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LG's Mobile DTV tech used in Tweet-TV and emergency alert systems
Among other things, LG is broadening the capabilities of Mobile DTV here at CES, with a social media aspect in particular striking us as particularly helpful / wacky. Tweet-TV, as it's called, brings together public comments about specific broadcasts and retransmits them for all viewers to see. We're told that viewers engaged with Tweet-TV would be able to interact with program content and submit their comments on programs. The broadcaster consolidates the real-time comments and transmits those short messages with the video and audio, enabling a transparent conversational overlay; in essence, the Mobile DTV application enables viewers to carry on an open discussion of program content or reply to questions that could be part of an "audience quiz." The program's also being used to display pertinent information on digital signage, not to mention an M-EAS project that'll use Mobile DTV to get emergency alerts to those with compatible equipment. Head on past the break for the rest of the details -- sadly, there's no real information on how soon Mobile DTV will be spreading to your neck of the woods.
From leak to live: Sony Ericsson officially reveals Xperia Acro for Japan
The Arc's Japan-bound baby brother hasn't exactly been a well kept secret. After last month's website and image leaks, we've been waiting for Sony Ericsson to make it official. And now they have. The Xperia Acro, flaunting a 1GHz Snapdragon processor, 8.1 megapixel camera, and Adreno 205 GPU is heading to Japan this summer -- making it a possible match for the Azusa, uncovered by NenaMark earlier this week. The new kid in Akihabara was designed specifically for the Japanese market, runs Android 2.3.3 on a 4.2-inch touchscreen, and adds unique features like a mobile wallet and TV functionality. Hit the break for some quick and dirty PR.
Xperia Acro images leaked, Arc's Japan-bound sibling puts on a little weight at the circus
If you'll remember last week's funny when Sony Ericsson accidentally outed the Xperia Acro on their PC Companion software, we were at an utter loss for quality shots of the device... happily, that's now changed. Yes, dear readers, we present you with a multi-angle look at the Acro, and if it appears decidedly similar to the Arc, you're close to understanding Sony's intent. As expected, this Japanese Xperia has bulked up after tossing on NFC, IrDA and DTV features. If this weren't enough, SE's show-off gets another bonus over its svelte sibling and is expected to ship with Android 2.3.3, (you know, for all that NFC-writing you were planning).
RCA's line of portable hybrid televisions now available
RCA announced these way back at CES, and it's now finally rolled out its new line of portable "hybrid" televisions, which are able to receive both Mobile DTV and standard digital TV signals. Those include in two different 3.5-inch models that run $119 and $159 (the latter includes an FM tuner and lithium ion battery back instead of AAs), as well as a 7-inch model that will set you back $179 -- somewhat curiously, those prices are all $10 higher than those originally announced. Those looking to fully round out the package can also snag a car kit that includes a charger, remote control and monopole antenna for $129. Full press release is after the break.
LG adds 'Tweet-TV' enabled Android phone to its list of Mobile DTV prototypes
Whenever mobile digital television broadcasts finally take off LG will be ready and its latest concept design -- following the autostereoscopic 3D screen shown at CES -- is the Tweet-TV pictured above. At the National Association of Broadcasters show this week it's demonstrating the prototype Android phone with a Harris MDTV antenna that also pulls in relevant tweets and displays them over the broadcast being watched. Whether or not a dose of social networking will help MDTV succeed where others have failed remains to be seen but first we'll see if it manages to reach 40% of the US population later this year. The press release and a bigger picture follow after the break.
