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, January 4, 2006: 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)
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 http://www.pantech.com or
http://www.curitel.com