Arima Communications, a leading Taiwanese original design manufacturer (ODM), has integrated Telegent Systems’ silicon into a mobile handset that enables consumers to send and receive SMS messages while watching live, free broadcast TV. The SMS-TV feature, which will be commercially available in selected handset designs this summer, is targeted towards consumers who want to chat with one another while watching their favorite programs as well as those who like to interact with participation TV programs through voting or polling.
When activated, Arima’s SMS-TV feature automatically scales the TV to accommodate a data window beneath it to allow sending and receiving of SMS messages. The feature supports different input methods such as T9 as well as multiple languages.
Telegent notes that this new handset capability could enable network operators to generate revenue from free-to-air mobile TV programming. A 2008 Parks Associates survey revealed that 25% of consumers ages 18-24 were interested in the ability to chat while watching TV.
“Free-to-air TV handsets are extremely popular with consumers in our core markets,” said Stephen Hung, senior vice president of Arima. “In Latin America , operators are already adding TV handsets to their mobile phone portfolios in order to address this demand. 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 raises the value of the free-to-air TV feature.”http://www.telegent.com
http://www.arimacomm.com.tw