Sony Ericsson's Acro leaked, shows up its older brother
Whoa there, Mister Clickety-click, contain that check-box excitement just a tick. Thanks to a keen set of eyes (and an overly-eager Sony Ericsson employee), we present SE's latest unreleased Xperia, the Acro -- a refinement to its recent Gingerbread-wielding Arc that you most certainly weren't meant to see. Duplicating the core specs of its sibling, Sony's future stuntman takes it a step further, performing infrared and NFC communication, while also showcasing its DTV reception skills -- you know, so the locals can get their fill of zany game shows on the commute. Like its kin, the Arc features a 1GHz Snapdragon MSM8255, 4.2-inch display and an 8.1 megapixel Exmor R sensor, just like the one you may or may not see in future iPhones. Even though the TV function is decidedly intriguing, we know you're just considering beaming bits of IrDA glory to your graphing calculator. Hey, there's no shame in that. Update: Based on the model number, we're pretty sure the Acro is destined for KDDI's au brand. [Thanks, Chris]
RCA debuts new line of portable ATSC / Mobile DTV hybrid televisions
Mobile DTV is finally making inroads stateside, and now RCA has announced a new line of portable TVs that not only take advantage of the technology, but also throw in regular digital TV reception t'boot. The four devices include: 3.5-inch Hybrid Portable Television DMT335R (including a LED backlit LCD screen and both AC power and 4 hours of playback on AA batteries for an MSRP of $109), 3.5-inch Hybrid Portable Television DMT336R (same as above, with additional FM receiver and internal Lithium Polymer battery, for an MSRP of $149); 7-inch Hybrid Portable Television DMT270R (800 x 480 LCD screen with 500:1 contrast ratio, AC power and built-in Lithium Polymer battery, and more for $169), and a car tuner receiver DMT3BR, featuring a car charger, remote control, and more, for a suggested retail price $119. Psyched? We bet you are! Check out the gallery below or the PR after the break. %Gallery-112563%
Mobile DTV ready to roll out, upgrading 20 major metros to portable TV by 2012
Slowly but surely, the biggest US cities are catching up to the rest of the world -- just imagine, by this time next year, we might even have broadcast television beamed to our tablets and cell phones. That's because the Mobile Content Venture formed from twelve media giants in April has just promised to start upgrading TV stations to deliver Mobile DTV (aka ATSC-M/H) around the country, with the intent of reaching 20 major markets and a total of 40 percent of the US population by "late 2011." Each of New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Dallas, Washington D.C., Atlanta, Houston, Detroit, Tampa, Phoenix, Minneapolis, Orlando, Portland, Cincinnati, Greenville, West Palm Beach, Birmingham and Knoxville can expect to have a pair of ad-supported TV channels before long, assuming citizens are willing and able to pick up hardware with a old-school RF antenna sticking out -- and that whole "streaming" thing doesn't take off. PR after the break.
Mobile DTV gains national mobile content service, broadcast group support
If there's one thing a fledgling technology needs, it's good marketing. That aside, the next most vital thing is industry support. Today, an even dozen broadcast groups have banded together in order to back the soon-to-launch Mobile DTV format (ATSC-M/H), with Belo, Cox, E.W. Scripps, Fox, Gannett, Hearst, ION, Media General, Meredith, NBC, Post-Newsweek and Raycom forming a joint venture to develop a "new national mobile content service." The service will utilize the broadcast spectrum already set aside in order to allow member companies to "provide content to mobile devices, including live and on-demand video, local and national news from print and electronic sources, as well as sports and entertainment programming." That's pretty big news for a tech that's been struggling to gain acceptance in America, and if all goes to plan, Washington, DCers will get a chance to indulge first when it goes live in the nation's capitol on May 3rd. A showcase on that date will demonstration a Mobile DTV-capable Samsung Moment and Dell Mini 10 (amongst others), though we're still having a tough time digging up firm pricing for any of those. Get ready, folks -- Pimp My Ride is about to get a huge second wind.
Broadcasters may have to pay extra for the right to deliver Mobile DTV
As a geek who just wants to enjoy gadgets, it can be very hard to understand the complicated spider web of media rights -- it's easily the kind of thing that puts one into an outrage when things like Hulu being pulled from Boxee happen. The problem is of course money, but this one is just too crazy, so we'll spell it out for you. Lets say a broadcaster pays NBC for the exclusive right to broadcast the network's signal in the Los Angeles area. Now obviously the exclusivity means that the broadcaster is the only one who can deliver that content in that area. Well evidently just because they paid for the right to broadcast the signal to HDTVs and cable customers, doesn't necessarily mean they own the rights to broadcast that signal to mobile portable device. Yeah, that's right, networks want broadcasters to pay extra for that. The part that makes this really ridiculous is that the older NTSC standard worked just fine on mobile portable devices without any extra licensing fees, but now that we have one type of signal for stationary, and one for mobile, they have to pay more. Gotta love those content creators.
