So what is DVB-H and when are we going to be able to use it

by editor@text4price.com @ 09 June 2006 - 11:02:28

The TV information is digitised and then broadcast in high concentration short bursts (one second of TV in one tenth of a second).

This means that that the receiver can be switched off 90% of the time and thus save battery power making it useable for devices, like mobiles, which have limited battery reserves.

Unlike TV broadcast over a 3G network, DVB-H shows can be received by an unlimited number of people once it has been broadcast. DVB-H also has some clever technology built into the software to compensate fo the fact that mobile devices with small aerials that may have varying quality of reception levels.

As we said in our previous article DVB-H is a technology still in its infancy, and it is unlikely there will be a commercially launched network before summer.

However Nokia are using the N92 to showcase DVB-H technology and there is something undeniably cool about convergence devices and one that has TV built in definitely packs that extra wow, but the device has plenty to offer besides mobile TV.


The N92 offers a new design form factor – a flip and fold – with a total of four usage modes. In closed mode there is a small secondary screen that displays a limited amount of information (time, message, battery and signal notifications). In flip-open mode the phone operates as a traditional flip phone and it fits snugly in the hand.


In TV mode, the screen is rotated a further 90 degrees so that it becomes flush with the long side of the keypad. This gives the impression of a clamshell device. It is this mode that is used for watching TV. The stereo speakers are located on the back of the unit (away from the person watching TV), which is not ideal, but was probably dictated by space constraints.

It is clear the device is optimised for watching TV in
this mode. You can sit the N92 on a desk in front of you and adjust the viewing angle, or it will sit just as easily in the palm of the hand.


The TV picture is displayed full screen and the quality of the picture is excellent, and channel changing is near instantaneous. It is difficult to get across how good it looks without seeing it for yourself, but between the high resolution screen and the DVB-H technology, the N92 offers an unsurpassed mobile television experience

The screen on the N92 is mid resolution (240 x 320), high colour (16 M colours) and has an anti-glare feature, all of which add up to one excellent screen.


However, the design may not be to everyone's tastes, with the general feel of the device, a not quite good enough camera and the keypad being low points; and there is no getting away from the fact that it is large and heavy.


When DVB-H is launched then you should consider the N92, otherwise you
should look at the smaller and perhaps even more desirable N80.

When its released you will be able to compare the best deals for the N92 online at www.text4price.com.

Filed under: TV and Video

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