LG Electronics revealed Monday that is has set a new technological benchmark by producing the world's first terrestrial digital-media-broadcasting (DMB) cell phone that allows consumers to watch programs and use normal dialing functions simultaneously.

Digital multimedia broadcasting (DMB) is a mobile broadcasting service that allows people to watch broadcasts on both their cell phones and specially developed receivers. DMB is divided between terrestrial and satellite services, with the former operating through transmitting stations on Namsan and Gwanaksan mountains.

In the wake of LG Electronics' breakthrough, other handset makers such as Samsung and Pantech are expected to step up their manufacturing work to produce competing products that offer consumers the same degree of convenience.

Samsung, LG and Pantech have all developed satellite DMB phones and are waiting for the airborne service to launch. The satellite DMB service was originally scheduled to kick off in September after TU Media, a venture involving Korea's biggest mobile phone operator, SK Telecom, launched a satellite in the first half of the year. But the Korean Broadcasting Commission put the brakes on a launch until after next year in consideration of KBS, which is preparing for the terrestrial DMB service.

english.chosun.com