A Pseudo-DTV bar, featuring a full array of consumer products that can receive a digital signal delivered over-the-air, will be open at this year’s NAB2003 convention. On the menu will be a full selection of digital televisions on ice and PC receiver cards, shaken but not stirred.
The Advanced Television Systems Committee (ATSC), the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) and the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) are partnering for the "DTV Drafthouse: Technology On Tap!" at NAB2003, April 5–10 in Las Vegas, Nev.
Glaringly absent from the group, as they were for past DTV product showcases, is the NCTA. The group issued a “no comment” on providing a reason for the lack of cable-ready products at NAB.
Amidst an actual bar setting, a variety of manufacturers will display the latest integrated televisions, monitors utilizing various display technologies, receivers/set-top boxes, PC solutions, antennas and more in the DTV Drafthouse, which will be located in the Las Vegas Convention Center's Central Grand Lobby.
In addition to serving the latest in DTV technology, the DTV Drafthouse will offer wine, beer and snacks for sale. It will be open Saturday and Sunday, April 5 and 6, from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; Monday through Wednesday, April 7 - 9, from 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.; and Thursday, April 10 from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Since NAB2001, the three organizations have showcased DTV in the DTV Store, and have now chosen a more unique setting. During those two years, the NCTA has chosen not to get involved.
A list of Drafthouse sponsors, as well as products and DTV programs to be showcased in the DTV Drafthouse will be announced in late March.
For more information visit www.nab.org.
