This new standard will allow next-generation cell phones and mobile devices to receive over-the-air television broadcasts for free, similar to the DVB-H standard is the mobile extension of DVB-T in Europe.  And to help speed adoption with broadcasters, they’ll be able to use their existing license without modification and be able to use their existing 8VSB terrestrial broadcast stream

So where does WQVGA and microdisplays come into play here?  Well, it turns out that the proposed ATSC-M/H standard calls for a single base resolution of 16:9 QVGA … Wide QVGA.

This aspect ratio not only is a good fit for the designs of newer cell phone screens, but it’s also a great fit for our latest microdisplay panel that we announced last month–our first WQVGA product.  Our WQVGA panel is an integrated solution, incorporating the display panel and control circuitry in a compact all-in-one package. Consuming only 85mW, it’s ideal for applications where portability and battery life is most critical–like a cell phone.

So next time you’re sitting at the airport waiting for a delayed flight, imagine being able to pop out your cell phone to watch some live TV…and projecting it up on the terminal wall to share with your fellow passengers (or an anxious toddler).  That might help make that delay a bit more exciting