17 March 2005
Telecoms pioneer Siemens has unveiled the prototype of a new multimedia device combining the functions of a digital television set and a mobile phone.
Showcased at the CeBIT technology fair in Hanover, The device with the new DVB-H transmission standard for digital TV makes it possible to not only receive information but also to simultaneously send it through the return channel of the radio communications standard used.
Touch screen technology allows users to send the broadcasting station a text message with their preferences during the broadcast which the receiver can then evaluate the text message and incorporate the results directly into the program.
The diminutive multimedia unit contains a 1.3-megapixel digital camera and offers all the functions of the Siemens S65 phone including use of the tri-band standard providing the ability to make calls in all GSM cell phone networks worldwide.
Siemens said that for commercial use of the devices, television broadcasters and other information providers will transmit their broadcasting signal in the standardized MPEG-4 format, which will then be converted to the DVB-H format by a receiving station and transmitted to the terminal.
The information is transmitted to the device in time slots, as small packets, and the resulting brief transmission pauses contribute a lot to prolonging battery life. The device can receive television images for up to three hours.
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