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TU Media first to offer in-auto DMB broadcasts via satellite
Korean drivers can soon look forward to being the first in the world to have DMB data distractions beamed in via satellite, courtesy of TU Media (they also pioneered satellite DMB service for cellphones). The initial implementation will kick off on March 12 when TU starts TPEG service for satellite DMB, providing real-time traffic and road status information. TU will then offer HyOn-Duo car terminal users an exclusive 'TU Ride On' service, delivering an integrated mix of 35 satellite channels in addition to programs from all three terrestrial DMB companies -- and thanks to a nifty screen division function, drivers can even view terrestrial and satellite programming simultaneously. Buckle up!
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]
Venturi's PMP does DMB too!
Just when you thought the humble PMP couldn't get any more functional, along comes Korean manufacturer Venturi (no relation to the makers of that Eclectic solar / wind-powered car) and -- get this -- squeezes a whole freakin' DMB tuner inside its new, cryptically-named unit. Actually, it's pretty difficult to find a PMP coming out of Korea these days that doesn't sport a digital OTA tuner, and with this model (its name is a series of Korean characters that we never learned) omitting GPS and subsequently the acronym triumvirate we expect from these devices, there's really not much here to hold our interest. Making matters worse, the source page containing specs incorporates all of the words into an untranslatable graphic, so all we know is that the latest Venturi sports a 4.3-inch touchscreen and SD slot for expansion. Processor speed? Couldn't tell ya. Built-in memory? If there is any, we sure don't know how much. Compatible codecs? Ok, now you're just being silly. What we do know is that this presumably a real product that will go on sale somewhere, at some time, for some undisclosed sum of money.[Via PMP Today, thanks Voland]
KT's iPlug brings WiBro / HSDPA to Korean USB ports
C'mon, you knew all those other telecommunications outfits in Korea wouldn't just sit around and let SK Telecom have all the WiBro fun, and while KT's WiBro-equipped NT-Q35 is fine and dandy for those needing a new machine, the company's latest offering is aimed at the ever-lucrative upgrader. The completely-not-DAP-related iPlug Premium will unsurprisingly offer up the same WiBro / HSDPA connectivity that existing alternatives already do, but the firm still insists on calling it the "world's first dual-mode USB modem." Of course, users lucky enough to be hovering in WiBro hotspots will enjoy even faster speeds than those poor souls that are forced to live with "just" HSDPA, and if all goes to plan, it'll be available for South Koreans on March 5th. Currently, the pricing structure looks to offer at least one flat-fee option and a based-on-usage plan as well, but potentially even more interesting than how much these luxuries will add to your monthly bill is the note that the company is already looking to kick out "various handsets" that simultaneously support NesPot and DMB after this. We dig the forward the forward thinking, KT. [Warning: Read link requires subscription]
HyOn intros MyWi T10 GPS / PMP device
Korean manufacturer HyOn looks to be doing its best to stand out from the multitude of other distraction-happy GPS/DMB/PMP devices out there, cramming all the usual suspects and a few more into its new MyWi T10 unit. Up front and center is the unit's relatively large 7-inch 800 x 480 touchscreen display, which should accommodate your DMB TV viewing nicely, even when you decide to up the driving difficulty level by viewing it on top of your maps with the picture-in-picture setting. For safer viewing, you can also sit back and control the unit with the included remote control. Otherwise, the device will give you all the usual GPS and PMP functions, with an SD card slot providing your primary storage, and two USB ports expanding your in-car accessory options. While there doesn't appear to be any word on price, as you can no doubt guess, it won't be making its way onto North American roads anytime soon.[Via NaviGadget]
Celrun's Freesat do-it-all handles GPS / DMB / PMP
While the PMP / GPS market continues to converge and pop out more and more jack-of-all-trades devices, Celrun is looking to join the ever-growing fray by dishing out an (admittedly impressive) all-in-one unit of its own. Starting with the sleek black / silver design scheme and ultrathin frame, this Windows CE-powered conglomerate does a fine job of packing the features in a sexy enclosure, and offers up a 520MHz Intel PXA270 processor, navigation, DMB, a text viewer, MP3 player, video playback, and a seven-inch 800 x 480 touchscreen to boot. Moreover, all the buttons are of the side and top-mounted variety, and while it doesn't appear to house any type of internal storage, SD / CF cards are more than welcome here. Although we're sure you saw this coming, only folks camped out in Korea will be receiving this here luxury, but we're not sure just how long they'll have to wait, nor how much coinage it'll end up demanding.
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]
Dae Kyung's multifaceted XPIN CX700 dons GPS / DMB / PMP hats
In a classic bout of "whatever you can do, I can do better," South Korea's Dae Kyung has unveiled a do-it-all navigation unit that does a little bit of (almost) everything, and includes an attractive display to boot. Aside from making us American boys and girls entirely green with envy, the XPIN CX700 sports a seven-inch LCD, 800 x 480 resolution, navigation functionality, PIP, a DMB TV tuner, FM tuner, USB connectivity, rear monitor camera connection, and an SD / CF card slot for loading up additional media. As if that weren't snazzy enough, this device also supports AV in / out, which gives an external screen the ability to display live television while the built-in LCD keeps you en route. Currently, no price has been set, but considering that this thing should hit shelves within a few weeks, you won't have to wonder for too long.
