Samsung, a Leader in Set Top Box Technology, Plans to Launch Digital-to-Analog Converter Box to Coincide with Start of Program
Samsung Electronics America welcomes the announcement today of the final rules for the U.S. Commerce Department’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration’s digital-to-analog television converter coupon program. Samsung supports the digital TV transition rules issued by NTIA (the arm of the U.S. Commerce Department charged with overseeing a consumer coupon program for digital-to-analog converter set-top boxes). These rules will provide much-needed certainty as consumers prepare for the end of the nation’s transition from analog to digital TV broadcasting on February 17, 2009, when all analog broadcasts will cease. For NTIA press release and background.
Samsung, the leader in U.S. digital television unit sales (according to NPD Group), is also an established leader in set top box technology and innovation. “Currently, Samsung’s DTB-H260F high definition terrestrial receiver gives consumers excellent quality over-the-air TV reception in a set top box for digital displays,” John Godfrey, Vice President Government & Public Affairs Samsung Information Systems America, Inc. “We plan on following this with a digital-to-analog converter set top box in time for the start of NTIA’s coupon program in 2008, so consumers can not only continue to receive free over-the-air TV after the transition, but also enjoy improved, crystal-clear pictures.”
In many markets, consumers will enjoy additional channels of digital TV programming using the converter set top box– depending on what their local providers are broadcasting.
Under the rules, all households in the U.S. will be able to apply for up to two $40 coupons from the NTIA to defray the cost of a basic digital-to-analog converter box. More information is available directly from the NTIA.
About Samsung Electronics America, Inc.
Headquartered in Ridgefield Park, NJ, Samsung Electronics America, Inc. (SEA), a wholly owned subsidiary of Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., markets a broad range of award-winning, advanced digital consumer electronics, information systems and home appliance products. The SEA organization oversees the North American operations of Samsung including Samsung Telecommunications America, LP, Samsung Electronics Canada, Inc. and Samsung Electronics Mexico, Inc. Please visit http://www.samsung.com for more information.
About Samsung Electronics
Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. is a global leader in semiconductor, telecommunication, digital media and digital convergence technologies with 2006 parent company sales of US$63.4 billion and net income of US$8.5 billion. Employing approximately 138,000 people in 124 offices in 56 countries, the company consists of five main business units: Digital Media Business, LCD Business, Semiconductor Business, Telecommunication Network Business and Digital Appliance Business. Recognized as one of the fastest growing global brands, Samsung Electronics is a leading producer of digital TVs, memory chips, mobile phones and TFT-LCDs. For more information, please visit http://www.samsung.com
