Garmin licenses S3's onHandTV Mobile TV Software

– Silicon & Software Systems (S3) today announced that their onHandTV Mobile TV software has been licensed by Garmin Ltd., the global leader in portable satellite navigation. The software provides Garmin's nüvi 900T navigator with digital television functionality. The navigator is co-branded with wireless carrier 3 Italia for deployment in their DVB-H network and will be available in July 2008 in Italy.

S3 is the leading provider of mobile TV software and was selected by Garmin because they delivered a low risk solution and enabled a fast time to market. S3's proven interoperability with multiple networks and service protection vendors, and their support for multiple industry standards, gives the 900T a global reach into countries launching Mobile TV services.

“Garmin, as the global leader in portable consumer navigation products, is one of S3's most coveted customers and I am proud to add them to our list of onHandTV licensees,” said John Maguire, General Manager, Consumer Mobile, S3.  “S3 is at the forefront of enabling enriched TV services on multiple devices and we believe that portable navigation systems offer a compelling personal TV experience to consumers. We are at a critical tipping point in the industry where new business models and converged services are changing the way we consume TV and location-aware TV products will have a significant part to play in the future,” concluded Maguire.

S3's Consumer Mobile group delivers broadcast and streaming Mobile TV products and services to broadcasters, cellular operators and OEMs in the cellular, Personal Navigation Device and laptop markets. The company offers a range of products from key Mobile TV components to complete turnkey solutions.