Despite the failure of Flo TV, the industry is pushing ahead with mobile digital TVs. We’re expecting to see a bunch of these at CES. RCA is coming out with a new line that will receive regular over-the-air signals as well as the mobile digital signals that use the Open Mobile Video Coalition standard. CES is dedicating a whole section of its floor to the concept in its “Mobile DTV TechZone.”
New RCA Mobile Digital TV
I still don’t see it getting widespread adoption any time soon, if at all. The idea of buying another handheld device isn’t terribly appealing. Of slightly more appeal is this mobile TV adapter for the iPad. At least with that adapter I can use the screen I already have.
But more troubling to me is the demand – where is it? Yes, it would be nice to watch local TV on my iPad while I wait at the airport. And it may keep the kids occupied in the car for a bit. But the demonstrations I’ve seen of mobile TV just haven’t been compelling enough to get my dollar. (Oh – and there’s word that LG is coming out with a 3D mobile TV, combining two hyped-up formats into one.)
Enough of my opinion. What do you think? Is mobile TV the Next Big Thing?
