by Courtesy Mobitv; Courtesy Nokia; Courtesy Synaptics: Photo by Courtesy Mobitv; Courtesy Nokia; Courtesy Synaptics

NOW

Treo 650

2.5â€3G Networks


Currently Available

Video Quality

Up to 20 frames per second (fps)-4 fps slower than full-motion video.

Channels

Up to 30

Technology

2.5Gâ€3G Networks Boasting speeds of up to 2.4 megabits per second (almost cable-modem speed), these networks allow cellphones like the Treo 650 to tune in to TV stations or stream programming on demand. Stations are broadcast over Verizon and Sprint's EV-DO and Cingular´s UMTS network.

SOON

Nokia N92

DVB-H


Available fall 2006

Video Quality
30 fps (on par with traditional TV)

Channels

Up to 50

Technology

Digital Video Broadcasting for Handhelds (DVB-H)
As subscriber numbers soar, 3G networks won´t have the capacity to han- dle mobile TV. To combat the data snarl, handset manufacturers are adding a TV-dedicated antenna to phones, such as the N92; and a company called Crown Castle Mobile Media is putting up DVB-H transmitters across the country.

LATER

Synaptics Concept Phone

4g networks


Available 2010

Video Quality
High-definition

Channels
Hundreds

Technology
4G Networks

At 1 gigabit per second, 4G networks will broadcast in high-def. To maximize network space, stations will be streamed over a dedicated section of bandwidth (the way cable TV is), or beamed on demand. Slim, single-antenna phones, like this touchscreen concept, will be able to receive
location-based news from local network servers.