RCA is First to Launch New Line of Portable Television Products for Easy Reception of Both Standard and Mobile Digital TV Broadcasts

New Mobile Pocket TV Hybrids Pick Up Dual Broadcast Signals While On-the-Go

LAS VEGAS — 2011 International CES — With nearly 70 TV broadcasters now transmitting Mobile Digital TV signals to viewers in markets throughout the country, RCA is launching a new line of portable digital television sets that have the capability of receiving both Mobile DTV and standard digital TV signals. Four new products for mobile consumers will soon be available, including 3.5″ and 7″ pocket televisions and an innovative 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 the “CES Unveiled” press preview later this afternoon starting at 4PM at the Venetian Hotel.

Battery-operated portable TV sets virtually disappeared with the transition to all-digital broadcasting, and the new RCA products are the first to offer consumers the reception convenience of either regular or mobile broadcasts transmitted by local TV stations.

“Our new Portable TVs will be the first handheld hybrid television receivers in the U.S. market, and the new Mobile DTV functionality makes it possible for viewers to enjoy their favorite programs as well as local news, weather, and sports wherever they go. Whether watching on a train, in the backseat of a car, or just relaxing at home, RCA pocket TV sets will be ideal companions,” said Chris Lee, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Digital Stream, the RCA licensee who is manufacturing and marketing the new products. “We are closely monitoring the rollout of Mobile DTV market by market, and we are working with retailers that are interested in bringing these new options to viewers,” Lee said.

Mobile DTV is a new service now available from nearly 70 local TV broadcasters. Local over-the-air stations are upgrading equipment to transmit the robust digital signals, which are designed for “on the go” reception wherever viewers want to watch local news, weather, sports, traffic, and favorite entertainment programs. While digital TV was designed for fixed reception in rabbit-ear equipped living rooms, Mobile DTV is optimized for personal viewing on handheld devices (even if a viewer is in the backseat of an automobile or on a moving train.)

The new line-up of RCA portable televisions includes three models of hybrid portable televisions in 3.5″ and 7″ screen sizes and a tiny Mobile DTV Car Tuner Receiver designed to add live TV signals to existing auto infotainment systems:

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.