Fusionsoft intros odd-i 7STAR 80GB GPS / DMB / PMP
It's getting tough to stand out from all those GPS/DMB/PMP units helping folks navigate the roads while watching TV and listening to music, but Fusionsoft looks to have found at least one way to distinguish itself, with its new odd-i 7STAR unit providing some unusually substantial storage to back up all that distraction. The low-end 40GB model alone would have probably been enough for the device get noticed, but Fusionsoft's gone all out and stuffed an 80GB hard drive into its top end model for those with insatiable media appetites. Otherwise, the two units are identical, each based on Windows CE 5.0 and packing a 7-inch QVGA display, 128MB SDRAM, 64MB NAND, the ever-popular SiRF Star III GPS chipset, and the usual array of supported audio and video formats (DivX included). As is the case with most of this combo units, however, the 7STAR looks to only be available in Korea, for the local equivalent of $634 for the 40GB and $740 for the 80GB model.[Via Akihabara News]
KTF's EV-KD370 does automatic screen rotation, too
Of the iPhone's 200-plus patents, automatic screen rotation must not be one of them -- either that, or we're up for a rather rousing legal brouhaha between His Steveness and Korea's KTF. It seems KTF's latest DMB slider for the local market, the pictured EV-KD370, can rotate the display with a flick of the wrist for enjoying mobile TV in the orientation of its lucky owner's choice. Perhaps even cooler, the sensor can be used to change tracks while listening to music, though we're guessing that means using it on a jog is out of the question. Otherwise, the KD370 seems like your typical Korean slider, complete with touch sensitive controls, a grim outlook for American availability, and the creepy out-of-focus hand model in the background.
Meister unveils DMB-equipped Mando Wholsee MWN-7200D GPS
Joining the growing list of DMB-enabled GPS units hitting South Korea, the Mando Wholesee MWN-7200D is checking in with a rather large screen and a few electroluminescent keys, too. Demanding your full attention is a Samsung seven-inch WQVGA touchscreen LCD, and beneath the relatively thin 0.78-inch frame is a SiRF Star III receiver, DMB tuner, 64MB of SDRAM, 64MB of Flash NAND, and Windows CE 5.0 runnin' the show. You'll also find an SD card slot, audio output, AV input, USB connectivity, MP3 playback, image / text viewer, PIP support, and maps provided by Mando and Soft's GiNi. Per usual, we've no idea how much this fairly well-featured device will be selling for when it hits the streets of Seoul, but we sincerely hope its owners focus more on the turn-by-turn guidance and less on whatever television show is running on the side when navigating their routes.[Via MobileWhack]
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.
UNIT2 from iRiver mixes DVD player with DMB and WiFi
iRiver's parent company Reigncom has released a photo and some sparse details of a WiFi-enabled DMB that apparently does a lot more than just connect to the internet and show digital TV. According to Akihabara News, the UNIT2 also features a DVD player, Portable Media Player capabilities (which implies that some solid state / hard drive storage is part of the deal), and IPTV and VoIP support thanks to the aforementioned integrated WiFi. The device itself appears to be rather large -- each of the stereo speakers has the same surface area as the display -- so we're assuming that this is a non-portable device for now. As the details are sparse, and iRiver and Reigncom's inhospitable Korean sites aren't helping, we're unsure about how exactly all these features will work together, although we'd suggest that the remote control with integrated display is the control system. Despite the fact that iRiver is showing off this and 11 other devices at CES next week, we really wouldn't be surprised if this feature-packed WiFi TV is a Korea-only exclusive. Such is life.
Cowon's upcoming A3 and Q5 PMPs are fit as fiddles and ready for love
While we'll miss our sexy, chest hair-free modeling friend, it's nice to finally see Cowon's new A3 PMP (top), a followup to the lovable A2, up close and personal. As expected, the 4-inch 480 x 272 player now includes a DMB receiver, plus a spiffy new "DaVinci" video processing chip from Texas Instruments to improve playback in some indeterminate way. Cowon's Q5 does it all one better, however, with a 5-inch touchscreen, GPS support of some kind, DMB, WinCE 5.0 and an external HSDPA module. No word on screen res, but there's plenty of hawterness to be getting along with already. These two players and plenty more from Cowon will be on display at CES -- specifically, the D2, N2, U3, T2, F2 and X5, for any model number junkies out there -- so we'll be sure to drop kick a few and let you know what's what.[Via dapreview]
Samsung intros Bluetooth-equipped STT-D370 GPS
Looks like Samsung has got another GPS unit for drivers in need of assistance/distraction to suction-cup to their windshields, with the DMB-packin', Bluetooth-equipped STT-D370 now available in the company's home country. The Bluetooth part of the equation is designed primarily to interface with your Bluetooth-equipped cellphone, letting you make and receive calls, as well as text messages, directly from the GPS unit. On the GPS front, you'll get some snazzy 3D graphics developed by Samsung itself, backed up by maps from Anycall, as well as a so-called "dynamic navigation feature," which puts that aforementioned DMB tuner to use by pulling traffic information from a specialized DMB data channel, updating road conditions every five minutes and adjusting your route accordingly. Otherwise, you'll also get the usual PMP features, as well as a translator and electronic dictionary, with an SD slot for expansion and a 3.7-inch LCD to enjoy your media on. All that distraction doesn't come cheap though, with the STT-D370 setting you back the equivalent of $600.
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]
