Electronics manufacturer RCA today introduced an Android tablet featuring two tuners that allow users to access free live TV on the go.
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RCA's new Mobile TV Tablet with built-in tuners. (Image source: RCA) |
A story in AllThingsD reports that the RCA Mobile TV Tablet includes "two built-in tuner--one standard over-the-air DTV tuner for when you're stationary and one mobile tuner for when you're on the go."
Dyle TV's press release offers these specifics: The tablet offers an 8-inch screen and access to 130 countrywide mobile TV stations. The high-definition tablet has WiFi, dual cameras and a built-in GPS.
"The addition of both stationary and mobile TV capability in a tablet receiver means that viewers will never be out of touch with the latest news, weather, sports, and favorite channels," said Chris Lee, vice president of marketing for Digital Stream. "Reaction to our first generation of standalone Mobile DTV receivers has been very positive, and we look forward to more widespread and more advanced services made possible by the addition of this Mobile TV Tablet to the RCA product portfolio."
Dyle TV had previously introduced an external tuner and an app for Apple (Nasdaq: AAPL) iPad, iPhones and iPod Touch. The Elgato EyeTV Mobile TV tuner does not require an Internet connection, "[s]ince the tuner technology uses special TV airwaves and is not streaming," according to the story.
The downside to the Elgato tuner is it costs an extra $100, somewhat offsetting the free aspect of the TV-on-the-go service. Since Apple devices are expensive to begin with, iOS users would need to be invested in using the service for several months to even out the initial cost of the device.
On the other hand, the RCA Mobile TV, with its built-in tuners, will avoid both the hassle of an extra piece of equipment as well as the additional fee. The Android tablet will cost $299 and will be displayed at the International CES show.
For more:
- check out the Dyle TV/RCA press release
- see this AllThingsD article
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