[opendtv] Re: CBA and Microprose team up on NTIA DTV Boxes
- From: "Hunold, Ken" <KRH@xxxxxxxxx>
- To: <opendtv@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Wed, 21 May 2008 09:10:44 -0400
If I "needed and desired" analog pass through, I could achieve that
using any CECB and a splitter. No need to design a new unit that
penalizes all viewers with the losses incurred by splitting the signal
inside the box.
I'd rather see a smart antenna interface (which I can't add myself) and
more smart antennas. I'm using such a setup now, and while I don't need
all the capabilities of the smart antenna in my high-signal-strength
location, I did see a difference at home.
More headline-grabbing...
Ken
-----Original Message-----
From: opendtv-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:opendtv-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx]
On Behalf Of Craig Birkmaier
Sent: Wednesday, May 21, 2008 6:15 AM
To: OpenDTV Mail List
Subject: [opendtv] CBA and Microprose team up on NTIA DTV Boxes
COMMUNITY BROADCASTERS TEAM UP WITH MICROPROSE SYSTEMS, LLC
TO GET ANALOG PASS-THROUGH BOXES INTO THE HANDS OF CONSUMERS
Marietta, GA. (May 20, 2008) - Microprose Systems, LLC and the
Community Broadcasters Association (CBA) have announced the formation of
a partnership to help the millions of over-the-air (OTA) television
viewers, who's NTIA coupons are set to expire on May 31st
if not used. This partnership provides a much needed solution to
the millions of viewers who watch LPTV and Class A television stations.
These stations typically serve senior citizens, the poor, rural areas,
and minority and niche audiences across the United States .
Beginning today, May 20th, over-the-air viewers across America will
have immediate access to an online store where they can validate their
DTV Coupons and pre-order the Microprose MPI-500 DTV converter box. CBA
member stations across the United States will help promote this valuable
solution and help people obtain converter boxes with the essential
analog pass-through feature.
The new MPI-500 "PT" series feature the much needed and desired analog
pass-through capability that allows TV owners requiring a digital
converter box to receive digital television programming as well as
allowing them to continue receiving their existing analog TV signals
from their favorite local stations.
Over 40 million households from a potential of 115+ million non-digital
televisions nationwide risk losing service unless they have cable
television, satellite service or a digital-to-analog converter box.
According to the NTIA, more than 13 million DTV Converter Box coupons
have been requested with 11 million sent to consumers since the launch
of the program on January 1, 2008 . To date, NTIA has certified 82
converter boxes with only 14 having the pass-through capability. The
NTIA-approved, Microprose MPI-500 DTV converter box with analog
pass-through, designed to deliver DVD-quality digital broadcast images
on older analog TVs, will be available for pre-ordering by going to
CBA's <http://www.keepuson.com/>www.KeepUsOn.com website beginning
today, May 20th.
"With 11 million coupons already mailed to consumers, and so few
NTIA-approved DTV converter boxes with the pass-through capability
available online or in retail stores, the TV Converter Box Coupon
Program has serious challenges." said Amy Brown, Executive Director and
Secretary for the CBA. "While the CBA is pleased with the high level of
awareness the CBA has created about the DTV Transition in Congress, at
the FCC and in homes across America, the need for pass-through
capability and the availability of these particular boxes is essential.
The CBA has answered the call to promote the right converter boxes to
the American public"
"We understand the great importance of being part of such a historic
transition in the United States , helping to take Television into the
Digital Age. However, Microprose wants to provide TV viewers the
ability to not only watch shows in Digital, but to give them the ability
to continue to also watch those TV stations that have not yet turned on
their Digital Transmission," said Curt Vendel, Director of
New Business Development for Microprose. "Most important to
Microprose was to show its strong support to the over 2,900 LPTV
stations who will not be making the move to Digital on the February
2009 deadline. Ultimately, providing a solution to TV viewers in their
viewing area's that look to, need and enjoy having their local
TV broadcasting available. This is why the MPI-500 series
converters offer the pass-through feature among many others. By simply
pressing a convenient Off/Standby button, the MPI-500 is put into Analog
TV pass through mode. This feature allows the continued viewing and
enjoyment of current and future Analog broadcasts to be received while
also providing easy access to all of the newer Digital
TV content. This partnership will ensure that a high quality, easy
to use product is made available to the CBA, its stations and their TV
viewers."
CBA's VP of Technology, Greg Herman said, "The CBA is proud to provide a
workable solution to assist over-the-air television viewers in solving
the severe problem created by the grossly inadequate supply of DTV
converter boxes with the essential analog pass-through feature. We are
pleased to be working with Microprose and look forward to continuing our
efforts to solve the problems that were created by both Congress and the
NTIA in the upcoming full power DTV transition." Mr. Herman went on to
say, "The LPTV and Class A television industry looks forward to our
successful and appropriately timed transition to digital operations.
However, since our transition deadline has yet to be determined, DTV
converter boxes such as the Microprose MPI-500 offer a substantially
more intelligent and appropriate option for consumers and will help
avoid the numerous problems created by the distribution of boxes which
block analog signals."
Every home in America needs a DTV converter box in the event of an
emergency unless they have a television with a digital tuner. In a
storm or natural disaster, when cable or satellite often goes out, it is
the over-the-air television station that will provide critical emergency
information to the public. LPTV and Class A stations historically have
played an essential role in providing emergency information to the
public when needed most.
DTV converter boxes with analog pass-through are the only intelligent
choice for consumers who will need to be able to receive this critical
information from any broadcast station in their viewing area, be it a
full power, Class A, LPTV or television translator station. The
Microprose MPI-500 series converters provide the logical solution for
this need.
The Community Broadcasters Association represents over 2,900 Class A and
LPTV stations nationwide and is dedicated to their advancement and
protection as well as ensuring a successful transition into the digital
marketplace.
To see the CBA@NAB program, a list of supporting vendors and the
organization's current initiatives, log onto our website at
<http://www.dtvnow.org/>www.DTVNow.org or
<http://www.keepuson.com/>www.KeepUsOn.com.
Microprose Systems LLC is a leading engineering and manufacturing firm,
providing quality consumer electronics and video gaming accessories for
the consumer market. Microprose Systems LLC is headquartered in New York
City, with offices in Wilmington, DE, Lorain, OH and Mountain View , CA
. For more information, please visit
<http://www.microprosesystems.com/>www.microprosesystems.com.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
You can UNSUBSCRIBE from the OpenDTV list in two ways:
- Using the UNSUBSCRIBE command in your user configuration settings at
FreeLists.org
- By sending a message to: opendtv-request@xxxxxxxxxxxxx with the word
unsubscribe in the subject line.
-----------------------------------------
This message (including any attachments) may contain confidential
information intended for a specific individual and purpose. If you
are not the intended recipient, delete this message. If you are
not the intended recipient, disclosing, copying, distributing, or
taking any action based on this message is strictly prohibited.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
You can UNSUBSCRIBE from the OpenDTV list in two ways:
- Using the UNSUBSCRIBE command in your user configuration settings at
FreeLists.org
- By sending a message to: opendtv-request@xxxxxxxxxxxxx with the word
unsubscribe in the subject line.
Other related posts:
