Sharp Develops Dual-Mode TV Tuner

Sharp has announced the upcoming availability of their new VA3B5EZ915 dual-mode tuner module, which is capable of receiving both DVB-H and T-DMB terrestrial digital tv broadcasts, a world first. The module also claims to be the smallest in size (8.0 x 8.0 x 1.25 mm) while operating at the lowest power consumption (43 mW). Samples, priced at ¥20,000, start shipping in July with a target production capacity of 300,000 units per month.

The company also issued this press release, related to their embedded IC chip efforts for e-Passports, announcing the secure offering has been certified by the US Federal government.

IC cards are used for applications like financial institutions, subway travel, and e-cash, and for official use as driver’s licenses and identification cards. This means they must be secure against potential unlawful access and the leakage and falsification of stored data.

To meet these needs, Sharp offers highly secure IC modules for IC cards. They boast not only proprietary encryption technology, but also high-capacity flash memory (1MB) for storing a variety of software: for things like improved physical identification of individuals through ID photos, vein patterns, and fingerprints, as well as applications for room entry and computer access authorization.

We noted Here — in 2004 — this solution by Sharp being deployed in Australia.