With this 30-pin accessory, you can watch live TV broadcasts on your iOS device. You don’t need WiFi access, and you won’t use your data plan minutes, either. You do need to be in certain geographic areas in the US to use the Dyle mobile TV unit from Belkin, though. Dyle mobile TV broadcasts live local programming from major TV networks and uses the ATSC-M/H standard. To find out if you are in a coverage area, check Belkin’s coverage map. (Belkin says they will be adding new areas.) Dyle has a extendable titanium antenna for the best possible signal reception, and it has a microUSB port that can be used with an optional cable and charger that can recharge your iPhone (4/4S) or iPad (original, 2, or 3rd gen) as you watch TV. The Dyle is available now at Belkin for $129.99.
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I am a little disappointed that companies are still making the device in only the 30 pin connector, however I think that this is a device that people (like myself) have been waiting for, for some time. I am not sure of the technical reasons, but why can a device that just picks up the over the air HD signals be made?
I had two portable digital TVs and both weren’t that good. One was terrible (could only pick up a single channel) and the other had poor reception with the built in antenna, but better when I attached an external.
Each had issues with MOVING the device. If you moved it (and thus, moved the antenna), you’d lose signal — and may need to re-tune. Not good for portable devices and basically means TV in a moving car is out the window.
I’d be unwilling to spend $130 bux and risk the potential aggravation.
I’m not sure portable TVs were ever meant to be used in a moving car. I think portable TVs were intended to be taken somewhere without a TV, like a camp site, so you could watch TV until the batteries ran out – and possibly just for the novelty of having a TV at a camp site. 😉 I also would think it could be useful for emergency situations, like when you lose electricity in your house during a storm.
Janet:
A $130 novelty isn’t that great. And depending on the quality of the tuner (see my previous post), it may not be that good for emergencies, either. Do you know if the device allows for the connection of an external antenna?
Jhon,
I meant portable TVs in general were novelties, not this device in general. I wasn’t suggesting anyone should buy this; it’s just a news report. I haven’t seen one, so I don’t know if you can attach an external antenna. I’m sure there are more details at Belkin at the link in the post.
My question is this compatible to the new digital signals that Canada and US had switch over couple years ago? IF not then it waste of money.
Also it not a new idea. I had a SEGA Game Gear , they had a TV adapter that one can plug into the cartridge slot, and can view TV in color on 2″ x 3″ screen. I remember watching the X-Files out in friends backyard in his tent.