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Finnish handset giant Nokia has launched the Nokia 5330 Mobile TV Edition, the latest addition to its DVB-H enabled handset range, Which Nokia hopes will capitalise on growing demand for mobile TV.
The launch of Sky's live TV service for the iPhone has refreshed mainstream awareness of mobile TV but, with it being a service that relies on a Wi-Fi connection, it can't really be considered ‘mobile'.
However, it's not considered practical to tie-up loads of 3G bandwidth with TV transmissions, so alternative mobile broadcast technologies are coming to the fore. Of these, DVB-H is the front-runner in Europe, with the EU having publically endorsed it and it clearly being Nokia's preference. Hoping to upset this apple-cart, however, will be Qualcomm with its FLO technology.
"The introduction of the Nokia 5330 Mobile TV Edition responds to the arrival of DVB-H broadcast mobile TV networks in new markets and offers an affordable device for new and existing customers alike," said Nokia vice president Mark Selby.
The 5330 has a 2.4 inch QVGA screen and its own electronic programme guide to supposedly "pick up the best channels around". Nokia doesn't specify what kind of content can be accessed from its DVB-H phones but, with it being an evolution of DVB-T technology, the hope is that it can access all the same free-to-air digital channels.
There's no mention of the UK in the press release and it could be a little while yet before we have our own mobile TV network - which Sky is surely the front-runner to provide. In Europe, however, the Nokia 5330 Mobile TV Edition will retail for €155 before taxes and subsidies.
