Just before the year 2008 ended, Softbank introduces a TV-tuner accessory to the iPhone in Japan — the 1-Seg TV. I’m not sure though if this device will work outside the Japanese airwaves.
The 1-Seg TV grabs the channels over the air and transmits the signal to your iPhone via wifi which could be a bummer if you want to watch TV in your car while driving on a heavy traffic (they should also enable USB cable transmission too).
Priced at around $108 (9,850 yen), the device is 100% in Japanese (hardware and software) so I guess bringing the tuner out of the country will only be useful to those who can read Japanese. You can grab the Softbank Software over at the iPhone App Store (if you are lucky to find it with a search).
Still, I wonder why no other 3rd-party vendor made something similar for a wider market {via}.
my uncle would surely buy this application. japan tech strikes again
Twitter: littlewolf
says:
The PSP has this too but it is only usable in Japan AFAIK.
It uses Japan’s 1Seg broadcast network… same with Nintendo DS and PSP tuners. Won’t be of any use outside Japan.
Why not a dvbh? hows the smart dvbh service? do they already have a lifestyle channel?
[...] introduces a TV-tuner accessory to the iPhone in Japan. a TV-tuner accessory that you attach to your iphone (also works [...]
hi-ya, I see all your blog posts, keep them coming.
Nice web site. Thanks!
Twitter: kyflo
says:
Actually, all 1seg devices work in the Philippines since the DVB standard is abandoned and it was replaced with the Japanese ISDB-T standard and 1seg is included there.
@TheRITZ. DVB-H needs a separate transmitter and channels are encrypted. Unlike 1seg, you only need an existing ISDB-T transmitter and the channels are unencrypted or all channels are free to watch.
Try looking for Nokia’s 1seg tuner (SU-33Wb)
Try going to this fanpage (http://www.facebook.com/IWantDTV4thePhilippines) or go to http://www.dibeg.org for more info.
Does your website have a contact page? I’m having trouble locating it but, I’d like to shoot you an e-mail. I’ve got some creative ideas for your blog you might be interested in hearing. Either way, great website and I look forward to seeing it develop over time.