Bravia Mobile TV Phones Going Global

Sony Ericsson may have a worldwide roll out of its Bravia-branded handset that supports DVB-H (digital video broadcasting-handheld) mobile DTV (MDTV) in 2007, according to sources. Partnering with Japanese telecom service provider KDDI, Sony Ericsson launched its first Bravia-brand handset (W44S) in the Japan market this month. Sony debuted the Bravia LCD TV series in the third quarter of 2005. The strong sales of Bravia LCD TVs have helped Sony retain leadership in the global TV market.

The W44S adopts Sony’s RealityMAX engine, the crucial image processing technology from Sony LCD TV. With a 3-inch LCD screen, the handset can support HD (high-definition) programs, added the sources. The W44S is not GSM-based, but supports KDDI’s CDMA2000 1x EV-DO service, so it will not targeted worldwide, said the sources, while indicating that the company will introduce a new handset for global market based on the W44S next year. Continue >>