Early T-DMB adopters in Korea have to upgrade software by 20 September

Early adopters of terrestrial DMB (digital multimedia broadcasting) TV in South Korea may be wishing they hadn’t been so enthusiastic.

They’ve now been told that critical malfunctions are likely to happen from 20 September if they don’t get their software upgraded.

Most of the T-DMB mobile TV receivers sold before March 2006 will not work properly when broadcasters KBS, MBC and SBS start to send out a data signal called BIFS (Binary Format for Scenes). A number of users have already reported receiver breakdowns in test service areas including Pusan and Kwangju.

T-DMB is the most popular mobile TV platform in South Korea as it is free to view. According to the industry, about 1.4 million T-DMB receivers, including some 520,000 DMB-embedded mobile phones, have been sold since July. It is also estimated that there are around 120 companies selling various types of DMB receivers in Korea, while many of the small firms are still not prepared to offer the necessary upgrade for the BIFS signals.

BIFS is a two-way communication technology that enables users to interact with broadcasters. For example, a viewer can access detailed information about an advertised product on a DMB TV. Broadcasters have been pushing for the adoption of the system to increase advertising revenue. Recognizing the gravity of the issue, users and manufacturers began to share information at several DMB communities such as www.dmbuser.com from late last month.

Some major DMB receiver manufacturers have announced that their products are already fitted for the BIFS standard. Some small manufacturers are recalling products for an upgrade, while many others are still developing the necessary software.

Source: Media Network, Korea Times

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