DVB-SH on its Way to Handsets in the US

Folks who're drooling over Japan's 1-seg TV tuner don't have to be so green anymore. The ICO Global Communications's satellite has launched just recently to provide citizens of the United States, US Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico with 10 to 15 minute mobile TV streams without the need for a broadcast dish. Of course, aforementioned locations already have other mobile TV technologies, but this one, the DVB-SH, boasts improved building penetration for some serious indoor mobile TV viewing and a nationwide coverage.

The company responsible for the satellite is ICO Global Communications. It's estimated to have a price tag worth US$5 million, so when it becomes available, it better work. The first DVB-SH devices are expected soon, although the official launch of the DVB-SH technology would be sometime on 2009.