T-DMB
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Sharp crafts chip with T-DMB and DVB-H support
One of the most fragmented up and coming technologies in the mobile segment appears to be mobile TV. Europe's converging on DVB-H, Korea likes T- and S-DMB, Japan does one-seg, and the US seems to be moving toward MediaFLO. We can't necessarily expect a single device to support reception around the globe any time soon (if ever), but two in one is a good start -- and that'll soon be a reality thanks to a newly-developed chip from Sharp. The so-called VA3B5EZ915 (catchy name, if we do say so ourselves) supports both T-DMB and DVB-H while at the same time setting a new record for minimal power consumption. Theoretically, we guess this means travelers could get reception in both Europe and South Korea, though we're betting the more immediate application will be to unify Europe's few deployed T-DMB networks with the more popular DVB-H format without needing different lineups of phones for both. No word on when we might see the new chip in production handsets.
LG's N1: the T-DMB, surround sound, GPS Windows Mobile PDA
PDAs may be dying, but they're certainly far from dead. All the extra room and battery life you gain by pulling a cell radio can be used for other fun things, like, say, GPS, T-DMB, and SRS Mobile HD for mobile "theater-like" surround sound (um, ok). At least that's what LG's new N1 is going for; the powerhouse portable also runs Windows Mobile 5 and plays back the regulars like WMV, WMA, and MP3, as well as a few of our other favorites like DivX, AVI, and OGG. Hell no it's not available or coming to the US, but it's mildly amusing to fantasize about the likes of this stuff landing here sometime before 2010, no?[Via Wired]
SNT's IOPS in-dash PC
Distraction-devoted drivers can look forward to SNT's IOPS in-dash car PC, which will be unveiled later this week at Cebit, along with some hardware deets. Right now we can tell you that it runs Windows XP, has a 7-inch main touch screen interface, gives you internet access with HSDPA, connects to Bluetooth devices, and streams live video from your rear bumper (great for more perpendicular-inclined parallel parkers). For drivers in Korea who can actually use the technology (tear, sniff), the IOPS unit can not only play live T-DMB programming, but also records shows on its hard drive for later viewing, and can even burn them to a disc. A price hasn't been announced yet, but anyone who drops cash on this won't have to suffer a boring TV-less or web-less drive again.[Via Navigadget]
The Trabbit TM-7000: Korea's latest PMP with GPS
Trabbit's making a first appearance 'round here with this, their new TM-7000 all singing, all dancing PMP with GPS. With WinCE 5.0 at its core and a biggie 7-inch, 480 x 234 touch-screen display, the device brings all the media goodness you'd expect from a South Korean PMP: a T-DMB TV tuner, SiRF Star III GPS, support for DivX, XviD, MPEG-4, AVI, and WMV video, and BSAC, MUSICAM (MPEG-1 layer II), MP3, OGG, AAC, ASF, WAV audio. Hell, the device even features picture-in-picture support for watching TV or video while using GPS... and you know, driving. All in a relatively slim 19.8-mm slab. Unfortunately, there's only 64MB RAM / 64MB ROM with additional memory supplied by SD card support. No word on pricing or availability but like most of these PMPs, it'll likely remain tethered to Korea.[Via Akihabara News]
LG Prada v2 to include T-DMB mobile TV?
The scuttlebutt from Telecoms Korea says v2 of the LG Prada (KE850) is already in the works. Sorry US readers, they're not adding the 850MHz band just yet, the new version expected to hit in April will sport terrestrial DMB mobile television. Makes sense, since our friends on the Korean Peninsula loves 'em some mobile TV tech something fierce. But man, how did they convince the Prada execs to approve a design-mucking, telescoping antenna typically needed for T-DMB reception in Korea? By the way, that's our rendering pictured up there -- not LG's -- but we'll bet it's not far off from the final product. Anyway, with the US in the throws of a Qualcomm FLO fest, our apparently pedestrian tastes look even less likely to be fed anytime soon. Well, until June anyway.Read -- Telecoms Korea (subscription required)
Korea's Kedcom showcases T-DMB PoDi handheld
While it seems that a new T-DMB-equipped portable video player hits the South Korean market every week or so, Kedcom is busting out its own flavor, but not without taking a stealthy approach at swiping the oh-so-popular Apple moniker. Out of all the potential device names in the world, this glossy black handheld somehow boasts "PoDi," which eerily resembles "iPod" to even the untrained eye, but nevertheless, this pocket-friendly TV viewer boasts a sizable antenna, T-DMB capabilities, a 3.2-inch LCD, internal speaker, headphone out, FM radio tuner, kickstand, and a rechargeable Li-ion battery. Additionally, it weighs just 77 grams, plays nice with a matching docking station, and can reportedly be synchronized with a car stereo via FM. Of course, we've no details concerning price or future availability, but we're sure Cupertino's trademark militia is already on the prowl.
