The Open Mobile Video Coalition (OMVC) announced the creation of the OMVC Mobile DTV Forum.

For more information visit: www.OMVC.org

Unedited press release follows:

Open Mobile Video Coalition Expands Membership Ranks with Formation of Mobile DTV Forum

Charter Members to include Dell, Harris, LG Electronics, and Samsung

2011 International CES

LAS VEGAS–Reaching beyond its traditional membership ranks, the Open Mobile Video Coalition (OMVC) today announced its first class of non-broadcast members with the creation of the OMVC Mobile DTV Forum. Prominent electronics manufacturers Dell, Harris, LG Electronics, and Samsung Mobile are among the charter members.

“It is fitting that, as the Mobile DTV industry evolves from the experimental stage into active business planning, our organization expands its membership,” said Vince Sadusky, president and CEO of LIN Media and president of the OMVC. “The charter members we are announcing today have been with Mobile DTV from its earliest days, including the just-completed Consumer Showcase in Washington, which demonstrated the capabilities and viewer appeal of Mobile DTV.”

At the 2011 International CES, Sadusky said members of the OMVC Mobile DTV Forum are expected to contribute significantly to the OMVC’s mission of building a robust marketplace for mobile digital TV. The new members will have direct access to the OMVC’s Technical Advisory Group and will work closely with the OMVC board of directors. The OMVC is soliciting additional members from OEMs, as well as software, service and content providers, in order to represent the entire Mobile DTV ecosystem.

“By expanding our membership beyond broadcast companies, we hope to bring greater resources to the task of perfecting the Mobile DTV consumer experience, while bringing an exciting new class of digital mobile devices to the American public,” Sadusky said.

“As co-developer of the core technology behind the mobile DTV broadcast standard, LG Electronics is proud to join the OMVC, and we’re enthusiastic about collaborating with broadcasters on mobile viewing devices that will make watching TV on the go as popular as it is in the living room,” said Dr. Jong Kim, president of Zenith, LG’s U.S. R&D lab.

“Dell has been involved with mobile DTV since its earliest days, and are working closely with OMVC to deliver additional mobile DTV options to consumers, who increasingly view their laptops, tablets and smartphones as gateways to entertainment,” said John Thode Dell’s VP and GM of Mobility Products. “Later this year, we expect to introduce new products with integrated mobile DTV solutions, allowing people to stay connected to all the great content they love.”

“As a co-developer of Mobile DTV technology, Harris is among the first companies to produce transmission equipment for Mobile DTV, and we look forward to improving the end-to-end system for delivering TV programming to mobile users,” said Jay Adrick, Vice President of Broadcast Technology for Harris Corporation.

“Samsung is a distinguished leader in delivering a premium Mobile TV experience to consumers and we’re committed to the future development of Mobile TV-enabled devices powered by Samsung’s ATSC Mobile DTV chipsets,” said Justin Denison, vice president of strategy for Samsung Mobile. “The breadth of Samsung’s handset portfolio, combined with our industry-leading display technology, will provide the best experience in mobile entertainment. Samsung is excited to continue its relationship with the OMVC.”

ABOUT THE OPEN MOBILE VIDEO COALITION
Representing over 900 TV stations across the country, the Open Mobile Video Coalition is a voluntary association of television broadcasters whose mission is to accelerate the development of mobile digital television in the United States. The OMVC is composed of 36 members that own and operate over 500 commercial television stations, as well as the Association of Public Television Stations, Corporation for Public Broadcasting and the Public Broadcasting Service, which represent an additional 360 public television stations. Membership in the OMVC is open to all U.S.-based television broadcasters. For more information, please visit: www.OMVC.org