Sony will ship in December samples of a mini digital broadcast tuner module that will enable portable electronic devices in Japan to act as television receivers. Smaller than a postage stamp, the tuner can be used in a range of mobile applications, including cell phones and personal digital assistants (PDAs).
Sony said the tuner module is the smallest ever built and has extremely low-power consumption, solving the bulk and battery life issues that have plagued mobile TV receiving devices in recent years.
Japan plans to begin terrestrial digital broadcasting in certain regions by the end of 2003 and launch a signal specifically designed for mobile applications in 2005. There was no indication of when such a tuner might be available in the United States.
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