The Association for Maximum Service Television (MSTV) has received 12 responses to its Request for Quote for development of a basic terrestrial digital to analog converter box prototype. In spite of a cynical response to the RFQ from the Consumer Electronics Association (see CEA Bewildered by Broadcaster Box Imbroglio), MSTV said the responses included some of the largest consumer electronics companies in the world.
"We are delighted with the response. It demonstrates that there is considerable interest in the project by a significant number of consumer electronics firms," said MSTV President David Donovan. "From the start, our goal has been to work with the consumer electronics companies to resolve one of the more difficult issues of the digital transition--the construction of a low cost, yet high quality terrestrial digital to analog converter box. I am happy to see this marketplace-based solution has been embraced by many in the industry."
"We intend to move forward rapidly with evaluating the responses. There is a tremendous amount of technical work analyzing the various proposals," said Project Manager Aldo Cugnini. His said the goal is to complete the evaluation process on or near Labor Day.
Having noted that more than 21 million American homes rely exclusively on other-the-air TV and more than 73 million TV sets rely on over-the-air service, NAB President and CEO Eddie Fritts said, "The development of a low cost, high quality digital to analog converter box is essential to preventing countless millions of consumers from being left behind when analog broadcasts end."
Information was obtained from the MSTV news release Impressive Response to Request for Quote for Terrestrial Digital to Analog Converter Box.
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