NEWS RELEASECommittee on Energy and Commerce
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For Immediate Release:
February 6, 2008
Contact: Jodi Seth or Carrie Annand, 202-225-5735
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Energy and Commerce Committee Hosts Converter Box Demonstration for Members and Staff
Washington, DC – The Committee on Energy and Commerce on Monday hosted a manufacturer demonstration of digital-to-analog converter boxes for Members of Congress and congressional staff. After the nationwide digital television (DTV) transition occurs on February 17, 2009, these devices will convert digital signals to analog format for analog televisions that receive broadcast signals over the air, using rooftop or rabbit ear antennas.
The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) certified all of the converter boxes that were displayed at the event as eligible for its TV converter box coupon program. Manufacturers that presented their products at the demonstration include: Artec/Ultima Electronics Corporation, Best Buy/Insignia, Digital Stream, EchoStar, GE/Jasco, Max Media, RCA/Alco Electronics, Tivax, Zenith/LG Electronics and GXi International.
“With just one year to go until analog broadcasts cease, it is incumbent upon the government, industry and the public interest community to work together to ensure our nation leaves no viewer behind,” said Rep. John D. Dingell (D-MI), Chairman of the Committee on Energy and Commerce. “This demonstration allowed my colleagues in Congress to get a firsthand view of the options their constituents will have before them when they upgrade their analog television sets for the digital television transition.”
Every household or family is eligible to apply for two $40 coupons that may each be used to offset the cost of one converter box. Converter boxes are expected to retail for around $60. More information on this program can be found at http://www.dtv2009.gov.
“The converter box program is the key to a successful DTV transition. We must ensure that the four million consumers that have already requested converter box coupons are just the start of a wave of consumers learning about, and embracing converter boxes," said Rep. Edward J. Markey (D-MA), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the Internet.
This week’s manufacturer demonstration is just one of many efforts by the Energy and Commerce Committee to ensure the transition to digital television goes smoothly for consumers. To date, the Committee has held three hearings on the status of the DTV transition during the 110th Congress. An additional hearing, scheduled for February 13, will examine many issues relating to the transition, including the availability of converter boxes and the coupon program through which Americans can obtain a discount on the devices.
To view the products displayed at the converter box demonstration, please follow the links below:
Artec/Ultima Electronics Corporation
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