TV on mobile

is developing a System-in-Package (SiP) device that will contain all the functionality of a complete digital TV receiver in an area the size of a thumbnail.

“This is a revolutionary development, integrating all the components of a digital TV receiver into a space small enough to fit into a mobile phone,” said Mario Rivas, executive vice president Communications Businesses, Philips Semiconductors.

Based on the DVB-H standard, the SiP will enable mobile phone developers to design products that will allow consumers to connect to live TV, as well as pictures, movies and music. In addition, the new standard will allow operators to broadcast mobile phone software updates to a large number of handsets simultaneously.

First off, Philips will roll out a small system board in the second quarter to support handset vendors who wish to try out the technology. This will be followed later in the year with a full SiP for DVB-H that will offer a reduced footprint and lower power consumption.

To further enhance the offering, Philips has partnered with Silicon & Software Systems (S3) to integrate its onHandTV software.

As part of the agreement between the two, S3 will join the Philips’ Nexperia Partner Program, an initiative to enable Independent Software Vendors (ISVs) and Integrators to deliver middleware, applications and reference designs based on the company’s Nexperia family of semiconductors.