PBS Announces "Next-Gen EAS" Pilot Using Mobile DTV
Later this year, PBS will begin testing a next-generation emergency alert system designed to deliver multimedia alerts (video, audio, text, and graphics) to mobile phones, tablets, laptops, and in-car navigation systems.
Later this year, PBS will begin testing a next-generation emergency alert system designed to deliver multimedia alerts (video, audio, text, and graphics) to mobile phones, tablets, laptops, and in-car navigation systems, according to a press release issued at the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) show today.
Since 2009, all full-power TV stations have been broadcasting over-the-air signals in digital only. U.S. broadcasters are now launching their version of mobile television--Mobile DTV--giving consumers the capability to watch digital television through a variety of mobile devices. The proposed alert system will utilize this Mobile DTV standard for delivering alerts and warnings to the public.
"Now that the transition to digital is complete and Mobile DTV is rolling out, PBS will harness Mobile DTV's powerful distribution system to provide new means of alerting Americans in the event of an emergency," said PBS Chief Technology Officer, John McCoskey.
According to the release, this approach will significantly enhance warning capabilities since: 1) there is no bandwidth bottleneck to worry about due to the "one-to-many" nature of broadcasting, and 2) videos, photos, graphics, text, and audio can be delivered through this architecture.
The main goal of the year-long pilot project is to prove the viability of using Mobile DTV to distribute emergency messages, including evaluating costs, cost-sharing models, alternative technologies, public and emergency manager acceptance, and expected future needs.
The development is interesting and sounds promising in theory. It could be a nice complement to the upcoming Commercial Mobile Alert System (CMAS) designed to deliver text messages using cell broadcast technology. We'll certainly keep our eyes on this story and keep you up to date on any progress.
Best regards,
Lorin
