Mobile DTV Goes for a Drive

Audiovox will launch car entertainment systems that can receive Dyle live mobile DTV broadcasts

By George Winslow -- Broadcasting & Cable, 9/12/2012 11:24:18 AM

Audiovox Electronics Corp. has announced plans to produce the first rear-seat car entertainment system that will be capable of receiving the Dyle mobile DTV service launched by local broadcasters in many markets.

The Dyle service, which is backed by the Mobile Content Venture consortium of broadcast stations and networks, features live broadcasts from 18 major broadcast station groups as well as such networks as Fox, ION Television, Univision, Telemundo, NBC, ABC and CBS in various markets.

Currently, 90-plus stations in 35 markets reaching approximately 55% of the U.S. population have started the broadcasts to mobile devices. The Audiovox products will allow users to receive live news, sports and entertainment broadcasts from those stations.

The product will be sold and professionally installed through Audiovox's distribution channels, which include retail specialists, expeditors who service car dealers, electronic retailers, car dealers and the company's OEM customers.

"With over 100 million cars on the road today, the automobile back seat represents a great new audience for live TV," said Salil Dalvi and Erik Moreno, co-general managers of the Mobile Content Venture in a statement. "We think this lays important groundwork for a new class of in-vehicle entertainment services. We are thrilled to partner with Audiovox and deliver the Dyle mobile TV experience to consumers in their cars."

The announcement is the latest example of broadcasters pushing to get more consumer electronics manufacturers to launch devices capable of receiving the mobile DTV broadcasts. Previously Dyle had announced the launch of a mobile DTV capable phone from Samsung and various accessories that will allow existing tablets and smartphones to receive the signals.