AT&T's LG Vu phone to gain digital TV

AT&T's upcoming LG Vu (CU920) touchscreen phone will be AT&T's first phone to support digital broadcast TV, according to a tip provided to Engadget. While subscribers to the carrier's service have had access to live video across the Internet with 3G-capable phones, the upcoming device should include a MediaFLO tuner that will provide direct digital broadcast TV. Whether the device would be compatible with Verizon's V CAST TV is unknown; both providers will use the same over-the-air format but are likely to block access through software.

The Vu may also see an accelerated release, according to the claim. AT&T is purportedly certain to deliver the LG device by early 2008 but is trying to ready the phone in time for a December launch to capitalize on holiday sales. Details of the price for the phone and the new TV service are unknown.

Also mentioned by the source is that AT&T's adaptation of the LG Shine should be available on November 23rd and will first come in the Korean phone's original silver color; version in black as well as AT&T's preferred red should be available early next year to spur sales past the holiday period.