Sharp has developed the VA3B5EZ915 dual-mode tuner module capable of receiving both DVB-H (Digital Video Broadcasting – Handheld) and T-DMB (Terrestrial-Digital Media Broadcasting) terrestrial digital broadcasts.

In Japan, One-Seg terrestrial digital broadcasts for mobile devices began in April of last year, and total domestic shipments of One-Seg-compatible mobile phones is expected to exceed 10 million units by this summer. Internationally, similar services have begun, including DVB-H broadcasting in various areas centered on Europe and T-DMB broadcasting in Korea and some parts of Europe, and the market for terrestrial digital broadcasting for mobile devices is expected to grow outside of Japan as well.

The tuner module is designed to be embedded in mobile devices, mainly mobile phones. Hence, manufacturers are strongly demanding compact size, thin form factor, and low power consumption in this key component.

Sharp has developed chip sets that are more compact, thinner in profile, and consume less power. The result is a dual-mode tuner module that supports both DVB-H and T-DMB broadcasts having the industry’s lowest power consumption: 43 mW for DVB-H reception and 190 mW for T-DMB reception. Its dimensions are: 8.0 x 8.0 x 1.25 mm

Receiving frequency spectrums, with GSM interference removal filter built-in, are: 174 to 245 MHz (VHF band); 474 to 746 MHz (UHF band); 1,450 to 1,492 MHz, 1,660 to 1,685 MHz (L-band).

The sample price (tax included) will be 20,000 yen (164.42 USD). The VA3B5EZ915 module will be available in July 2007. Sharp annonced a production capacity of 300,000 units per month.