S3, Sofia Digital and O2 collaborate to implement platform independent Mobile TV applications

IBC, Amsterdam, September 3, 2007 – Silicon & Software Systems (S3) and Sofia Digital today announced the delivery of a proof-of-concept Java Mobile TV client to O2 based on the proposed JSR 272 Mobile Broadcast Standard.  The solution will be demonstrated later this week at IBC.  The objective of the collaboration was to define and implement the essential parts of the proposed JSR 272 API which would enable the delivery of downloadable, operator branded, mobile TV applications, to multiple mobile platforms. O2 sees the work as an important further step in validating its Mobile TV deployment strategy, the ultimate goal of which is the ability to deploy common O2 applications across multiple phone and device segments. Java plays an important role in opening up the low-end and feature phone market, seen as key to mass market adoption. 

S3’s onHandTV™ Mobile TV client stack provides the platform independent access to the broadcast content and exposes it through S3’s JSR272 compliant API.  Sofia Digital is providing the Sofia Stage® J2ME Mobile TV applications delivering the O2 usage requirements.  The proof-of-concept will be demonstrated on a range of O2 branded phones along with other portable devices.

“O2 is a leading player in the developing European mobile TV industry and we were delighted when it chose to use our onHandTV™ DVB-H client software in this proof-of-concept. As Mobile TV moves towards mass market adoption in 2008, the type of work we are engaged in with O2 and Sofia Digital is vital to ensure that S3 has the technologies available to meet the needs of operators and device makers,” said John Maguire, General Manager, Consumer Mobile, Silicon & Software Systems (S3).

 “With O2 we had the perfect opportunity to show our expertise in portable Java-based mobile TV applications. We see the adoption of JSR 272 as key to opening up both the device and application developer markets. We are very happy to be working with S3 as their onHandTV™ client provides the perfect platform to validate our Sofia Stage® applications on a range of devices”, said Hannu Anttila, Vice President, Sales & Marketing, Sofia Digital.

“We are delighted with the results of this project”, said Martin Cockerell, Broadcast Strategy Manager, Telefónica O2 Europe. “S3 and Sofia Digital have proven that we can deliver mobile broadcast TV to a wide range of devices while retaining the ability to offer a consistent user interface to the service. This is a significant evolution of our understanding of how mobile TV services can be brought to the mass market,” added Cockerell.

About Silicon & Software Systems (S3)

S3 is the Connected Consumer Technology Company.  It enables operators, OEMs and silicon manufacturers to deliver next generation products and services to consumers, at home and on the move. S3 is also the leading provider of broadcast mobile DTV solutions. It's onHandTV™ software client manages the reception of TV and data services over broadcast, multicast and unicast bearers, delivered to multiple mobile devices. onHandTVTM ensures faster time-to-market and reduced risk for mobile operators and device manufacturers worldwide. It has proven interoperability with all existing commercial networks and key technology suppliers in the mobile DTV ecosystem. Founded in 1986, S3 delivers expert consumer systems design plus leading-edge silicon and software IP. S3 has development centres in Ireland and Central Europe and sales offices and representatives globally. For further information please visit www.s3group.com or visit us at M185 in the Mobile zone at this year’s IBC.

About Sofia Digital

Sofia Digital is an internationally recognized provider of interactive TV solutions, bringing new value-adding solutions and services to different TV terminals utilizing new digital technologies. Sofia Digital focuses on open standard interactive platforms, such as MHP, OCAP, DVB-H and IPTV as well as interactive SMS TV services. Since foundation in 2000, Sofia Digital has served operator, broadcaster and device manufacturer customers in over 25 countries. For further information please visit www.sofiadigital.com or visit us at 2.101 at this year’s IBC.

About Telefónica O2 Europe

Telefónica O2 Europe comprises mobile network operators in the UK,Ireland and Slovakia, along with integrated fixed/mobile businesses in Germany and the Czech Republic - all of which use ‘O2’ as their consumer brand.  Telefónica O2 Europe also owns 50% of the Tesco Mobile and Tchibo Mobilfunk joint venture businesses in the UK and Germany respectively as well as having 100% ownership of Be, a leading UK fixed broadband provider.  In addition, the group includes the Isle of Man fixed/mobile operator, Manx Telecom.
 
Telefónica O2 Europe, part of the Telefónica group, is headquartered in Slough, UK, and has some 40 million mobile and fixed customers.

About Telefónica

Telefónica is one of the largest telecommunications companies in the world in terms of market capitalisation.  Its activities are centred mainly on fixed and mobile telephony, with broadband as the key tool for the development of both.
 
The company has a significant presence in 23 countries and a customer base of over 212 million worldwide.
 
Telefónica is a 100% listed company, with in excess of 1.5 million direct shareholders.  Its share capital currently comprises 4,921,130,397 ordinary shares traded on the Spanish Stock Market (Madrid, Barcelona, Bilbao and Valencia) and on those in London, Paris, Frankfurt, Tokyo, New York, Lima, Buenos Aires and São Paulo.