RCA's line of portable hybrid televisions now available

RCA announced these way back at CES, and it's now finally rolled out its new line of portable "hybrid" televisions, which are able to receive both Mobile DTV and standard digital TV signals. Those include in two different 3.5-inch models that run $119 and $159 (the latter includes an FM tuner and lithium ion battery back instead of AAs), as well as a 7-inch model that will set you back $179 -- somewhat curiously, those prices are all $10 higher than those originally announced. Those looking to fully round out the package can also snag a car kit that includes a charger, remote control and monopole antenna for $129. Full press release is after the break.

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RCA HYBRID PORTABLE TELEVISION PRODUCTS NOW AVAILABLE FOR EASY RECEPTION OF BOTH
New mobile pocket TV hybrids pick up dual broadcast signals while on-the-go

Las Vegas, NV -- Apr 11, 2011 / (http://www.myprgenie.com) -- Broadcasters looking for an affordable way to determine if their Mobile DTV transmissions are reaching viewers will appreciate the new lineup of RCA Hybrid Portable TV products that are available beginning this week online at www.RCAPortableTV.com .

The new hyrbrid RCA models can receive both Mobile DTV and standard digital TV signals in four configurations, including 3.5" and 7" pocket televisions and an innovative automobile tuner/receiver for car infotainment systems. The new sets and car tuner/receiver are on display this week at the "experience zone" of the Mobile DTV Pavilion (N4036) in the North Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center during the 2011 NAB Show.

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. The digital devices cannot receive analog lower power TV signals.

"Our new Portable TVs are among 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 are 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 more than 70 local TV broadcasters, and viewers can check local service availability on the "Signal Map" tab of www.OMVC.org. 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 hybrid RCA models include:

3.5" Hybrid Portable Television Model DMT335R (suggested retail price $119), 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 $159), 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 $179), with an 800x480 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 $129), 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.