Samsung gets in on DMB act

Two days before Korea launches a terrestrial digital multimedia broadcasting, or DMB, service, Samsung Electronics Co. has announced plans to release a series of portable gadgets with which users will be able to watch the service’s digital broadcasts. At a press briefing yesterday, the nation’s largest consumer electronics maker said it will release nine new appliances that can receive the free video-on-the-go service. The gadgets range from hand-held televisions with 4- and 7-inch liquid crystal displays designed for the new service to portable multimedia players as well as special camcorders and laptops. At the briefing, the company said that the new appliances are part of its plan to secure over 50 percent of the local digital multimedia market next year. “We have the largest number of patents in the DMB sector,” said You Byung-youl, head of the digital video division at Samsung Electronics. “If the Korean-type DMB becomes the global standard, Korean-made DMB terminals will be able to lead the world market.” The company said it plans to use next year’s World Cup in Germany to gain a foothold in the overseas market. “We are aiming for a global share of more than 50 percent in the DMB terminal market by making such broadcasting indispensable for enjoying the World Cup,” said Mr. You. Also, the technology giant is pushing for other countries to adopt the Korean standard while making special devices for France and Britain, which have already opted for Finnish company Nokia’s European standard. by Seo Ji-eun, Kim Chang-woo