RadioShack Introduces Digital Converter Box With Analog Pass-Through
Digital Stream DTX9950 tuner receives digital over-the-air TV broadcast signals as well as passes through analog signals as the United States shifts to full-power digital TV broadcasting Feb. 17, 2009.
RadioShack Corporation NYSE: RSH today announced the rollout of the Digital Stream DTX9950 digital converter box with built-in analog pass-through for consumers who wish to continue using analog television sets to receive both digital and analog over-the-air broadcasts when the United States transfers to full-power digital television on Feb. 17, 2009.
The DTX9950 will be arriving nationwide starting this week through all RadioShack distribution channels, including 4,500 company stores, more than 1,000 participating dealer stores, RadioShack.com, RadioShack’s Direct-to-You ordering system, or RadioShack’s special toll-free 1-877-RS-DTV-4U number with free shipping.
All full-powered TV stations across the country must switch to digital transmissions in February 2009 with the exception of a test market in Wilmington, N.C., which is converting to digital broadcasts at noon on Sept. 8, 2008. However, low-powered broadcasters such as small community stations are not required to make the switch at this time. The Digital Stream DTX9950 enables consumers who watch full and low-power TV stations to do so without the need to add a splitter or A/B switch to a digital-only converter box.
The DTX9950 is approved by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), which is part of the U.S. Department of Commerce, making it eligible for the $40 government subsidized coupon program. The price of the DTX9950 is $59.99 (or $19.99 plus tax for customers redeeming a $40 government coupon) in the Continental U.S. NTIA is in charge of administering the TV Converter Box Coupon Program at the direction of Congress. Information about the coupon program is available from http://www.DTV.gov, 1-888-CALL-FCC, http://www.dtv2009.gov or 1-888-DTV-2009.
“We’re excited to be among the first national retailers — as well as the largest in terms of the sheer number of retail outlets and distribution channels — to offer a digital converter box with a built-in analog pass-through,” said Peter Whitsett, RadioShack’s executive vice president, general merchandising manager. “Although most research indicates a minority of households actually require such a feature, we’ve found some customers visiting our neighborhood stores for advice are confused over what kind of box they actually need. This alleviates any uncertainty, at no additional cost.
“The DTX9950 also allows us to deliver a complete digital transition solution, whether it be over-the-air reception of digital and analog signals, satellite television or cable subscription services, or simply a new television. In addition, customers living along our northern and southern borders who wish to continue enjoying analog television broadcasts from Canada or Mexico will benefit from this converter box, because those countries are not converting to digital signals on the same schedule as the U.S.”
Features of the new Digital Stream DTX9950 include:
- A simple interface capable of receiving both digital and analog broadcast signals
- Fully compliant with ATSC standards
- Energy Star compliant
- Contains the parental control V-chip
- Offers advanced closed caption
- Includes both English and Spanish on-screen display menu
- Channel 3 / 4 output for analog conventional TV
- High-quality composite video / L/R audio output
- Support of current program information
- Comes with a universal remote control
In addition to converter boxes and digital accessories, RadioShack offers a complete solution for customers who currently receive over-the-air TV broadcasts, including various televisions and home entertainment devices with built-in digital tuners and subscription television services.
About RadioShack Corporation
RadioShack Corporation NYSE: RSH is one of the nation’s most experienced and trusted consumer electronics specialty retailers. Operating from convenient and comfortable neighborhood and mall locations, RadioShack stores deliver personalized product and service solutions within a few short minutes of where most Americans either live or work. The company has a presence through almost 6,000 company-operated stores and dealer outlets in the United States, and nearly 800 wireless phone kiosks. RadioShack’s dedicated force of knowledgeable and helpful sales associates has been consistently recognized by several independent groups as providing the best customer service in the consumer electronics and wireless industries. For more information on RadioShack Corporation, or to purchase items online, visit http://www.radioshack.com.
