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The Technology Partnership (TTP) has demonstrated a new way to put broadcast TV on a cell phone. Instead of embedding a TV receiver chip on the main cell-phone printed-circuit board (PCB), TTP recommends packaging it into a separate module (see the figure). The headset cable houses the antenna, and the receiver module sends video to the handset by Bluetooth 2.0.

The result is that anyone with a large enough cell-phone screen and Bluetooth 2.0 can buy the TV receiver as a low-cost accessory and get over-the-air (OTA) TV broadcasts. This technique will work with any of the digital TV standards, such as DVB-T, DVB-H, T-DMB, and CMMB, as well as the U.S. ATSC M/H standards. It also works with digital radio technologies like DAB, HD Radio, and satellite radio, as TTP has demonstrated with the U.K.’s DAB digital radio.

TTP’s module includes a mobile TV receiver, which communicates with the cell phone via a Bluetooth 2.0 link. Its basic design, which incorporates stereo headphones, can be adapted for virtually any digital TV or radio technology.

What is the benefit of this approach? Primarily, carriers in the U.S. have been questioning why they should add an OTA TV receiver into their handsets. After all, what’s in it for them? They’re looking for a business model that will net them income on cellular services or features, and OTA TV doesn’t deliver. That’s why TTP’s technology may be the answer for broadcast mobile TV in the U.S. With analog TV going away on June 12 and the implementation of the ATSC M/H mobile handset standard forthcoming, cell-phone users could finally get the digital TV they want.

This approach has several benefits. First, the other radios in the handset won’t compromise the external TV receiver chip’s sensitivity. An external device won’t increase the battery drain on the handset either. The need for one more antenna disappears. And, many existing phones will work as is, meaning you won’t need a new phone or extra services if you want to watch TV.

The device would be sold as an accessory for an estimated $50. Carriers could get on board with that. TTP’s design can be licensed and customized to any desired TV or radio standard. Overall, it’s an interesting option that could make mobile TV take off.