Video recorder being added to TV phones

Texas Instruments, PacketVideo and S3 are showing off a cell phone that can record incoming television shows the same way that TiVo boxes do at home. According to CNET News. The phone has two channels, so consumers can watch a program at the same time as they record something else for later viewing.

The phone also sports a picture-within-picture option, another first for TV cell phones, according to Texas Instruments.

Portable TV and video is the latest big idea--or possible flash in the pan--to come out of the tech industry. Advocates say portable video will become a widespread phenomenon. In initial customer tests conducted by manufacturers, Texas Instruments said, consumers could watch up to three hours a day of portable video. Currently, consumers watch quick video blurbs rather than full-length TV shows or movies. Prime viewing times will likely be during a commute or lunchtime. These cell phones can also ultimately function as videoconferencing devices.

Cell phone TVs are already available in South Korea and Japan. In the latest versions, programs and videos come directly to phones and handhelds via digital TV broadcasting services and a TV tuner. Programs do not travel over the cellular networks, which in the early days of TV cell phones often resulted in hefty phone bills.

Apple Computer next week is expected to unveil a new video iPod as well as a service that lets people download videos and movies.