LG crafts new DMB chip, enables PIP TV viewing on handsets
LG's no stranger to cramming DMB capabilities into its handsets, and practically everything else it has a hand in too, but the company has now announced a brand new chip that ups the ante over existing renditions. This new chip reportedly enables users to "watch real-time television programs for four straight hours," compared to the three hour "limit" currently in place, but we seriously question the toll it'd take on your retinas to stare at such a diminutive display for an entire sixth of your day. Nevertheless, the chip is supposed to enhance signals as well, giving off that TV delight to a broader area of recipients by upwards of "30 percent." Additionally, it's slated to consume a good bit less power than current implementations, and of course, will allow users to access real-time traffic data and utilize TPEG technology while on the move, and just in case all that in the palm of your hands wasn't enough to keep you occupied, you can actually enjoy attempt to view two programs simultaneously thanks to the PIP functionality that this chip delivers. Time to upgrade those specs, eh?[Via BoyGeniusReport]
iOPS unveils DMB-equipped N7 NEO navigation system
It looks like iOPS' X11 wasn't the only showstopper at the firm's modest CES booth, as the sexy N7 NEO caught more than a few glimpses with it's sleek, metallic frame and sharp, 7-inch LCD. This NAV sports a 800 x 480 resolution, dual-core CPU (saywha?), "dual touch sensor pad LED light," SiRF Star III GPS module, FM radio tuner, games / car diary manager, SD card reader, wireless remote, and even a rear view camera option. Built on Windows CE 4.2, you'll also find MP3, movie, and photo playback functions, not to mention the MS Office viewing capabilities and turn-by-turn directions. While there's no official word on pricing, we can't envision such a well appointed unit coming in cheap, but you can find out for certain when this lands next month.
odd-i showcases high-resolution P480D PMP
We hadn't heard from odd-i in quite some time, but it was good to see the PMP creator back at CES, bringing the fresh goods along for the ride. The firm's latest, dubbed P480D, bears a striking resemblance to its P11N, bit this rectangle has a spruced up layout and design, and rather than rocking the same ole 4-inch LCD, this thing boasts a 4.8-inch display with a reported 1,024 x 768 resolution to boot. Little is known about the (presumably potent) innards just yet, but we do know it'll sport black / silver or white color schemes, a kickstand, USB 2.0 connectivity, headphone jack, and of course, the obligatory DMB tuner. Per usual, there's no mention of pricing or future availability, but be sure to hit the read link for to gawk a little more at that svelte screen.
Digital Cube spiffs up its line with i-Station Mini DX
If Digital Cube's original Mini, which was only released a couple of months ago, wasn't quite shiny enough for you, it looks like they're at it again with the Mini DX, which adds an FM tuner, USB host support and a microSD slot. The player face also got nice little revamp, but otherwise there's still that same old 2.4-inch LCD, T-DMB, 1, 2 and 4GB capacities -- though the 4 gigger hasn't gone totally legit just yet -- and hefty format support of its predecessor. The 1GB player should be going for 198,000 KRW (about $213 US), while the 2GB version hits 248,000 KRW (about $267 US). Naturally, neither player is slated for the States.[Via Electronista]
Dacos kicks out T-DMB-equipped iHolic PMP
It's been quite awhile since we've heard from Korea's Dacos Technology, but apparently it's back with the same T-DMB touch it's known for. The iHolic PMP sports a 3.27- x 1.97- x 0.73-inch enclosure, weighs just over three ounces, and still manages to rock a 2.4-inch TFT LCD screen. Beneath its sleek, black shell is a T-DMB receiver, image viewer, "audio / video" playback functionality, a voice recorder, and an SD slot to load up your media. Additionally, the device comes with a cradle and built-in speaker as well as a remote, so it should feel right at home on any kitchen table and / or car dashboard when not in your palm. Although pricing deets weren't available, these little fellows should be hitting South Korea soon in 512MB, 1GB, and 2GB flavors.
