DMC joins hands with du, EMI, and DMI to introduce DVB-H mobile TV in the UAE

The technology will be demonstrated for the first time in the UAE at the du stand at GULFCOMMS 2006, the region's largest telecom technology trade show to be held from 18-22 November at the Dubai International Exhibition and Convention Centre.

Dubai Media City has received a license from the telecom regulatory authority (TRA) for a commercial trial at the beginning of next year. Both the demonstration and trial will evaluate the technical and commercial feasibility of DVB-H services and prepare the ground for its commercial roll out.

The DVB-H initiative brings together the expertise of leading media and telecom players. DMC, the region's media hub, will leverage its strong links with the media sector and its 1200-strong industry cluster to further build the DVB-H partnership.

du, the UAE's emerging telecom operator, will bring significant value with its telecom applications and services aimed at enriching the DVB-H experience. Broadcasters EMI and DMI, will bring their vast expertise in terrestrial and satellite broadcasting and their knowledge of the broadcast market and audiences across the UAE.

The introduction of DVB-H promises to revolutionise how, when and where people view television in the UAE. In addition it throws open the possibility of a whole host of on-demand and interactive services related to infotainment, news and sports.

Currently the talk of the global technology world, DVB-H is short for Digital Video Broadcasting - Handheld, a suite of internationally accepted, open standards for digital television maintained by the DVB Project, a global industry consortium with more than 300 members. Trials and pilot services in key global markets have endorsed the technical capabilities and economic advantages of DVB-H.

"Dubai Media City is proud to bring together some of the region's leading media, telecom and technology players to announce this major technology venture," said Dr. Amina Al Rustamani, Executive Director of Media, TECOM Investments.

"The initiative is part of our larger mission to introduce next-generation technologies in the region to advance the Middle East's media industry."

"DVB-H is set to be one of the technologies that will define the future of media and entertainment. We are delighted to introduce this technology that will open new technological avenues and business opportunities for our business partners," she added.

DVB-H is the latest new technology that Dubai Media City is introducing. Along with its sister companies in TECOM Investments, it has pioneered the deployment of other technologies like IP Telephony and IP TV in the past.

Commenting on the partnership, Osman Sultan, Chief Executive Officer, du said; "du is committed to bringing mobile TV to its customers and will be offering it from launch over its 3G network. As the number of mobile TV users increases in the future, du will be deploying new technology such as DVB-H to meet this demand. du is proud to join hands with Dubai Media City in pioneering the trial of DVB-H in the UAE.

"As du seeks to build its service portfolio in the region, we are keen to work with other industry leaders to build a momentum for the adoption of advanced technology. Consortiums such as this will help to bring in innovative technologies to the UAE thereby widening the scope of telecom services," he added.

Hussain Lootah, CEO of Dubai Media Incorporated said: "DVB-H will enable our TV programmes to reach our viewers anywhere, anytime. We are constantly looking for newer and more powerful vehicles for our programming and DVB-H throws open an exciting range of possibilities for Dubai TV. We will be working closely with Dubai Media City and the other two partners, du and EMI, to explore how we can deliver a unique viewing experience using DVB-H," he added.

Ahmed Al Bloushi, CEO of Emirates Media Incorporated said: "Our audiences are constantly demanding new channels to view and experience our programmes and the DVB-H initiative offers us an opportunity to deliver our programmes in a high-quality, broadcast digital format to people on the move. The introduction of DVB-H represents a real breakthrough in the delivery of broadcast programming and gives us a solid stake in the future of broadcasting. We are delighted to be part of this partnership to advance DVB-H mobile TV in the UAE," he added.

The DVB-H standard, which enables broadcast on Ultra High Frequency (UHF), can be received on mobiles and handheld devices that are DVB-H compatible.

DVB-H enables television feeds to be transmitted to large numbers of mobile users with high picture and audio quality. With many more regional broadcasters expected to join the DVB-H bandwagon, the Dubai Media City-led partnership hopes to conduct a content-rich mobile TV trial early next year.

Visitors to GULFCOMMS Dubai 2006 can view the DVB-H demo at du's stand at Z-G10, Zabeel Hall at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre from 18-22 November, 2006.