Raleigh commuters first to get mobile digital television

Posted: 04/16/09 by Molly Kocour

Raleigh commuters' travel time is about to become much more entertaining.  This summer, Raleigh, N.C. will be the first U.S. market to commercially deploy mobile digital television (DTV) broadcasts to local consumers. CBS affiliate and Capitol Broadcasting station WRAL will deliver local, syndicated and networking programming to local Capitol Area Transit (CAT) buses throughout the city with help from some technology vendors, including LG Electronics and Harris. 

Instead of having to rely on books, newspapers or iPods for news and entertainment, commuters will be able to watch the latest episode of Survivor, the local news, or a rerun of CSI.  Additionally, WRAL will include updates on city news, real-time weather and other information on the digital screens inside the buses.

"We are proud to be the pilot to offer mobile digital television to the riders of the Downtown Circulator," said Raleigh Mayor Charles Meeker in a statement. "We salute WRAL for being pioneers in mobile digital television as they were in high definition television. We look forward to the day when all of Raleigh's CAT buses will offer this means of information and relaxation."