Review: AT&T Mobile TV with FLO Service on the LG Vu Verdict: Media Flows L
Posted by: admin in UncategorizedReview: AT&T Mobile Television with FLO Service on the LG Vu Verdict: Media Flows Like Greased Lightning
Do we really need another reason to rot our brains on the go? Apparently we do because live Television on your phone seems to be the next large thing for U.S. carriers. We tried out the latest effort to get…
Do we really need another reason to rot our brains on the go? Apparently we do because live Television on your phone seems to be the next massive thing for U.S. carriers. We tried out the latest effort to get the boob tube on a mobile device; AT&T’s Mobile Television with FLO (Forward Link Only) a service we coupled with the LG Vu that turned out to be a match made in couch-potato heaven.
While the MediaFLO service doesn’t actually work over 3G, a strong connection makes certain that service is uninterrupted. Qualcomm’s media streaming operates over the old UHF band and taps but for some back end engineering reason, it needs to tap into the 3G network in order to get started. There’s virtually no buffering and programming starts up within a few seconds. On the Vu’s brilliant 3-inch screen we found picture quality to be insanely clear and frame rates to be smooth as buttered silk.
Certain channels like Comedy Central and specific sporting events on ESPN or breaking news on CNN are simulcast. All other programming, like episodes of your favorite Fox shows (Family Guy!), are time-shifted and updated when necessary. There are three different Mobile TV packages to select from. Included in the $30 package is unlimited Mobile TV, Web browsing and CV mobile video along with CBS Mobile, CNN Mobile Live, Comedy Central, ESPN Mobile, Fox Mobile, MTV, NBC 2Go, NBC News 2Go, Nickelodeon and PIX (Sony Pictures). The mid-tier package at $15 gives you unlimited Mobile Television and the CNCRT channel for a limited time. The basic package includes CBS Mobile, FOX Mobile, NBC 2Go and NBC News 2Go for only $13.
Watching live streaming Television or movies like The Karate Kid on the Vu’s 3-inch haptic touchscreen is, well, pretty extraordinary. The user interface is fairly intuitive with straightforward menus. And as long as you’re within range of a 3G network, there’s no network hiccupping. Hell, it almost makes us want to junk our 52-inch monster HD LCD and watch Television on our phone full time. Nearly. —Peter Ha
WIRED Simulcast and time-shifted programming on any AT&T device + no lag time makes = simple to slip into sloth mode. Live streaming CNN is a must for news junkies. Variety of programming packages should fit just about everyone’s viewing style.
TIRED Unless you’re in an area with strong 3G coverage, the service simply will not work.
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