Sharp has developed what it claims to be the “world's first” dual-mode tuner module for mobile devices capable of receiving both DVB-H and T-DMB terrestrial digital broadcasts. The VA3B5EZ915 features a compact, thin profile package and the “industry's lowest power consumption,” according to the company.

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Sharp lists the following key features and specifications for the VA3B5EZ915:

• Receiving frequencies:
  • VHF band — 174 to 245 MHz
  • UHF band — 474 to 746 MHz
  • L-band — 1,450 to 1,492 MHz and 1,660 to 1,685 MHz
• Output format — IP packet
• Input sensitivity:
  • DVB-H reception — -97.5 dBm typ. (8 MHz, QPSK, code rate = 1/2)
  • T-DMB reception — -102 dBm typ. in VHF, Mode I, -101 dBm typ. in L-band, Mode I
• Control interface — SDIO or SPI
• Power consumption:
  • DVB-H reception — 43 mW typ.
  • T-DMB reception: 190 mW typ.
• Dimensions — 0.3 x 0.3 x 0.05 inches (8.0 x 8.0 x 1.25 mm)

DVB-H (Digital Video Broadcasting – Handhelds) technology adapts the successful DVB-T standard for digital terrestrial television to the specific requirements of handheld, battery-powered receivers. DVB-H offers an “improved end user experience” relative to current video streaming services over cellular networks, according to the DVB Project consortium. DVB-H field trials began in 2005 in the U.S. and several European countries, the consortium says. According to Sharp, DVB-H has been adopted in “various European countries and other areas.”

T-DMB (Terrestrial Digital Media Broadcasting) is a competing standard first developed in South Korea as part of that country's national IT project. Commercial service is available in Korea and “some parts of Europe,” according to Sharp. Japan has its own version of terrestrial digital broadcasting, called One-Seg, which appears to be a variation of T-DMB. One-Seg broadcasts for mobile devices began in April of last year, according to Sharp, and shipments of One-Seg-compatible mobile phones are expected to exceed 10 million units by this summer.

Availability

Samples of the VA3B5EZ915 digital tuner module are expected in July.

 
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