mobile-review.com
News | Wednesday 31 August 2005
LG Electronics introduced CDMA/GSM/GPRS phone supporting DMB [ 10:27 ]
Author: Selivanov Sergey Source: AVing Translation by: Anja Rytchkova Send news to friend Discuss in forum
Complying with the plan to release new 3G handsets LG Electronics has introduced another multimedia W-CDMA/GSM/GPRS phone supporting DMB-broadcasting. According to the company, the new model is the world first WCDMA DMB phone, and it will be promoted mainly in Europe.
The phone is equipped with a 2.2” rotating screen and Mobile-XD Engine graphical chip for high-quality DMB-broadcasting. Brand new technology applied in this phone is an original DMB-antenna integrated in the headphones and able to receive programs in VHF range (30 – 300 MHz).
Under the tentative data, the new handset will be able to provide 3 hours of DMB play on a single charge. LG Electronics is expected to show its CDMA/GSM/GPRS/DMB product at IFA 2005 exhibition, which starts on September 2 in Germany, and during the World Football Cup 2006.
Source here and here
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
++ Related
tensilica.com
Press release | January 17, 2005
Tensilica Xtensa Processor Powers World's First Digital Broadcast-Enabled Mobile Phone From LG Electronics
Korean Consumer Electronics Giant Jumps Ahead in Emerging Mobile Broadcast Market with Help from Tensilica
SANTA CLARA, Calif., USA, January 17, 2005 – Tensilica, Inc., the only company to automate the design of optimized application-specific configurable processors, today announced that LG Electronics has used the Xtensa® configurable processor core to deliver the world's first mobile phone capable of receiving digital broadcast signals. Compatible with the “Terrestrial digital-multimedia-broadcast” (T-DMB) system, a broadcast system currently being rolled out in Korea, the new mobile phone is powered by a sophisticated digital media processor which was designed using the Tensilica Xtensa processor core and design environment.
The new LG phone allows consumers to watch television programs, while using normal dialing functions simultaneously. Other mobile devices, such as PDAs, have featured broadcast capabilities, however, this is the first small form factor device to feature both broadcast capabilities as well as dialing functions. The new SOC can also be applied to notebook computers, PDAs and car terminals, speeding the adoption of the T-DMB standard.
“Mobile broadcasting is the next evolution in mobile product design, and should see tremendous growth in the coming year,” stated Dr. Choon Lee, Vice President of LG. “By using the Xtensa processor and automated design environment, we were able to cut design time significantly and be first to market with this exciting new technology. Moreover, we are now well positioned to take the lead in the fast growing T-DMB market.” Based on its experience with this first SOC, LG has also signed a second license for an Xtensa processor for their next-generation DMB-2 phone
T-DMB broadcast services in Korea are expected to be rolled out in the first half of 2005. LG is working to establish the Korean T-DMB standard as a global standard. Korea is believed to have a significant lead in the drive to bring mobile broadcasting to market.
“LG is leading the world in the development of this exciting T- DMB technology, and Tensilica is proud that our Xtensa processor played such a key role in their SOC design,” stated Steve Roddy, Tensilica's vice president of marketing. “We look forward to working with them on their SOC for DMB-2.”
About LG Electronics
Established in 1958 as Korea's pioneer consumer electronics company, LG Electronics is a major global force in Electronics and Information & Communications products. More than 55,000 employees working in 73 overseas subsidiaries and marketing units around the world, strengthen LG Electronics' core competencies in three main business companies: Digital Appliance, Digital Display and Media, and Telecommunication Equipment & Handset. The Digital Displays and Media Company provides core technologies and cutting-edge digital products such as Digital TVs including PDP and LCD TV and digitally integrated products like AV products, optical storage, set-top boxes, and home servers. LG Electronics' goal is to enable the intelligent networking of digital products that will make consumers' lives easier than ever. For more information, please visit www.lge.com
About Tensilica
Tensilica was founded in July 1997 to address the growing need for optimized, application-specific microprocessor solutions in high-volume embedded applications. With a configurable and extensible microprocessor core called Xtensa, Tensilica is the only company that has automated and patented the time-consuming process of generating a customized microprocessor core along with a complete software development tool environment, producing new configurations in a matter of hours. For more information, visit www.tensilica.com .
