By Jo Best, 8 November 2005 12:40
NEWS
Analysts have been slugging it out as to the future of TV on mobiles which, depending on who you listen to, is either the great white hope or the Sinclair C5 of multimedia mobile services.
A report from Entertainment Media Research (EMR), commissioned by legal firm Olswang, has found that 70 per cent of consumers have no interest in watching TV on their mobile phones, citing poor quality and high prices as some reasons responsible for deterring them.Nevertheless, a separate survey from Continental Research discovered that one in 10 individuals has already watched TV via a mobile, with young men the most likely demographic to get square-eyed with a phone.
Both research firms, however, found that TV has successfully reached beyond the traditional box in the living room. EMR found that 44 per cent of people between the ages of 13 and 55 would watch TV or films via their PC. Continental Research discovered that 15 per cent had already used their computer as a replacement for their TV, with younger men once again the early adopters.TV over mobile does have its place though, according to the analysts keeping teens from being bored.
Market research firm Parks Associates has found that US teens are the keenest when it comes to mobile viewing, with 38 per cent of teens queried saying they are interested in watching downloaded music videos on phones.
Comments
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1. anonymous
I bought a few years ago a hand held TV with a 3.5" screen. Its fine for a dark room, but try and watch it outdoors or in sunlight and you could forget it. Also with the size of the screen you loose and detail, try to watch football match on it and you can hardly see the ball. I personally think its the same as this craze for Video iPods. Mobile music is fine you only are only using your ears, try watching your phone/iPod and walk down a street and see how many people, obsticles, cars you walk into.
2. Guy Reynolds
I have 3" portable TV which I was given as part of a promotion and a TV tuner card in my PC at home.
On the few occasions that I have used it I have after a short while ended up with a headache from the eye strain.
On the otherhand when working at home I have the the TV running as a small window (less than 3") in the corner of the screen, whilst I work. If something comes on I can simply right click to bring the image to full screen.
Would I pay for and use it on my moblie? Never.
Would I use 3G data services with my laptop? Yes if it was priced like broadband.
The mobile manufacturers and service providers seem to be caught up with gimmicks rather than real practical solutions.
3. anonymous
Portable Freeview is on the way....
Why would anyone waste money paying any mobile operator to watch TV on a mobile phone. O2, you are wasting your money on the Oxford trial!!!
Indeed, you can now by a Freeview USB decoder for your laptop that is about the size of a WiFi card (plus tiny aerial) for about £50 , with full EPG and record to disc abilities.
4. anonymous
Can somebody please explain to me the point of such a thing!!