The Digital Video Broadcasting project's steering board has approved a specification for sending IP-based media content and data to handheld devices via satellite.

The DVB-SH (Satellite services to Handhelds) specification includes a system to deliver content by terrestrial means where a line of sight between a satellite and a handheld device does not exist.

"DVB-SH enhances the range of DVB standards in the area of mobile digital television," said DVB steering board executive director Peter MacAvock. "At a time when frequency availability is at a premium, it's important to ensure that those wishing to deploy mobile TV in the S-Band can benefit from DVB's proven record in producing successful open standards."

The specification, which is designed to complement the existing DVB-H standard, will now be published and forwarded to the European Telecoms Standards Institute for formal standardisation.