The Association for Maximum Service Television (MSTV) and the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) announced they have selected LG Electronics and Thomson to each develop prototype terrestrial digital converter boxes to receive digital signals on conventional analog televisions.
Jointly funded by MSTV and NAB with development support from Thomson and LG Electronics, these prototypes will serve as blueprints for future products from manufacturers to ensure that the more than 70 million analog TVs relying exclusively on terrestrial broadcast signals will continue to receive free over-the-air TV service when all-digital broadcasting begins.
MSTV President David Donovan explained that today's announcement follows an extensive evaluation over the past several months of more than a dozen proposals submitted by leading electronics and integrated circuit manufacturers from around the world in response to a Request for Quotation released by NAB and MSTV on June 20.
"No viewer should be left behind when this nation converts to all-digital signals," said Donovan. "Developing a high-quality, low-cost digital-to-analog converter box ensures that all Americans will be able to receive emergency information and their favorite TV shows using existing analog television sets.
