Multimedia on TV and the Future for Mobile Usage

Traditional television provided via terrestrial antenna is in a state of disuse, designated as antiquated by many people who are unaware that this reception was the only means of receiving TV for decades, until the advent of cable and satellite. Only 8% of the viewers in Germany have been able to resist the definite added value provided by these alternative forms of reception. — The change in recent years mainly concerns the public broadcasters who are bound by German law to deliver programs to the whole population. As a consequence of the loss of audience share, the cost per viewer of terrestrial program delivery services has increased exorbitantly. However, instead of ending terrestrial transmission, the German government decided to digitize current analog transmissions in order to offer a new system. The new system would afford an opportunity to utilize the benefits of digital transmission and incorporate the experiences of foreign markets into a plan for the successful introduction of digital terrestrial television (DTT). — In spite of diminished euphoria in other countries, Germany has concentrated on the clear advantages of DTT, including its ability to support mobile reception and data services. As a consequence, the introduction of DTT has great potential for successful placement in the market. German Television Zweites Deutsches Fernsehen (ZDF), the largest TV broadcaster in Europe, aware of its special responsibility has been involved in the project from the very beginning.

Print ISSN

1545-0279

Electronic ISSN

2160-2492

Published

2003-07

Content type

Information

DOI

10.5594/J12363