The large retailer Best Buy has announced that it has stocked up on Digital TV converter boxes that are compatible with the US government’s rebate program for the boxes.
Last month, the Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) began offering a $40 USD rebate off the purchase price of $59.99 USD for the box. It is important to note that the box will only be required for TV owners that do not have cable or satellite service. To qualify for the rebate, any consumer must simply apply for it via NTIA’s web site.
In October, the retailer pulled analog TVs and analog tuner products from its shelves, being the first company to do so. The retailer also said it will be launching a dedicated toll-free number for Best Buy customers to call if they have any inquiries about the transition.
“The DTV transition is an event that is unprecedented in this country, and it will require a coordinated effort by broadcasters, manufacturers, retailers and the government,” electronics chief Mike Vitell said “We take our role as a trusted source of information very seriously.”
Result for: Converter
The popular satellite-television provider DirecTV spent a hefty $1.2 million USD in 2007 lobbying the US’s switch from analog to digital TV.
Other broadcasters, cable operators, and satellite providers have all been campaigning to educate consumers about the government mandated transition that is scheduled for Feb. 17, 2009.
Current cable and satellite customers have nothing to worry about, even if they have old analog TVs, because their providers will provide devices to help them with the transition. However, “viewers who get free, over-the-air programming” will now need to buy converter boxes now available in stores. The US government is providing coupon vouchers to help citizens pay for the devices if they need such help.
DirecTV spent $600,000 USD for the second half of 2007 to lobby Congress, the FCC (Federal Communications Commission) and National Telecommunications and Information Administration. The company spent $640,000 in the first half of 2007 on the same issue.
Result for: Converter
Samsung has finally revealed the specifications for its upcoming fourth generation Blu-ray player, the BD-P1500.
The player was first talked about at this year’s CES show in January and is 1080p-capable, and includes an HDMI 1.3 output with CEC support, allowing control through home theater systems.
Other notable features are an improved upconverter chip “and ports for USB and Ethernet cables, intended to simplify the installation of firmware upgrades.” It supports all audio codecs including Dolby Digital, Digital Plus and TrueHD, but will not support DTS-HD until later this year.
The P1500 only has BD Profile 1.1 firmware but supposedly is ready for BD Live, which will give users access to web content from Blu-ray titles.
There was no word on price but Samsung estimated $400 USD and a June release date.
