HDTV Converter Box: Stunt or Solution?

Posted by Admin on Friday, June 17, 2005 - 05:15 am:

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The Association for Maximum Service Television Stations, Inc. (MSTV), joined by the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB), announced today that they intend to pursue development of a prototype high quality, low cost digital to analog converter box for terrestrial digital television reception.

MSTV and NAB will be publishing a Request for Quote (RFQ) shortly, soliciting proposals from the consumer electronics industry and others to build a prototype digital to analog converter box. It is hoped to have a working prototype by the end of the year. It is anticipated the prototype would serve as a blueprint for future products from manufacturers to serve broadcast-only television sets.

MSTV President David Donovan stated: "All agree the availability of a digital to analog converter box is a key component of the digital transition. In recent months there have been a number of manufacturers claiming they could build a low cost box. Low cost is critical, but not the only factor. These converter boxes must be consumer friendly and most importantly they must work well. Otherwise, consumers are likely to reject them. The trick will be to put a high quality receiver in a low cost, consumer friendly product. The goal of this transition should be -- No viewer left behind."

NAB President and CEO Eddie Fritts stated: "A workable, low cost converter box is vital to the success of the digital transition. This project demonstrates our commitment to move the process forward. I trust the consumer electronics industry will respond favorably and join us in developing this important technology."

In response, the Consumer Electronics Association's (CEA) President and CEO Gary Shapiro issued this statement:

"This publicity stunt is novel considering that no one before has suggested any problem with creating a relatively simple digital to analog converter box. The issue is market demand. No one sells the product in the U.S. today as most local broadcasters do not have full-power HDTV broadcasts and only 11 percent of TV sets are even used to receive over-the-air (OTA) broadcasting.

"History repeats itself. The NAB commissioned a prototype model radio in 1987 and its commercial success has been underwhelming. We suggest broadcasters focus their resources on promoting OTA broadcasting, rather than trying to confuse the situation and delay a cut-off date."

About CEA
The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) is the preeminent trade association promoting growth in the consumer technology industry through technology policy, events, research, promotion and the fostering of business and strategic relationships. CEA represents more than 2,000 corporate members involved in the design, development, manufacturing, distribution and integration of audio, video, mobile electronics, wireless and landline communications, information technology, home networking, multimedia and accessory products, as well as related services that are sold through consumer channels. Combined, CEA's members account for more than $121 billion in annual sales. CEA's resources are available online at www.CE.org, the definitive source for information about the consumer electronics industry.

About MSTV
MSTV is the recognized industry leader in broadcasting technology and spectrum policy issues. Formed in 1956, MSTV has endeavored to insure that the American public receive the highest quality, interference free, over-the-air local television signals. For the past decade, MSTV has been the leading advocate for advanced over-the-air digital television in the United States.

About NAB
The National Association of Broadcasters is a full-service trade association that promotes and protects free, over-the-air local radio and television stations' interests in Washington and around the world. NAB is the broadcaster's voice before Congress, federal agencies and the courts. NAB also serves a growing number of associate and international broadcaster members. Information about NAB can be found at www.nab.org.

Author	Comments
CERC Unregistered guest	Posted on Friday, June 17, 2005 - 03:52 pm:    CERC Says DTV Converter Boxes: It's All about Demand, Not Supply; "An unambiguous 'hard date' is the key ..." CERC Executive Director Marc Pearl observed, "NAB and MSTV seem confused about supply and demand. The problem is not any lack of potential supply of converters; the problem is that without a clear, unambiguous "hard date" for an end to analog broadcasting, there is no consumer demand for such a product. NAB and MSTV don't need to be pushing the technology; they need to stop dragging their heels. Broadcasters should also focus on providing full power digital signals to all of their customers without delay." CERC has supported all calls by Members of Congress to set such a "hard date" no later than the first day of 2009. In this respect CERC is in step with the Staff Draft of the House Energy & Commerce Committee; with public pronouncements by Chairman Stevens of the Senate Commerce Committee, and with the bill recently introduced by Senators McCain and Lieberman. They are joined by public safety advocates and the information technology industry. "It seems that the only ones out of step with the movement to a "hard date" no later than the first day of 2009 are NAB and MSTV. If the broadcast industry will get behind the speedy passage of legislation and truly support the transition with their broadcasting, the supply of high quality, low cost converter boxes will not be a problem. Several electronics manufacturers have testified before Congress to their ability to supply these converter boxes. And retailers stand ready to help our customers understand both the transition and the converter boxes if legislation providing a hard date is passed." About CERC CERC is a public policy issue coalition that includes the major specialty retailers of consumer electronics products and retail associations. More information about CERC is available at http://www.ceretailers.org.
john mygrant Unregistered guest	Posted on Thursday, July 14, 2005 - 03:21 pm:    http://forum.ecoustics.com/bbs/messages/34579/142424.html Read the foregoing original article carefully. Also, look at the converter prices currently---$350 to $800 depending on what it is and with what it will(supposedly)work. I have avoided cable---unreliable (still goes out in bad weather) and increasingly costly with no concomitant benefit. I have a total of 9 televisions and three VCRs that will be needing converter capability. This is an industry rip-off of colossal proportions. Repair shops are advising people to get warranties as the new HDTV technologies are not lasting more than three or four years. Mr. Pearl's comments bother me because his industry constituents continue to market what he has to admit is built in obsolescence---a TV purchased today is junk in 3 years and 5 months. Supply high quality low cost converter boxes TODAY and you will sell them and you will have the public clamboring for DTV. The delay is caused by the greed of the manufacturing/retailing industry. So many people hate Microsoft because they force themselves upon the consumer; a similar reaction can be contemplated with the TV industry. The prospect of DTV and HDTV has me nauseated. It should be illegal to today sell a TV that is INcapable of receiving digital signals in any resolution; what continues to go on is consumer fraud and that is what I think of the CERC posting.