Is it a phone? Is it a TV? No, it's a TV-phone from NEC

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A prototype mobile phone-DTV handset has been unveiled by Japanese corporation NEC, and looks set to hit the stores by 2005.

According to Reuters, the phone receives TV pictures through digital terrestrial television (DTT) signals, and with be able to access the interactive services available to regular DTV viewers. DTT services at set to begin operating in Japan by the end of 2003.

Despite allowing users to make calls, take pictures and watch TV, the Wall Street Journal points out the phone currently has a major drawback in that its power unit can only support one hour of TV airplay. However, NEC R&D manager Akira Kato told the WSJ that the company would not roll out until the power supply was efficient enough to provide one hour of TV viewing followed by one hour of voice communications.