KHCW-TV launches ad-supported mobile phone cam service

KHCW-TV channel 39, the local CW network affiliate in Houston, is launching a new ad-supported service targeting the more than 2,000,000 daily commuters in the region. Commuters will now be able to view traffic tie-ups on their mobile devices before leaving their home, office or school, to help them plan the quickest and safest route.

The service relies on more than 600 traffic cameras operated by Houston TranStar, a collaboration between four government agencies responsible for providing transportation management and emergency management services to the greater Houston area.

Cameras are mounted along freeways, tollways and some major county arterials in the region. 3rd Dimension, a NY-based mobile marketing and application company developed the system technology.
"Cell phones are incredibly useful and personal," said Bruce Laskin, 3rd Dimension COO. "We hope that we have added to that utility with an application providing individualized video information whenever it is needed."

The KHCW application is compatible with data enabled phones on the Sprint, Verizon Wireless, AT&T and T-Mobile networks, and including popular smart phones such as the BlackBerry, Palm Treo and the Motorola Q.