Source here
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Cellevision Starts Breaking Into Daily Lives
The Korea Times | By Kim Tae-gyu | Staff Reporter | 07-26-2005 19:36
The buzzword in the South Korean mobile phone market is ``cellevision,’’ the video-on-the-go services that deliver television to cell phones.
Local handset makers continue to pump out new models that sport mobile broadcasting capacity and cellevision services are catching on with the nation’s tech-savvy users.
TU Media yesterday said more than 100,000 have signed up for its satellite digital multimedia broadcasting (DMB) services in less than three months after its commercial debut.
``This is an important milestone since our customer base indicates that satellite DMB is taking firm root here in Korea,’’ TU Media spokesman Heo Jae-young said.
Korea’s top mobile operator SK Telecom and its affiliate TU Media launched the world’s first satellite DMB offerings with cell phones in early May.
Satellite DMB enables people on the road to enjoy crystal-clear video, theater-quality audio and data with handheld devices like cell phones or in-automobile terminals.
TU Media currently offers nine video channels like drama, sports, games, news, music and movie as well as 25 audio broadcasts. The firm will add a pair of data channels next year.
The offerings are available at 20,000 won of one-time subscription fee and the monthly rate of 13,000 won plus satellite DMB-enabled cell phones.
``We aim at attracting 600,000 subscribers this year. Although it is a tall order, we are optimistic that we can attain the goal considering the continuing momentum awaiting us,’’ Heo said.
He added the increasing number of satellite DMB-capable phones, the DMB expansion by mobile operators and the enrichment of the broadcasting content would serve as building blocks of its success.
Glittering Array of New DMB Phones
Currently, only five satellite DMB-specific phones are available on the market.
Included in the lineup are the SCH-B100, SCH B-130 and SCH B-200 of Samsung Electronics, SB-120 of LG Electronics and IMB 1000 of SK Teletech.
However, the number is expected to reach 15 late this year as the country’s handset vendors, like the world’s third-largest producer Samsung Electronics and fourth-biggest player LG Electronics, are now competing to crank out more compelling DMB phone models.
``We plan to unveil about three additional DMB phones this year. We expect the mobile broadcasting will be a mainstream function in the near future,’’ LG spokesman Lee Hyoung-kun said.
Samsung, which is to introduce several more takeout TV phones this year, also sees a similar upside potential in the new-fangled satellite DMB services.
``We can tell for sure that all handsets will embrace the broadcasting capacity in years to come although we don’t know exactly when it will be,’’ Samsung spokesman Kim Hyun-min said.
Furthermore, Pantech Group, Korea’s third-largest mobile phone manufacturer, jockeys to debut about three DMB phones this year, which will make the total figure of broadcasting phones as many as 15.
Experts, including Mirae Asset analyst Kim Kyung-mo, point out today’s convergence phones have crammed fancy features into them and their next target is television.
``Cell phones have devoured a digital camera, an MP3 player and a video recording function. Now the versatile digital toy is setting its eyes on video services,’’ Kim said.
It should be good news for TU Media, which aims at returning to the black in 2008 by expanding its customer base to 2.5 million and passing through the cumulative breakeven point by 2010.
On a more positive note for TU Media, the nation’s smaller mobile carriers of KTF and LG Telecom will kick-start the satellite-based offerings next month.
Only business leader SK Telecom, also a parent firm of TU Media, has thus far operated mobility-specific broadcasting on the cell phone.
Challenges Ahead
However, market observers caution against any early celebration concerning the outlook of satellite DMB because a plethora of competitors are lining up to become a mainstream format of video-on-the-move services.
Its primary rival is terrestrial DMB, also a promising cross between telecom and broadcasting just like its satellite counterpart.
Although both seem similar to end users, they are different in that satellite DMB is based on videos beamed from a communication satellite while terrestrial DMB works on over-the-air signals.
The biggest advantage of terrestrial DMB is that it is a free service tailored toward providing over-the-air programs to all people on the go while the satellite DMB is a fee-based commercial feature.
For now, however, terrestrial DMB seems not to be a serious challenger because the homegrown service is stuck in several problems even before making its debut.
