The already-crowded mobile audio and video market gets another player today. Buzzwire is launching a beta-version of its mobile video and audio streaming service, backed by $4 million in funding. The round was led by Matrix Partners and Spark Capital. Four of the five top execs, including CEO Andrew MacFarlane, are ex-Openwave.

Buzzwire, based in Bedford, MA and Denver, claims its service stands apart from other mobile TV plays because it uses 3G networks, not other networks and doesn’t require special client software or hardware on the handsets--although users do need to have Web-browsing software enabled on their phones. Users can share audio and video files and playlists.

The service has content from radio stations such as NPR and video and audio podcasts from sites like Slate, and TV features like the NBC Nightly News.  The company is now offering its service for free over any 3G network, but it plans to eventually cut deals with specific operators and charge a monthly fees starting around $2.99 per month, which it wants to supplement with advertising. It’s hoping for around 5,000 users for the beta before its formal launch in the autumn. Those who are interested can find the service here.

Rafat adds: Another audio/video service? What specific problem this is solving that other countless services don’t have? Nothing, at this point. Plus, the service has dreams of making its site a destination, a very tough undertaking these days. Watch this interview with the CEO here...tell me if you get excited about anything he says...not me.