LAS VEGAS: Samsung has equipped its Moment handset with an ATSC M/H chip for mobile DTV reception. The device will be used in mobile DTV beta trials this spring in Washington D.C. and Baltimore. The service will entail 20, free local broadcast channels.
The Open Mobile Video Coalition has worked on launching mobile DTV for nearly two years. Samsung participated in developing the technology standard, which was adopted just last fall. The company developed a receiver chip compatible with the standard. Other participating manufacturers include Harris, Rohde & Schwarz and LG, which also developed a receiver chipset and unveiled a ruggedized, battery-powered mobile DTV at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, where the Moment’s DTV reception was announced.
The OMVC said Dell will have a new notebook, the Inspiron Mini 10, ready for the trails. iPhones equipped with the new tivit smart case will also be able to tune in free TV channels. Other assorted dongles and reception devices are expected from DTV Interactive, WithUS/Crestech, iMovee and Pixtree, The Wall Street Journal said. TV set manufacturer Vizio said it will offer Razor LED TVs measuring seven, nine and 10 inches for $150, $200 and $230 respectively. WSJ said most of the mobile DTV reception devices on the way to retail shelves are expected to cost between $90 and $250.
More on Mobile DTV:
January 7, 2010: “Flo TV for iPhones and Cars”
Mohphie, an iPhone accessorizor out of Paw Paw, Mich., has created a carrying cases with built-in FLO TV reception.
January 6, 2010: “Tivit”
The Tivit, from Korean manufacturer Valups Corp., is a tiny receiver with an extendible antenna that decodes over-the-air DTV signals for display on software-enabled smartphones and mobile PCs.
January 4, 2010: “LG’s Rugged Mobile DTV”
The DP570MH mobile DTV features a clamshell design with a 7-inch, 480x234 resolution screen and dual earphone jacks for a suggested retail price of $249.
