In an earlier RF Report story on the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, I mentioned the digital to analog converter boxes shown by LG/Zenith and Thomson/RCA. This week Thomson Americas RCA division announced it was readying its DTA800 Digital TV Adapter for retail sale. RCA said the low-cost, energy-efficient DTA800 complies with the eligibility requirements of the Department of Commerce for the DTV adapter coupon program.
Dan Collishaw, chief operating officer of Thomson's Americas Audio/Video business said, "The final rules from the Department of Commerce insure that manufacturers will offer high-quality and energy-efficient Digital TV Adapters to meet the needs of millions of consumers. We're very pleased that all households in America will initially qualify to receive up to two $40 coupons to defray the cost of products like our RCA DTA800, which we are now discussing with retailers for consideration in their upcoming assortments."
The DTA800 includes program guide, digital parental control options, closed captioning and a Smart Antenna interference designed for use with specialty antenna products to optimize reception in poor signal areas.
"Retail availability and suggested retail pricing will be dependent on retailer interest in this new product category," the company said.
