Consumers are increasingly turning to mobile devices to watch video, which is creating opportunities for content providers.
However, fear of forfeiting retransmission fees or running into copyright problems has prevented most local TV stations from leveraging the technology.
As a result, companies such as FilmOn, Ivi and Aereo have emerged, causing TV networks to seek legal action.
“That doesn’t mean broadcasters are ignoring the demand for their content on mobile; they’re just taking another route,” reports Variety. “The solution is much more of a technical feat: Delivery of dedicated mobile TV signals to portable devices specially equipped with receivers. That includes news, sports, traffic, weather and emergency alerts. Some 120 stations are transmitting mobile digital TV signals, according to the Open Mobile Video Coalition.”
Aereo believes its streaming of New York stations via thumbnail-sized antennas for capturing broadcast signals is a legal option, but the issue of violating copyright law has been raised. In Portland, Skitter is streaming channels to Roku boxes, “with an eye to offering them via mobile apps,” indicates the article. “Skitter is believed to be on more solid footing because it has obtained retrans licenses from broadcasters to stream their signals.”
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