ASIA : 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

lText 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)