The government picked six broadcasters to start terrestrial DMB in March and they originally planned to embark on the feature in May in time with its satellite-based rival.
However, the Ministry of Information and Communication issued licenses as late as this month for several reasons and it is uncertain whether its commercial service will be able to start this year.
Yet, Samsung Securities economist Chang Sung-min argues people should not downplay terrestrial DMB, which can pose a threat to the satellite version, due to its notable competitiveness on being free of charges.
``Other conditions being equal, people are unlikely to subscribe for fee-based mobile TV if there exist cheaper of free alternatives,’’ Chang said.
Other rivals that can match satellite DMB are mushrooming next-generation wireless services, such as the locally developed WiBro and European-based high-speed data packet access (HSDPA).
Both platforms promise a real-life data transmission ability of up to 2-3 megabits per second (Mbps), the speed similar to that of the current fixed-line broadband connection.
This means the 3.5-generation technologies, of which commercial services are due for early next year, will provide an alternative way to show TV programs on cell phones via the ultra-fast mobile networks.
``Satellite DMB does not have much time. It should scramble now and preempt the market to become a primary format of cellevision,’’ Meritz Securities analyst Jeon Sang-yong said.
Content Does Matter
In this climate, many argue content is the key in the stiff race to become the most viable model for mobile broadcasting.
``Eventually, the formats or companies that are armed with much content will claim victory in the cellevision blitz,’’ Jeon predicted.
TU Media and SK Telecom understands the pressing need of obtaining content and are today rushing to gain content for their customers.
For example, TU Media is posed to channel 700 billion won over the next five years to secure more broadcasting content. And SK Telecom acquired local entertainment company IHQ in March and took over YBM Seoul Record two months later to obtain music content.
The operator is also in talks with domestic investment corporations to establish a 75 billion won joint fund, which it will invest in the entertainment industry.
``We are now negotiating with investment companies. We plan to funnel approximately 25 billion won into building the fund,’’ SK Telecom spokesman Park Jee-hoon said.
Up until now, TU Media has had a hard time in securing over-the-air programs, which are by far the most popular among Korean watchers.
The country’s main terrestrial TV stations _ KBS, MBC and SBS _ still vow not to permit TU Media to rerun their programs fearing the emerging company may undercut their business.
However, encouraging signs have sprung up of late as TU Media has made progress in enriching its lineups of video channels with over-the-air programs.
In April, the Korean Broadcasting Commission changed its stance and allowed the nation’s TV stations to rebroadcast their programs via satellite DMB.
Under the approval, TU Media struck a deal last month with EBS to air its educational content through mobile handsets and looks to expand partnership with other TV stations.
``We will meet with other TV stations than EBS. We expect good results so that Korean people who have nomadic mobility can watch popular over-the-air programs at any time and at any place,’’ TU Media’s Heo said.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
dcviews.com | June 13, 2005
LG unveils innovative new 5-megapixel camera phone LP5500
Following Samsung's October 2004 announcement of the 5 Mp SCH-S250, LG introduces the 5 megapixel LP5500 at the CommunicAsia 2005 show. This super-slim handset at just 18mm, adopts an innovative Twist & Slim design that features a real digital camera.
The LP5500 incorporates an auto focus CCD camera and a 2-inch QVGA LCD screen - supporting VGA-level video at 30 frame per second. Strengthening this camera function is a strobe flash, half-shutter and lens cover...
PRESS SUMMARY
LG unveils innovative new 5-megapixel camera phone LP5500 - digital camera and photography newsLG Electronics strengthens its multimedia entertainment functionsto innovate mobile lifestyle with its futuristic handsets
Singapore, June 14, 2005 --- LG Electronics, the world's most innovative handset manufacturer, unveiled its six new feature-rich high-tech mobile phones at CommunicAsia 2005 - the DMB (Digital Multimedia Broadcasting) phone, a new-type slide phone, 5-megapixel camera phones, a 3-D game phone, a real MP3 music phone and a sports car-design phone.
“LG Electronics has made another futuristic proposal to the mobile communications industry with these innovatively designed handsets. With these six models, we continue our efforts to lead and innovate mobile lifestyles for consumers,” said Mun-hwa Park, President & CEO of LG Electronics Mobile Communications Company.
