But there is one hitch: The technology, known as DMB, is not expected to be commercialized anywhere in the world before next spring. At 135 grams, or 4.8 ounces, the phone is only slightly chunkier than most South Korean handsets.
The standout features are the 2.4-inch, or 6-centimeter, high-definition liquid crystal display and 3D surround sound stereo speakers, and of course the ability to receive terrestrial DMB television, radio or data broadcasts.
"With analog TV, it is not that easy to receive signals when you are mobile," said Mr. Skott Ahn, executive vice-president of LG Electronics' mobile phone research centre, when asked what advance terrestrial DMB technology offered on current mobile TV reception.
"For example, in a metropolitan area, buildings interfere with signals. The important thing with this is, it secures mobility." In a specially arranged test by two broadcasters, SBS and KBS, the signal received was, visually, crystal clear; the audio, at high pitch, was a touch fuzzy, though Mr. Ahn said that when the full service was up and running, this problem would be fixed.
There is an approximately two-second lapse when switching channels. A personal video recording function is built in. If the user receives, say, a two-minute call while watching a television programme, he can record the programme for the duration of the call.
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