[opendtv] Re: Why aren't there more converter boxes?

It will be interesting to see what new models of VCR's and other TV recorders are sold after March 1. It's hard to believe these categories will just disappear from the market. But they have to start having ATSC tuners in them, and most likely would then also tune QAM if they have any sense.
How long can they continue selling existing models? Is it only new models that need digital tuners or all newly manufactured stuff including newly produced units of old models? I can't remember. 

- Tom


Ben Webber wrote:

John Shutt wrote:
I would say there is a general lack of digital-to-analog converter technology generally available in ANY market. 


Bert Manfredi replied:



... Maybe, in spite of all the conspiracy theories we've been dreaming
up, the 1 March 2007 date graciously mandated by the FCC will jolt CE
companies out of the doldrums.




Quite apart from the political and regulatory uncertainties, conspiracies,
etc, that remain in the digital transition process, no CE manufacturer in
its right mind is going to ship more than a trickle of stand-alone ATSC STBs
until it knows for sure whether they qualify (in terms of allowable
features, power consumption, etc) for the subsidy.

Also, the sales volume of qualified converters can reasonably be expected to
remain very low until consumers actually get their grubby little paws on the
coupons. IIRC, applications for these $40 coupons (or whatever the amount
is) are not even scheduled to become available to the public until after
January 1, 2008.

Ergo, don't hold your breath.


Kind regards,

B.

Ben Webber
www.psychofish.tv
180 N Stetson Ave Ste 810
Chicago, IL 60601 USA
+1-312-819-4042
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--
Tom Barry                       trbarry@xxxxxxxxxxx     
Find my resume and video filters at www.trbarry.com


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