Pantech launches its first terrestrial DMB handsets, the PT-K1800 & the PT-L1800, to coincide with the introduction of land-based digital multimedia broadcasting services in Korea
SEOUL, : Pantech – South Korea’s second largest mobile phone manufacturer – has announced the launch of its PT-K1800 and PT-L1800 handsets to coincide with the introduction of Digital Multimedia Broadcasting (DMB) services in Korea, becoming one of the first companies in the world to bring terrestrial DMB handsets to the wider public domain.
The new PT-K1800 and PT-L1800 handsets combine compact dimensions with a full range of functions that allow the phones to be effectively used as portable TVs.
Offering advanced functions, such as timer-recording and TV capture, the new DMB handsets are a major step forward in multi-tasking technology devices, enabling users to answer the phone or send text messages while simultaneously watching terrestrial DMB TV. The retractable TV antenna allows for sleek design as well as enhanced usability.
Byong Gon Kang, Vice President, R&D Center, Pantech Co., Ltd., said: “Pantech has a tradition of technological innovation in the handset market. The launch of these two phones, providing users with a truly portable TV viewing experience, will perfectly position us to take advantage of the Korean terrestrial DMB market, which is expected to grow to 4.5 million units this year”.
Users also have the option of streaming the DMB signal through a regular TV or a PC monitor through a direct cable connection, with TV-OUT as well as PC-OUT features. For added convenience, the handsets come with a remote control.
Mr. Kang said: “The PT-K1800 and the PT-L1800 are true multimedia platforms that address a growing consumer demand for multi-convergent technologies. These models will allow us to solidify our presence in the premium handset market, in both the Korean and international markets, and maintain our position at the forefront of the new media revolution”.
The PT-K1800 and PT-L1800 use an external memory (trans-flash memory) slot to expand the capacity of the memory, allowing users to take full advantage of the phones’ multi-tasking capabilities. The large 2.2 Inch QVGA LCD (320*240) screen is incorporated into a compactly designed body that measures only 102mm x 51.4mm x 24.2 for enhanced portability.
In addition to the portable TV functionality, the PT-K1800 and PT-L1800 feature a 1.3 mega-pixel rotating camera with Auto Focus, offering high picture quality and the capability of taking pictures at any angle.
The new models also include advanced Text to Speech (TTS) technology, an innovative function that automatically converts text message to voice message, which allows users, for example, to safely check text messages while driving.
Both terrestrial phones will be launched in Korea this month under the Curitel brand and will be supplied to KTF and LGT, two of the top three wireless operators in Korea.
Pantech became the first company to launch satellite Bluetooth DMB mobile phones in July 2005 with the introduction of the PT-S130.
Pantech Terrestrial Phones Features:
? Internal DMB Antenna Type Semi Auto Slide
? 2.2’’ QVGA LCD
? DMB Remote control
? TV-OUT/PC-OUT
? Multi-tasking functionality
? 1.3M CMOS Rotating Camera with Auto Focus
? MP3 Player
? Text to Speech (TTS)
PT-K1800 Specifications:
? Size: 102 x 51.4 x 24.2(mm)
? 2.2’’ 260K QVGA TFT LCD
? CDMA 1X/MSM6500
? External Memory Slot: Trans-Flash Card
? Semi-automatic Retractable Intenna
? YAMAHA 64 Poly Orchestra Music Bell Sound
? Performance: TV Airing Time: up to 240 minutes
Talk Time: up to 295 minutes
Standby Time: up to 285 hours (with a large size battery, standard)
PT-L1800 Specifications:
? Size: 102 x 51.4 x 24.2(mm)
? 2.2’’ 260K QVGA TFT LCD
? CDMA 1X/MSM6100
? External Memory Slot: Trans-Flash Card
? Semi-automatic Retractable Intenna
? YAMAHA 64 Poly Orchestra Music Bell Sound
? Performance: TV Airing Time: up to 240 minutes
Talk Time: up to 295 minutes
Standby Time: up to 285 hours (with a large size battery, standard)
Media Contacts:
Pantech
In Soo Nam nam.insoo@pantech.com +822-2030-1931
Eun Sil Koh summer1004@pantech.com +822-2030-1933
Edelman
Charles Hogan charles.hogan@edelman.com +822-2022-8207
Jill Lee jill.lee@edelman.com +822-2022-8229
About Pantech:
Pantech, through its affiliates – Pantech Co., Ltd., Pantech&Curitel Communications, Inc. and Pantech C&I Inc – is ranked second in the South Korean domestic market and marked as the seventh largest mobile handset manufacturer in the world. Pantech is also recognized as one of the world’s fastest growing providers of mobile communications solutions. Pantech has been responsible for a number of breakthrough innovations in the mobile technology sector, including the introduction in 2004 of the world’s first fingerprint recognition camera phone, as well as award winning camcorder and MP3 phones. In May 2005, Pantech affiliate Pantech&Curitel Communications, Inc. announced the acquisition of SK Teletech Co., Ltd., the fourth largest handset manufacturer in the Korean market. SK Teletech was originally the handset-manufacturing arm of SK Telecom, number one mobile network operator in Korea. Under the terms of the acquisition agreement, Pantech and SK Telecom plan to collaborate in joint research and development initiatives and will work together in the global expansion of their respective businesses into overseas markets, The SKY brand, marketed by SK Teletech, is the most popular premium handset brand in Korea. In August 2005, to facilitate the goal of Pantech becoming one of the world’s top five mobile handset brands, Pantech Co. and SK Teletech were merged under the Pantech organization. Pantech collectively has about 5,000 employees and a total of 20 regional sales offices worldwide. For more information on Pantech, please visit www.pantech.com or www.curitel.com/english.
