Digital Multimedia

When words like Digital, HDTV, Plasma, Media, Multimedia and more being thrown around, your head may be spinning with hi-tech words, phrases and devices. Maybe you heard the phrase “Digital Multimedia” and you are wondering what it means. Digital Multimedia is actually a broadcasting type used in Europe to broadcast media through radio waves. This system is used to broadcast radio and television to mobile devices. Originally created in South Korea, the digital multimedia system is also often called mobile TV has been the standard in Europe since 2005. The digital multimedia system is not available in the United States because the channels set for television and military broadcast would interfere with the Digital multimedia broadcast. So, the system is unique to Europe.

 

The many uses of digital multimedia broadcasting includes uninterrupted radio and television no matter where the location. The system works in vehicles, even if a vehicle is travelling in a tunnel. The system requires a receiver, which is a huge seller in Korea. In fact, the receivers have been built into cell phone, car navigation systems, media players, computers, laptops, and even digital cameras. In fact, almost half of the cell phones sold in the area are already equipped with a digital multimedia receiver. In South Korea, the service is completely free to use; however, it is only available in some areas. But if you are in an available area with a receiver, you can receive television and radio absolutely free of charge! South Korea at this time offers eight digital multimedia channels.

 

Many other countries are either already offering digital multimedia or are planning to offer the service. Some of these countries include: Germany (already available), the Netherlands (in planning), France, Indonesia, and Norway (both are working on trial plans), Italy and China (in planning), Canada and Malaysia (also working with the system on a trial basis).

 

There seem to be no plans to bring digital multimedia broadcasting to the United States, mainly due to the interference issues, but one can never tell. Maybe one day in the future, Americans will have access to such a broadcasted television and radio system. This would virtually eliminate issues with radio station locality and more. But it is not in planning for the area.