Garmin Nuvi 1490TV Offers Nav And DVB-T Entertainment

Portable TV has been a big deal in Europe for a long time now with all sorts of smartphones, PMPs, and other gear capable of tuning in the hoard of DVB-T digital terrestrial TV broadcasts. Garmin has unveiled a slick new GPS device that does all the things you expect of a Garmin nuvi PND and adds in entertainment on the go as well.

The new 1490TV has a built-in DVB-T tuner that allows the GPS device to pick up freeview digital TV and radio content in 14 different countries across Europe. The UK has 50 channels that the new GPS device can tune in alone. Complete maps of Europe are pre-loaded along with safety camera warnings, POI database, and premium traffic updates.

A 5-inch touchscreen display promises large area for navigation and good colors for watching your favorite sporting events. Sound comes from integrated stereo speakers and a 3.5mm headphone output. Power is from a built-in lithium-ion battery. Garmin also integrates inputs for connecting to your antenna at home. Garmin does build a safety into the GPS that switches off the TV and only allows navigation when the car is moving. I have to wonder if that means you won't be able to watch the mobile TV if you are a passenger or riding in a bus or taxi. The 1490TV will launch in April for GBP299/EUR299.