Samsung launches SPH-B5800 T-DMB handset with TPEG integration
Although Samsung has already crammed T-DMB support into a plethora of its (sometimes oddly-designed) handsets, the sleek SPH-B5800 gets the honor of being the "world's first" that also integrates TPEG. While we knew the firm was working on the Transport Protocol Experts Group service last year, this phone marks the "first time" users can expect to receive live updates "about traffic, nice restaurants," or other points of interest surrounding them. Reportedly, the phone will receive new information "every five minutes" depending on your location, and will show a route and expected arrival time for any destination that perks the user's interest. On the DMB side, it purportedly sports a "full list of channels" to keep you occupied while cruising in the backseat. Other features on this snazzy slider include a 2-megapixel camera, electronic dictionary, "My Pet" game (long lost Tamagotchi sibling?), file viewer, and support for audio book playback. So if you're anxious to let your phone dictate where you eat for supper, you can snag the SPH-B5800 later this month for around 600,000KRW ($645).[Via AVing]
Samsung launches SPH-B5800 T-DMB phone with TPEG integration
Although Samsung has already crammed T-DMB support into a plethora of its (sometimes oddly-designed) handsets, the sleek SPH-B5800 gets the honor of being the "world's first" that also integrates TPEG. While we knew the firm was working on the Transport Protocol Experts Group service last year, this phone marks the "first time" users can expect to receive live updates "about traffic, nice restaurants," or other points of interest surrounding them. Reportedly, the phone will receive new information "every five minutes" depending on your location, and will show a route and expected arrival time for any destination that perks the user's interest. On the DMB side, it purportedly sports a "full list of channels" to keep you occupied while cruising in the backseat. Other features on this snazzy slider include a 2-megapixel camera, electronic dictionary, "My Pet" game (long lost Tamagotchi sibling?), file viewer, and support for audio book playback. So if you're anxious to let your phone dictate where you eat for supper, you can snag the SPH-B5800 later this month for around 600,000KRW ($645).[Via AVing]
i-Station NetForce Navi GPS device comes fully loaded
The big trend right now in Asian GPS devices is to include some T-DMB television along with the trusty nav unit (sadly, we've got no idea when us Yanks will see anything similar). As such, the i-Station NetForce Navi has just done the inverse, pairing GPS with what we'd previously seen on the similarly-sized classic T-DMB NetForce device. The new Navi has a 4.3-inch (800 x 480) TFT LCD, HSDPA, a T-DMB receiver, and can play loads of video files (includes H.264) and audio formats as well. And yes, we agree with Navigadget's assessment that if the NetForce Navi were to come out Stateside, it would give the nuvi 660 a run for its money, particularly if it was priced lower than $1,000.[Via Navigadget]
Samsung partners with SK Telecom, launches Q40-HSDPA
While it hasn't been too awfully long since Samsung doused its Q40 ultraportable in pink, the company is now looking to grab the attention of HSDPA fans by shoving such support into the lappie (and toning down the color scheme, too). Partnering with SK Telecom, the Q40-HSDPA will offer T-Login connectivity throughout South Korea (unless Kim Jong Il illegally snags one just North of the divide), and will also pack a 12.1-inch WXGA display, Intel's U1400 Core Solo processor, 1GB of RAM, a smallish 60GB hard drive, and a T-DMB receiver to boot. The machine will weigh in at just 2.6 pounds, and should be hitting the streets of Seoul soon for a slightly painful 2,300,000 KRW ($2,472).
Digital Cube's T-DMB-packin' Mini finally available
Digital Cube is delivering more miniaturized fun from South Korea, as the NetForce's smaller sibling -- simply dubbed Mini -- is finally available for enjoyment. This miniscule portable media player measures just 3.17- x 2.05- x 0.65-inches and weighs only three ounces, but manages to pack a potent 2.4-inch LCD, MP3 support, video playback, and the obligatory T-DMB TV tuner within its presumably cramped confines. The handheld device rocks 1/2/4GB capacities, and also doubles as an e-book reader, text / photo viewer, and a surefire conversation piece. So go on, indulge in those pocket-friendly, TV viewing PMP desires for just €165 ($209) and up.
FusionHDTV5 brings DMB and HD into harmonious USB union
We know how you DMB and HDTV kids are always fighting over the spare USB ports, peddling your digital wares to confused and media-saturated Korean consumers. It's just not how things were meant to be. DViCO wants us all to get along, and has busted out the FusionHDTV Master DMB/HDTV tuner to promote just such a harmony. We're a bit low on other deets, but based on US specs of DViCO's products, we're guessing the T-DMB and HDTV unit can record one channel while you watch the other, and should include some good MPEG encoding and decoding acceleration. As for price... can you really put a pricetag on sweet, sweet DTV harmony?[Via Akihabara]
Bluebird busting out its BM300 T-DMB PDA in November
If you don't mind not having a phone mixed up in your PDA device, you couldn't do much better than Bluebird's upcoming BM300 for a Windows Mobile 5.0 unit. Not only does the handheld pack in a 2.8-inch QVGA display, T-DMB, a 520MHz Intel PXA270 CPU, 802.11b/g WiFi, Bluetooth, an SD slot and 512MB of internal memory, but it does it all at a mere 0.5-inches thick. Bluebird even packed in stereo speakers, just because it could. Unfortunately, still no word on price for this thing, but if this isn't enough to inspire immigration to Korea, we don't know what is.
Samsung squeezes T-DMB into MS61, calls it K60
Following the ancient Korean saying: "if it hath an LCD, T-DMB so shall it have also," Samsung just popped a T-DMB receiver into what looks to be the SDC-MS61 we spotted last month, and they're calling their new creation the SDC-K60/DMB. That's about all there is to know here, since the camera is packing the exact same 3-inch widescreen LCD, 6 megapixel CCD, 1600 ISO and 3x zoom. No word on how much more this version will cost, or when we should be seeing it on Korean shelves -- but it's not like we had that info for the SDC-MS61 either.
Anam portable T-DMB demoed at KES
You didn't think that we were done with products from KES did you? Oh no, we've got another strictly-foreign device for you to lust after. How about an Anam portable media player with a T-DMB tuner? Yeah Sharp's got a similar device, but this one has 7 channels of digital television along with 13 channels of digital radio rolled up into a 2.2-inch package that runs for five hours on the internal battery and lets you save all your shows to a nice little SD card. To be fair, the Sharp device does have GPS and a few other things too, but this little Anam portable T-DMB just has a bit more pizzazz, don't you think? Okay, okay, we just like rooting for the underdog.
