MobiTV on Windows Mobile Platform

[Rocco Augusto]

<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://www.mobitv.com/products/products.php?i=windows_mobile' target='_blank'>http://www.mobitv.com/products/products.php?i=windows_mobile</a><br /><br /></div><i>"MobiTV, Inc., the global leader in television and digital radio services for cellular, WiFi and broadband enabled devices, today announced the immediate availability of the MobiTV® service for Windows Mobile powered phones and devices. Windows Mobile 5.0 Smartphones feature full-screen viewing, a home-like electronic programming guide and much more. 'We already support over 100 different mobile devices and are excited to offer this new version for Windows Mobile powered devices,' said Ben Feinman, director of product management for MobiTV. 'Windows Mobile is particularly well-suited for multimedia and the experience is amazing. We think everyone needs to see it to believe it.'"</i><br /><br /><img src="http://www.smartphonethoughts.com/images/augusto-2006.06.30-mobitv.jpg" alt="User submitted image" title="User submitted image"/><br /><br />If you don't feel like setting up a Slingbox or Orb so you can view your favorite TV channels on the go then I highly suggest checking out MobiTV. I haven't played with it yet on WM devices but I do know that it is a little bit choppy on regular GPRS handsets. Good news is all of the new WM5 phones happen to have EDGE, which is faster. :)

[Kris Kumar]

Hmm...no trial period/version. :( :evil:

And Verizon with its EVDO network is not on the list. :?

[Rocco Augusto]

I couldnt find the info on their site but i know on regular phones the service is an extra $10 a month on top of your existing voice and data plans. I know first hand that you can enjoy MobiTV on Cingular and Sprint but I'm unsure if the same service is available on T-Mobile or Verizon. :(

I wouldn't expect a trail version of this software since I haven't seen them give a trail out to dumb-phone users, who have had this program available to them for years I should add ;)

EDIT: whoops, i dunno how i missed that. right on the top of the link it stats that it is $9.99 a month and it will be charged from Handango each month which means you will probably get a $3.99 insurance charge as well :(

[encece]

Doesnt this come free on handsets and then you only need to pay the monthly charge? Why the $20 download fee?

[Kris Kumar]

So the application is free? We have to pay for the service only? Correct?

Instead of charging a pro-rated amount immediately, it would have been better if they offered it free for 10 days or something. That way they will get more people hooked on it.

[Kris Kumar]

Okay decided to pay the $$$ and got the subscription. Cost me $10.32, have no idea why it is $10.32. :? It is the beginning of the month so it should be 9.99.

Works pretty well on the Q. Really smooth.

Couple of annoyances:
- switching to full screen does not happen smoothly. The app first stops the video, then reconnects in full screen, instead of just changing the resolution while playing the video.
- on the Q, since it lacks dedicated volume control, I don't know how to lower the volume. The scroll wheel does not lower the volume, instead it brings up the guide.
[EDIT: left/right keys on the joy pad does the trick. Had to read the help file. :roll: ]
- the subscription is not tranferrable it seems. After using on the Q, I could not play it on my 2125. :twisted: Even though the Q was not playing any channel.

The quality on the EVDO based Q is amazing, on the 2125 the full screen is okay. But the EDGE speed doesn't offer the same quality as EVDO. :cry: But it is decent. Definitely viewable. But does goes thru occasional buffering. Watching MSNBC News live on the 2125. 8)

BTW it seems like if you install the CAB file [not sure where you can find it] and don't have an account, you can watch it for FREE for 7 days. There is a trial period, it is accessible to only those who have paid and downloaded the CAB.

[encece]

Doesnt this come free on handsets and then you only need to pay the monthly charge? Why the $20 download fee?

To clarify what I wrote...I meant that it if I went to Cingular and bout a phone today...it would come with the software pre-installed on the phone and I could opt in to use the service if I choose, after a trial. Basically, I'm saying it stinks to charge someone $20 for an app that has a $10 monthly fee.

Also, I'm trying EVDO on a borrowed Q running SlingPlayer. EVDO RULES!!! Very tempting to switch to Verizon just for the high speed data. And when you have a slingbox....who needs MobiTV?! :)

[Kris Kumar]

Still a little confused. I was charged only $10.32, which I believe in some weird ways is the pro-rated amount for July. :? I don't think they are charging anything for the download. All charge will be applied towards the service.

EVDO rocks! But it is Verizon, I won't switch. I will wait for Cingular to provide UMTS for my area.

[Rocco Augusto]

i was reading on the website and they said there was a way to transfer the cab to other phones. im still not sure how i feel about it but im interested in trying. you should write up a nice article on it kris ;)

[billcalle]

I decided to subscribe and give it a shot. During the process, I discovered that they offer a 3 day free trial. Unfortunately, I get hung up half way through the sign-up process because my browser won't submit the form. I've posted about this elsewhere, so I won't repeat it here. That said, if anybody wants to try out the service, it looks like a free trial IS available.

[Kris Kumar]

Okay I need some feddback from other users on the Verizon network.

The first day, the streaming worked great. But nowadays it keeps breaking up. Last three days I have been trying to watch CNBC news and after 2 minutes or so, it pauses, then again works, then pauses. I am in an area with pretty good coverage, 3-4 bars.

[Mike Temporale]

Hey Kris, you should try the Slingbox on that Q. No monthly fees. ;)

[Kris Kumar]

Hey Kris, you should try the Slingbox on that Q. No monthly fees. ;)

I am too scared. I might end up walking to the store like Jerry and buying a Q for myself. :lol: