MediaFLO, conVISUAL demonstrate interactive mobile TV at IBC 2007

Qualcomm MediaFLO and conVISUAL have teamed up to demonstrate interactive mobile television applications during the IBC 2007 multimedia conference in Amsterdam, the Qualcomm press release says.

The release says, “Consumers can view their favorite programs and research reality show stars, participate in polls and quizzes and even chat live with other viewers — all without any interruption in programming.

“Using conVISUAL's interactive TV platform and the interactive features of the MediaFLO System, the proof-of-concept demonstration will showcase live SMS events sent to mobile viewers via MediaFLO IP datacasting that are tightly integrated with the storylines of globally recognized television programs.  Using a split screen, viewers can watch TV while participating with the televised content and other viewers using SMS. conVISUAL's servers process the SMS traffic in real time and display information such as poll results and chat sessions right on the mobile device using MediaFLO IP datacasting and an integrated player.”

Future of mobile TV?

Regardless of the platform utilized, interactivity is likely to be important for both cable and mobile TV.  Indeed, mobile TV interactivity — SMS, polls, accessing relevant Web sites while watching programs — could be entertaining and useful for viewers and a revenue-generator for cellular operators and content providers.

SMS has already generated a huge amount of interest as well as substantial revenues in conjunction with traditional TV.  Using these techniques and others for mobile TV certainly is being explored by numerous companies.

You might want to check out the 13–slide presentation (see below) on conVISUAL’s Web site under the “Mobile Interactive TV” section (no direct URL, unfortunately).  You might find it interesting to see the various SMS and MMS options.