The six new models are fully equipped with state-of-the-art multimedia functions and design is unprecedented and innovative. These are the new mobile phones:
DMB phone (SB120)
The mobile broadcasting phone, SB120, enables those on the move to enjoy crystal-clear video, CD-quality audio and satellite-transmitted data.
Contrary to conventional satellite DMB models, users can savor video-on-the-move service with the SB120 through a monitor that pulls back 360 degrees. This model has a 2-megapixel camera
supporting auto focus functions.
Up & down slide phone (LP3900)
The new slide phone, LP3900, has a two-layer display and the upper monitor screen moves both up and down the inner.
Bluetooth technology also makes cordless connections possible.
It supports an AV handset function enabling equalization so that users can enjoy MP3 with real sound.
This model adopts multi-tasking functions so that users can enjoy games, SMS, video/photo shooting and wireless Internet service while listening to MP3 music.
5-megapixel camera phone (LP5500)
The 5-megapixel handset, a super-slim handheld at just 18mm, adopts an innovative Twist & Slim design that features a real digital camera.
It incorporates an auto focus CCD camera and a 2-inch QVGA LCD screen - supporting VGA-level video at 30 fps (frame per second).
Strengthening this camera function is a strobe flash, half-shutter and lens cover.
3-D game phone (SV360 / KV3600)
The first cell phone ever armed with a 1 million polygon/second graphic accelerator chip processes data five times faster than currently available chips and allows users to play games with more minute and realistic 3-D graphics.
The phone is also equipped with acceleration sensors that allow the user to control the game by moving it up and down or left to right, maximizing enjoyment.
The phones are equipped with a 2.2-inch LCD screen, allowing users to play 3-D games with increased screen quality.
Real MP3 music phone (KP4400)
The real MP3 music phone has a multi-tasking feature that allows users to place or receive calls and play games while listening to music.
It has 256MB memory for MP3 and a real 5-band equalizer, allowing it to connect to real audio equipment.
Sports car-design phone (410 series)
The sports car-design phone adopts the shape of a trendy European sports car and incorporates a sensor that conducts a breathalyzer test to measure blood-alcohol level.
410 series adopts a sports car style user interface (UI) design, strengthened multimedia features such as a 1.3 mega-pixel camera, TV remote control functions utilizing IrDA, Video recording and playback, MMS and MP3 functions. The model was designed in cooperation with a popular sports-car company in its Milan Design Center.
In order to emphasize its premium sports car design, 410 series adopts engine sounds in the handset when placing calls.
June 13, 2005
Source here
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The Register | TV on the move | By Jan Libbenga
Published Monday 25th July 2005 12:56 GMT
The European Telecommunications Standard Institute ETSI has approved the DMB (Digital Multimedia Broadcasting) standards for the delivery of multimedia content and services "on the move". France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain and the UK are all preparing to conduct DMB trials to enable the integration of audio, data and video.
DMB has its roots in DAB (Digital Audio Broadcasting), a standard that has considerable success in the UK, but less so on continental Europe. However, a DAB network is already available to 80 per cent of Europeans and there are more than 800 DAB services reaching 475 million people in 40 countries.
Click here
South Korea will offer free terrestrial DMB broadcasting services to handheld devices across the country from next year after testing later this year in Seoul and the surrounding Kyonggi Province. The Ministry of Information and Communication has issued five mobile broadcast licenses earlier this month, according to the Korean Times. As most frequencies are already occupied by other services, not all five broadcasters will be able to start at the same time.
That hasn’t stopped manufacturers LG Electronics, Samsung and Perstel from developing DMB enabled devices, including mobile phones. On Monday, Samsung Electronics announced the release of its new satellite Digital Multimedia Broadcasting (DMB) phone (SCH-B200/SPH-B2000). Users can receive a call or send SMS messages while watching satellite DMB. SK Telecom, Korea's primary wireless provider, said on Monday that its satellite DMB business will reach breakeven in 2008 or in 2009.
In Germany, the Bavarian Media Authority will launch a pilot Digital Advanced Broadcasting in Regensburg, which is expected to last for two years. DMB will also be used for the coverage of FIFA World Cup 2006 via mobile devices.
Source here
No comments:
Post a Comment