[opendtv] 5 October 05 NAB press release on STBs
- From: "Manfredi, Albert E" <albert.e.manfredi@xxxxxxxxxx>
- To: <opendtv@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Fri, 7 Oct 2005 17:01:37 -0400
I had estimated 20M homes relying on OTA, and at least 40M
receivers needed. Eddie Fritts says 21M homes and 73M
receivers.
Whatever the actual number is, and we shouldn't forget that
cable and DBS homes also have OTA-only sets in use, the
market for transitional STBs should be substantial by any
reckoning.
Will there be more hurdles? Like, will there be a reasonable
set of features available in these new STBs, or a range of
products? The descriptions sound very bare bones.
Bert
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 5, 2005 David Donovan, MSTV
202-966-1956
Dennis Wharton, NAB
202-429-5350
John Taylor, LG Electronics
202-719-3490
Dave Arland, Thomson
317-701-0084
Thomson and LG Electronics Partner with Broadcasters
to Develop Terrestrial Digital-to-Analog Converter
Boxes
WASHINGTON, DC - The Association for Maximum Service
Television, Inc. and the National Association of
Broadcasters have selected LG Electronics Inc. and
Thomson, SA to each develop prototype high quality,
low cost Terrestrial Digital Converter Boxes to
receive digital signals on conventional analog
televisions.
Jointly funded by MSTV and NAB with development support
from Thomson and LG Electronics, these prototypes will
serve as blueprints for future products from
manufacturers to ensure that the more than 70 million
analog TVs relying exclusively on terrestrial broadcast
signals will continue to receive free over-the-air TV
service when all-digital broadcasting begins.
MSTV President David Donovan explained that today's
announcement follows an extensive evaluation over the
past several months of more than a dozen proposals
submitted by leading electronics and integrated circuit
manufacturers from around the world in response to a
Request for Quotation released by NAB and MSTV on June
20.
"No viewer should be left behind when this nation
converts to all-digital signals," said Donovan.
"Developing a high-quality, low-cost digital-to-analog
converter box ensures that all Americans will be able
to receive emergency information and their favorite TV
shows using existing analog television sets. We are
delighted to be working with these companies, both
leaders in the consumer electronics industry. This
collaborative effort benefits all consumers. Also, it
comports with Congressional efforts to subsidize
quality converter boxes that provide an alternative
for consumers that want to keep their current analog
equipment."
NAB President Eddie Fritts observed, "There are 21
million homes and 73 million receivers relying
exclusively on antennas to receive local television
signals. Disenfranchising these viewers would present
a significant problem for broadcasters, the government
and consumers. This project demonstrates a willingness
by both broadcasters and two of the world's leading
electronics companies to ensure that all Americans
have affordable access to local television signals
both during and after the transition to digital."
"LG Electronics is honored to be selected by the NAB
and MSTV, and we're enthusiastic about joining forces
with broadcasters to develop the next-generation of
DTV reception technology," said Dr. Jong Kim, vice
president, research, LG Electronics. "As a long-time
participant in the digital television transition, LG
and our Zenith subsidiary look forward to working
with the broadcasting industry to develop this
important product, which we expect to set the
performance benchmark against which others should be
measured to assure consumer satisfaction with digital
reception. As I testified before a Congressional
committee earlier this year, this kind of product is
a key to the digital TV transition."
"We are delighted to be working with the broadcast
television industry to develop a new digital-to-analog
converter box platform," said Barb Birnbaum, director
of business development for Thomson's Access Platforms
& Gateways business. "We know that Congress desires an
inexpensive digital to analog converter box in order
to ensure consumers are not disenfranchised when
analog broadcasts cease, and we believe there will be
a market for a variety of digital-to-analog conversion
products. Thomson has a long history of providing top
quality receiving devices and we look forward to
working collaboratively with the broadcast industry to
help meet Congressional expectations."
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