FLO TV and Mophie team up to bring mobile TV to your iPhone
If you'll recall, FLO TV showed off a proof-of-concept for getting its mobile TV service onto the iPhone back in November of last year. At the time, it required a somewhat unwieldy attachment, which has now melted away with the inclusion of Mophie into the deal, who will integrate the FLO TV hardware into its popular Juice Pack. Both companies are pretty psyched about the synergy of having one device both receiving mobile TV and doing the consequently necessary battery life extension. You'll find their collective announcement after the break, and products can be expected in the first half of the year.
LG's Infinia HDTV, Skype-enabled set and Mobile DTV-lovin' DVD player hands-on
LG's 6.9mm HDTV stole the show, but a bevy of the company's other new wares were on display (and in action) at its press conference. The Mobile DTV-enabled DVD player was actually streaming live television via the temporary tower established here in Vegas, and the video quality was surprisingly good with no perceived lag or pixelation. We also witnessed a live Skype call, and while the quality was subpar due to the awful WiFi connection, the user interface and actual usability seemed satisfactory. Finally, the smattering of Infinia LCDs were downright dazzling, but given the competition, it'll still be tough for these to break through in a world full of me-too sets. Have a peek below, won't you? %Gallery-81730%
Tivit Mobile DTV to WiFi device hands-on: it works!
While devices dedicated to DTV or bulked up for DTV have rarely struck our fancy, there's something pretty compelling about this new Tivit unit, for whatever reason. A bit like a single-minded MiFi, the device pulls in Mobile DTV video and then pumps it out over WiFi to a single device at a time. Based on how you're accessing it, the Tivit might appear just as a web page of channel listings to choose from, or in a fancier custom-built app on the iPhone, but to all of those devices it streams h.264 video at a pretty good quality. We tested it with the iPod touch, and while the 20 second channel change times were a little frustrating (they claim they'll be able to get it down to 8, and that it's Apple's fault), everything else worked flawlessly. We had a bit less luck with the Droid, due to what appeared to be a missing codec on our end; we'll have to investigate further. Perhaps the best part is that there's no additional power drain on our primary device, though remembering another USB charger at the end of the day might get annoying. All in all we wholeheartedly support an effort such as this to bring new content to our existing phone, laptop and desktop screens, and if they can sell this for the $90 to $120 suggested price range unsubsidized, we might just be looking at Mobile DTV's best shot at life yet. There's video after the break of the thing in action. %Gallery-81718%
LG reveals Full HD 3D projector, Skype-enabled HDTVs and more at CES
The show floor finally opened up here in Vegas today, and just as we knew they would, the product announcements are flowing hot and heavy. LG's one of today's biggest players, unleashing a whole bevy of new kit that truly spans the gamut of consumer electronic sectors. Kicking things off is the CF3D, which is hailed as the planet's first Full HD, 3D single lens type projector. As for specs, you'll get 3D auto picture calibration, a twin engine, two HDMI 1.3 sockets, 300 ANSI lumens and a single USB input, while the XGA HX300G won't do much of anyone outside of traveling salespeople much good. Moving on, there's a little confirmation of the Skype news that we caught wind of yesterday; sure enough, a range of LG's NetCast-enabled HDTVs will ship with Skype capabilities, though it sounds as if you'll need to budget for a standalone camera. LG's also making official that Mobile DTV-supporting DVD player that we first spotted at the tail end of last year, which will be in stores later this year for around $249. There's plenty more to share on these -- as well as a good bit surrounding a legion of new monitors -- so hop on past the break if you just can't get enough. %Gallery-81670%
Samsung's Mobile DTV-enabled Moment hands-on
Samsung's out and about this evening showing off its just-announced Moment with extra Mobile DTV circuitry stuffed in, and if you thought it looked an awful lot like a standard Moment... well, you'd be absolutely right. The only notable change is an articulating, telescoping antenna that screws into the top of the phone -- a sure sign that this device is nothing but a trial unit since we'd assume retail devices would have a sexier way to stow it. Speaking of stowage, what do you do when you're not watching TV? Pop off the antenna, collapse it, and screw it into the attached charm -- "geeky" doesn't even begin to describe it. Anyhow, we got a little video of the modded Moment in action -- unfortunately, Samsung's having reception issues with its private broadcast setup (there's no Mobile DTV network here in Vegas, or anywhere, for that matter) but we were able to see how the UI's going to work and learn a little bit about the system. Guide data will typically be pulled over the TV airwaves, though the company says that it'll be up to the manufacturer and carrier if they want to supplement or replace that with a 3G-based feed; the video was coming down at 416 x 240 and can be shown full-screen on the Moment's AMOLED display. Unlike MediaFLO, it's completely free for users -- and that might be just the kick in the pants mobile TV needs to take hold. Follow the break for our video!
