Top 5 MDTV (atsc-m/h) Gadgets

#5. Vizio Razor LED TV’s

Two new Vizio Razor models will feature ATSC-M/H capable tuners and are extremely slim coming in at under 1 inch thick for easy mobility. The VMB090 will feature a 9 inch LED display, mdtv tuner, and a price tag around $199.99. The larger VMB100 will feature a 10 inch LED display, mdtv tuner and a price tag of $229.99. 

The one downside of the Vizio Razor’s are the antennas used in the device. With a simple dipole antenna the Razor’s will have a very short range and also have multi-pathing issues in areas such as downtown in a city where signal reflects off of multiple buildings. 

At the $199.99 – $229.99 price tag the Vizio Razor’s will make an excellent introductory MDTV system. 

#4. FLO TV

While FLO TV is currently the most publically advertised MDTV device it also has a few major drawbacks. 

Featuring a 3.5″ , 320 x 240 pixel resolution touch-screen display, built-in speakers, audio output and a wide variety of available programming compared to most current MDTV markets FLO TV is coming out of the gate strong. 

However, FLO TV has several drawbacks that we believe in time will see the service fade. First, FLO TV requires not only a $250 equpiment charge for the 3.5″ display, but also requires a monthly programming charge unlike other devices sporting a ATSC-M/H tuner and allowing you to pickup free over-the-air broadcasts. Availability and programming are also limited as local broadcasters continue to adopt free MDTV broadcasts. 

FLO TV has a good backing and a large headstart, but we believe free will win out in the end. 

#3. Tivit – Free TV for your iPhone

The Tivit is a stand-alone device that contains an ATSC-M/H tuner, 9 inch expandable antenna and a WI-FI transmitter that re-transmits the collected MDTV signal and broadcasts it to your iPhone. The user launches a Tivit iPhone app and your up and watching mobile television. 

What makes Tivit unique is the ability to broadcast the mobile handheld television signal to a device many of us already own. The Tivit will not only work with your iPhone but also the Android, Blackerry or your own personal computer or laptop. 

Current Tivit models showcased at CES had some software bugs and missing features, but the Tivit release is not scheduled until later in 2010. Cost estimates put the Tivit between $90 – $120. 

#2. Your Cell Phone

While our number three gadget on the list brings MDTV to your existing phone, get ready to have an ATSC-M/H tuner built into most cell phones in the next two years. Instead of using a Tivit type device their will be new versions of the iPhone, Android and Blackberry featuring an internal tuner, antenna and all-in-one MDTV device. 

LG is currently showcasting the GSM phone which features a 3-inch LCD screen and a battery capable of delivering up to 4 hours of mobile television viewing. LG’s 7-mm square LG2161R receiver chip is pushing much of this technology and includes a VHF and UHF tuner, the mobile DTV demodulator and the circuitry necessary to display mobile DTV signals. It offers faster channel changing speed than earlier chipsets and power consumption has been reduced, allowing increased viewing time. 

While most cell phone models will not be released until 2011, this part of the industry will really be the game changer. When you can wrap the MDTV technology into your personal cell-phone you will begin to see wide acceptance of the technology. 

#1. Winegard Cio

What’s the most important part of MDTV? Actually being able to receive the signal! Winegard has been making television antennas since the 1950’s and if anyone can acquire that signal on-the-go and figure out how to expand the range, it’s them. 

The Cio features an internal ATSC-M/H tuner, antenna, 10.2-inch touch-screen, CD/DVD player, iPhone/iPod connector and emulator, SD card reader, USB connection for a 3G or 4G dongle, wireless internet card, audio output over included RF headphones, FM modulator to your car’s stereo, or standard audio output to your own headphones. While the Cio is primarily sold as an in-car system mounted on the brackets of your head-rest, the Cio is also completely mobile and can be easily removed, a 5-hour battery pack inserted, and taken with you. 

While the Cio we were able to get our hands on at CES had several software bugs the device itself was top-notch. The screen looked crystal-clear and the device was picking up over 20 channels that day inside the convention center. 

The Cio will be available in Summer 2010 and is currently priced at $599 for version 1 and $699 for version 2 which features the internal ATSC-MH tuner.

#1. MDTV Gadget - Winegard Cio