Digital TV converter boxes due later this year
April 29th, 2006The converter boxes that will prolong the life of existing analog TV sets are slated for delivery later this year.
These set-top boxes—also known as digital TV adapters—will allow conventional TVs to continue receiving over-the-air broadcasts when the cutover to digital TV is completed in 2009.
Prototype converters from LG and Thomson, hooked up to ’80s-vintage analog TV sets, were on display at the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) show earlier this week. The digital-to-analog converter box market could reach 20 to 40 million units by 2008, according to LG’s Zenith division.
Broadcasters are guardedly optimistic about the technology. Mark Aitken, director of advanced technology for Sinclair Broadcast Group, says the fifth-generation DTV chips from LG and other manufacturers will receive over-the-air signals reliably, provided the box delivers a clean signal to the chip. He’s more concerned about the quality of the radio-frequency components that may find their way into low-cost boxes.
“The federal government would be remiss in its duty if it agrees to allow a $40 subsidy to be applied to a product that didn’t meet some sort of minimum requirements,” says Aitken.
(Gee, they have been remiss in their duties, now that you mention it…)
Converter boxes won’t hit the $50 target price initially, I gather. Single-chip tuners and sales volume should ultimately drive down the cost.
• Link: Broadcasting & Cable