Nvidia claims that it is offering the first handheld graphics processor "to enable true, fluid digital TV, high-fidelity surround sound, rapid multi-shot photography, and console-class 3D graphics."

According to the manufacturer, the new GoForce 5500 can playback H.264, WMV9 and MPEG-4 video at up to 30fps and support DVB-H, ISDB-T, and DMB mobile TV networks. The audio component delivers surround sound, while 3D performance has tripled over the previous generation of the chip, Nvidia said.

The GoForce 5500 will be available in cellphones "before" the 2006 holiday season, according to Nvidia.