Well, we can call this line truly portable from RCA—with these receivers unveiled at CES 2011, viewers will be able to watch both standard digital and Mobile DTV broadcasts. Some 70 TV broadcasters are now transmitting mobile DTV signals. So whether viewers are at home or on the go, RCA is now offering four new receivers, including 3.5″ and 7″ pocket televisions and an automobile tuner for car infotainment systems.
The new sets and car tuner/receiver can be seen at the 2011 International CES at both the RCA exhibit in Central Hall (#13338) and at “CES Unveiled” on 1-4 at 4PM at the Venetian Hotel.
The new line-up:
3.5″ Hybrid Portable Television — Model DMT335R (suggested retail price $109), with a bright LED backlit LCD screen, hybrid ATSC or Mobile DTV reception, AC power or up to 4 hours of playback time on rechargeable AA batteries, real-time signal strength indicator, closed captioning capability, easel-back stand, English/Spanish display and monopole antenna.
3.5″ Hybrid Portable Television — Model DMT336R (suggested retail price $149), with a widescreen, ultra-bright LED backlit LCD screen, hybrid ATSC or Mobile DTV reception, FM radio reception, AC power or up to 4 hours of playback time on internal Lithium Polymer battery, real-time signal strength indicator, closed captioning capability, easel-back stand, English/Spanish display and monopole antenna.
7″ Hybrid Portable Television — Model DMT270R (suggested retail price $169), with an 800×480 high resolution widescreen LCD screen featuring 500:1 contrast ratio, hybrid ATSC or Mobile DTV reception, AC power or up to 3 hours of playback time on built-in Lithium Polymer battery that can recharge while plugged in to a wall outlet or auto power source, real-time signal strength indicator, closed captioning capability, easel-back stand, English/Spanish display and 360 degree adjustable antenna.
Pocket Mobile DTV Car Tuner Receiver — Model DMT3BR (suggested retail price $119), featuring a discrete design that is smaller than a deck of cards, hybrid ATSC or Mobile DTV reception, powered by car charger, easy connection to the car infotainment system’s audio and video input jacks, remote control, and a monopole antenna.
RBR-TVBR observation: Portable, battery operated DTV sets were almost non-existent for a while with the transition to all-digital broadcasting because of the power requirements, creating a bit of a hole in service to the public during emergencies. It’s good to see the industry catching up—not only with the power issue, but the portability issue. Standard DTV did not work well at all in a moving, mobile reception situation.
