a majority of the comments above. Though I enjoy watching TV every once in awhile, I do not see a reason to watch TV while I am “on the move.” I have enough trouble getting through obstacles to get to classes and meetings! I just feel that I would just much rather watch TV in the comfort of my own home than getting into an accident with the temptation of watching TV while mobile.

31. Mobile TV is the next “big thing” @ thinkbeta.com | Drakz Free Online Service January 22nd, 2010 at 13:23

    [...] the rest here: Mobile TV is the next “big thing” @ thinkbeta.com Share and [...]

32. 

    Colleen Cahill January 22nd, 2010 at 20:59

    WHY HASN’T THIS BEEN STANDARD SOONER?
    I have always wondered why live TV on mobile devices hasn’t been popular in the US. The new smart phones can do just about everything but broadcast live TV easily. I can’t wait for the iphone app that allows you to flip through the TV stations. I don’t understand the protest to this in the above comments. There will be a market for big screen TVs in the comfort of your own home for a long time, and we won’t see these products disappear. I am always looking for new apps on my iphone to kill time before classes, and being able to watch my favorite shows whereever I am is something I look forward to.

33. 

    Ziang Chen January 23rd, 2010 at 02:29

    This is so true. I got my new Android Smartphones and I see mobile apps for sports games like NBA league pass and Many tv show ones. One of the applications I began to use was one that had local channels from many popular cities. This is great for me since I wont be able to catch any sunday football games due to Dish Network not wanting to us local channels for free. The app I used was free and it even got channels from other countries like russia, turkey, spain, france, and mostly China. My mom was super excited that it had CCTV1 where she could watch Chinese Dramas. The technology is still in the works for streaming mobile television, but when it gets there this idea is going to be huge.

34. 

    Byron Young January 23rd, 2010 at 12:24

    The idea is great! Although many people can get mobile tv on their phone already, it often ties up their phone line. For that reason, the mobile tv will be a great product to expand on. And as said in class during the presentation, youtube didn’t invent the mobile media but just made it better. This company didn’t invent the mobile tv, but they may be making the product better!

35. 

    Meiqi Zhao January 23rd, 2010 at 19:10

    This idea will not attract me so much. I will not spend extra money on the mini TV programs of the telephone. Watching TV programs is for fun. Most time is when I am at home. Also the screen of the telepone is too small for me.
    I think if entrepreneur can think of some new ideas different from watching TV at home,such as chatting with people who watch the same program together, more customers may attract to pay for it.

36. 

    Mahmood Alrawi January 24th, 2010 at 14:48

    the idea is really cool to have. I really think this is one of the major ideas behind jailbreaking smart phones. so you can access flash on other websites that potentially provide free tv. I know a lot of people that have a jailbroken phone just for this reason. Its also convenient, but i believe the reason apple hasn’t implemented flash on their phones is solely because they won’t allow apps to bring tv to their phones, like what cbs has done with their “tv.com” app. cool idea.

37. 

    Blake Bronowicki January 24th, 2010 at 16:40

    I believe mobile television is unnecessary personally. First off, the mobile devices using television would not provide great quality. For most people, watching television is something you do while relaxing on a couch and viewing it on a moderately big tv. I just think the idea is a great one, but with the cost starting out at $10/month if not more, is just an unnecessary comodity. It also ties up your phone line which can also bring about other issues considering most people are on their phone all the time. Overall, a lot of people might view having tv on a phone as a great thing if your constantly on the go, but I feel it is just a lot easier watching it over a big tv at home.

38. 

    Josh Graves January 24th, 2010 at 20:51

    i like the idea of having mobile internet, but paying an extra 20 bucks a month or whatever it is doesnt make me want to watch tv on my 2 inch screen. I can go watch it on my 92 inch tv instead. that seems like a better idea to me.

39. 

    Courtney M. Cronk January 24th, 2010 at 23:35

    …why would i want to watch tv on my phone, when i could watch it on my 42 inch plasma? (if i had one). by which i mean, they are becoming cheaper as the days pass because newer, bigger tvs are coming out, and the 42inch is more affordable these days for the ‘average joe’. It’s a good idea if its free, as in free wifi=free tv stations. but chances are the free stations are going to be the ones that dont have the stations or television shows on that i would like to watch. My eye sight is bad enough, squinting at a screen on my phone for 30-60 minutes at atime, not my favorite option. ill buy the plasma with the $20-30 dollars i save a month NOT paying for tv on my phone.

40. 

    how to lighten skin November 18th, 2011 at 09:28

    Hey there , I am forming a new website almost the same as ehow and I think your articles would fit the style good. Would you care if I copy this article?