Teletext service in a Finnish mobile TV pilot

Sofia Digital and RTT Oy have implemented together a teletext service pilot for Finnish DVB-H networks as a part of RTT's research program. The pilot utilizes a mobile teletext platform by Sofia Digital. The solution enables for mobile television the same teletext services, familiar from traditional TV broadcasts.

The participants in the pilot were Digita, Elisa, Nokia, TeliaSonera, Yleisradio, SWelcom, and MTV MEDIA. The purpose of the pilot was to test IP datacasting services in a DVB-H network. The service selected for the pilot was Teletext which enjoys great popularity in Finland. Well over a half of Finnish households, over million households altogether, use teletext services regularly. "We believe that teletext will be popular service on mobile TV as well, because of high quality content", says Mr. Juha Mustonen from MTV Oy. "The service which is now being piloted would suit broadcasters especially well, because the same content used in traditional teletext services can be used as such when delivering content to mobile TV devices " he continues.

Not only the teletext content, but the teletext application as well, can be delivered in a mobile TV network. "The application is based on Java. The delivery of content and the application is made in DVB-H networks using filecasting technology", Mr. Mika Kanerva, CTO of Sofia Digital explains.  "Mobile teletext has been tested with DVB-H compatible phones in the network operated by Digita. The service is easily implemented on all devices which support DVB-H filecast and Java technologies. "

The service is expected to be well received on mobile devices as well, due to easy navigation and high usability. "The service is familiar to practically all the viewers and its' mobile version is very easy to take into use", Mr. Kanerva elaborates.

RTT Oy is a non-profit organization that contributes to the research and development of new radio and television technologies in Finland. RTT participants are Digita Oy, Elisa Oyj, MTV Media, Nokia Oyj, TeliaSonera Finland Oyj, Swelcom Oy, Teleste Oyj ja Yleisradio Oy.

Sofia Digital is an internationally recognized provider of interactive TV solutions, bringing new value-adding services to different TV terminals utilizing new digital technologies. Sofia Digital focuses on open standard interactive platforms, such as MHP, OCAP, DVB-H and IPTV as well as interactive SMS TV services.

More information:

Sofia Digital Oy
Mr. Mika Kanerva