Starting this May, people on the road will be able to enjoy free crystal-clear TV programming through handheld terminals thanks to terrestrial digital multimedia broadcasting (DMB) services. The Korean Broadcasting Commission (KBC) March 28 picked six firms to launch the terrestrial DMB services -- KBS, MBC, SBS, YTN, CBS and a consortium of small participants. At least two of the three over-the-air broadcasters -- KBS, MBC and SBS -- are expected to start terrestrial DMB in May with remaining players likely to follow suit late this year. The six firms plan to provide a total of six video channels, 18 audio broadcasts and six data programs for free in Seoul, Inchon and Gyeonggi Province. Those who want to enjoy the services need to purchase a terrestrial DMB-enabled handset. Korea's flagship mobile phone makers Samsung Electronics and LG Electronics plan to roll out terrestrial DMB phones with price tags between 600,000 won and 900,000 won in May. Another handset provider, Pantech Group, also looks to launch a broadcast phone in June. For residents of areas outside greater Seoul, free terrestrial DMB services will be available next year. An alternative satellite DMB had also been undergoing testing from January with its commercial debut slated for May. Unlike the terrestrial DMB, the satellite version will be offered at a cost of 20,000 won for the subscription fee and 13,000 won per month. But the satellite DMB's strength lies in its varied content; 13 video channels and 22 audio broadcasts. Several data programs will also be added next year. In rivalry between the two DMB services, the Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute (ETRI) projected terrestrial DMB would gain the upper hand by attracting 6.8 million customers by 2009. In comparison, the state-backed institute expected the fee-based satellite DMB would sign up just 3.5 million subscribers by the same year. Over the long haul, two versions of mobility-specific broadcasting are likely to be displayed in a single terminal with cell phone vendors currently vying to crank out the first converged model. To achieve this task by early next year, Samsung Electronics, the world's third-largest handset maker, is now developing a high-end chip, which can pick up signals of both satellite and terrestrial DMB. This means end users will be able to cross between the free terrestrial DMB and fee-based satellite DMB using a single handset by 2006. The world's fourth-largest player LG Electronics has also jumped on the bandwagon and is currently researching to produce a converged device according to the firm's chief technology officer, Paik Woo-hyun. "We plan to combine in-house developed satellite DMB chips with that of terrestrial DMB into a single chip," Paik said in a press conference for the unveiling of the firm's terrestrial DMB phone last year.