Samsung Moment being trialed with Mobile DTV
You know the old saying -- as LG does, so does Samsung -- so it doesn't come as much of a surprise that Sammy's swinging in today with a ATSC Mobile DTV announcement following LG's a few days ago (of course, it helps that both companies worked were actively working on the technology for a couple years, too). There are some interesting parallels here; LG basically transplanted a boob tube tuner into its Lotus, while Samsung elected to take its Android-powered Moment and retrofit the new circuitry. It's little more than a proof of concept for now, but by the end of the quarter, Sprint and Samsung look to roll out trial units to customers in Baltimore and Washington, DC. Productivity: you're on notice.
Concept Enterprises reveals first Mobile DTV car tuner
The Advanced Television System Committee just approved the Mobile DTV standard last month, and already Concept Enterprises is dishing out what looks to be the planet's first in-car tuner to support that very format. 'Course, only time will tell if this thing will actually be loved in the market; we've already seen AT&T halt its CruiseCast installations after only a few months of being ignored. At any rate, the minuscule box is engineered to work with any after-market / OEM monitor with conventional RCA outputs, and it only requires a 1-inch roof-mount antenna base along with a 6-inch antenna wire. There's no word on when the $499 box is expected to hit the market, but until your DMA becomes one of the markets where testing is going on, you're probably better off just not thinking about it.
Samsung develops first chip for US mobile digital TV transmission, provides no release date
Mmm, nothing like a pinch of predictability to wake us in the morning. Just days after the Advanced Television Systems Committee (ATSC) finally announced that a North American mobile DTV standard was struck, Samsung has jumped in with what it's calling the planet's first single chip solution designed to handle those very transmissions. All we're told is that the solution combines RF and "digital chip components" into one 65 nanometer chip, making it ideal for smaller devices such as smartphones, car-mounted televisions and portable media players. Of course, Sammy doesn't even bother to mention a mass production date, so we're guessing we all just rise awkwardly and start a roaring slow clap to celebrate the accomplishment.
The future of TV on your iPhone is ATSC Mobile DTV
If you're able to watch TV on your iPhone or iPod touch right now, you're probably having something streamed to your handheld device. That may change -- your phone may soon be equipped with a digital TV tuner to pick up the signals sent out by your local stations. The Advanced Television Standards Committee (ATSC) announced on Friday that they've agreed on a standard that will let local TV stations broadcast directly to mobile devices on their existing frequencies. The devices that can be equipped to pick up the ATSC Mobile DTV signals include mobile phones, laptops, handheld TVs, and even in-vehicle digital TVs. ATSC Mobile DTV will be completely different from the existing services provided by AT&T and Verizon, which are pay-for-view services streaming national content. With ATSC Mobile DTV, you'd be able to watch local newscasts as well as network TV that is broadcast in your area. The signal is carried alongside regular digital TV broadcasts using Vestigial Sideband modulation and the IP transport system. ATSC Mobile DTV can send H.264 video and High Efficiency Advanced Audio Coding Version 2 (HE AAC v2) audio and support interactive and subscription-based TV. I want my Mobile DTV! Here's hoping that the next generation of iPhones, iPod touches, and future iTablets can receive ATSC Mobile DTV. [via Macworld]
US Mobile DTV standard finally approved
Well freaking finally. The Advanced Television System Committee just approved the Mobile DTV standard, meaning we're finally about to see for-real mobile television in the US. LG and Samsung have already made gear for the new standard, and the tech will be demoed later today before a rollout... sometime. Still, it's heartening news to hear that it's finally ready -- over 800 stations are signed up to broadcast the new signal, which makes use of existing 6MHz airwaves to do everything from straight TV to video-on-demand and targeted advertising. Cool, so now we're what, just a billion years behind DVB adoption?