HDTV/3D TV News
You’ll soon be able to watch mobile TV and send text messages at the same time on Arima-made handsets, following a deal between Arima Communications Corp. and mobile TV maker Telegent Systems.
Arima’s SMS interactive feature enables mobile users to send and receive text messages whilst watching live broadcast television on their handset screen via Telegent’s mobile TV application – so they can chat with their friends about a TV show that they’re both watching.
SMS-TV, as the service is aptly named, automatically scales down the size of the TV screen so text messages can be displayed beneath it.
The service allows users to interact with participation TV shows – such as X-Factor and Britain’s Got Talent – by sending in a text vote or opinion whilst watching on their handset.
Arima believes SMS-TV will prove popular, and with good reason.
A 2007 survey showed that roughly half of broadband users age 16-24 send text messages whilst watching TV.
“Integrating SMS with mobile TV enables a TV viewing experience that young consumers are already very familiar with,” said John Barrett of Parks Associates, who conducted the research.
Mobile networks will like SMS-TV too, as it gives them even greater opportunity to earn additional revenue.
“If a consumer is watching soccer and can send an SMS to a friend about the game, this interactive action can drive revenue for the operator and increases the value of the free-to-air TV feature,” said Stephen Hung, Arima’s vice president.
Weilie Yun, Telegent CEO and president, said SMS-TV “adds value to both consumers and operators.”
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