DTV Converter Box Features
The Federal Communications Commission has prepared this
Consumer Advisory on selected features in 41 digital-to-analog converter
boxes that it has purchased. Converter boxes are to be used with your analog
television to receive digital signals broadcast for free over-the-air to
your antenna. All the converter boxes listed here are certified under the
National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) converter
box coupon program and, therefore, are eligible for purchase using a coupon
issued by the NTIA. Coupons are worth $40, and are applied towards the
purchase of converter boxes, which generally are priced at $40 to $80. Visit
NTIA's website at
www.DTV2009.gov or call 1-888-388-2009 for more information on how to
request up to two coupons per household.
These 41 converter boxes are currently available for
retail purchase. The features described in this advisory include features of
particular interest to the disabilities community, as recommended by the
Commission’s Consumer Advisory Committee.
The Advisory will be updated as more NTIA-approved
boxes become available at retail stores and online.
NOTE: All coupon eligible boxes meet the
minimum standards set by NTIA, the federal agency responsible for
administering the converter box coupon program. See
www.ntia.doc.gov/ntiahome/frnotices/2007/DTVFinalRule_031207.htm.
NTIA’s website lists a total of 159 coupon eligible converter boxes
which have been approved for the coupon program (www.DTV2009.gov).
The FCC does not endorse any particular product
or product manufacturer.
CLOSED CAPTION FEATURES
Broadcasters can transmit closed
captions in two formats. All captioned programs must include the basic
analog-equivalent ("basic" or "608") captions. A DTV broadcaster may
also include advanced digital ("advanced" or "708") captions, which can
have additional features such as customizable fonts, colors, sizes and
screen positions.
NTIA rules require all coupon eligible
converter boxes ("CECBs") to convert the basic captions so that analog
TVs can decode and display them. In this case the viewer would use the
settings on their TV to turn on the captions.
Most CECBs also have the ability to
decode the captions themselves, meaning that the viewer could use the
settings on the converter box to turn on the captions. This way the
viewer would be able to use the advanced features of 708 captions.
Converter Box |
Decode basic and advanced
captions?* |
Caption button on remote? |
What does the caption button
do?*** |
Retains caption settings when
powered off? |
AccessHD DTA10101D |
Basic/Adv |
Yes |
Sequential |
Yes |
AccessHD DTA10101U |
Basic/Adv |
Yes |
Sequential |
Yes |
Airlink 101®ATVC101 |
Basic/Adv |
Yes |
Sequential |
Yes |
Alpha Digita AT2016 |
Basic/Adv |
Yes |
Sequential |
Yes |
Apex DT 250 |
Basic/Adv |
Yes |
Sequential |
Yes |
Artec T3A |
Basic/Adv |
Yes |
Sequential**** |
Yes |
Artec T3AP Pro |
Basic/Adv |
Yes |
Sequential**** |
Yes |
Artec T3A Pro |
Basic/Adv |
Yes |
Sequential**** |
Yes |
Cadence DTVC-9 |
Basic/Adv |
Yes |
Sequential**** |
Yes |
Channel Master CM-7000 |
Basic/Adv ** |
Yes |
Sequential**** |
Yes |
Coship N9988T |
Basic/Adv |
Yes |
Sequential |
Yes |
Digital Stream DSP7500T |
Basic/Adv ** |
Yes |
Sequential |
Yes |
Digital Stream DSP7700T |
Basic/Adv ** |
Yes |
Sequential |
Yes |
Digital Stream DTX9950 |
Basic/Adv ** |
Yes |
Sequential |
Yes |
Dish Networks DTV Pal |
Adv |
Yes |
Toggle |
Yes |
Dish Networks TR-40CRA |
Adv |
Yes |
Toggle |
Yes |
GE 22729 |
Basic/Adv |
Yes |
Sequential |
Yes |
GE 22730 |
Basic/Adv |
Yes |
Sequential |
Yes |
GE 23333 |
Basic/Adv |
Yes |
Sequential |
Yes |
Goodmind DTA 1000 |
Basic/Adv |
Yes |
Sequential |
Yes |
Gridlink GLT-200 |
Basic/Adv |
Yes |
Sequential |
Yes |
Insignia NS-DXA1 |
Basic/Adv |
Yes |
Sequential |
Menu Only |
Insignia NS-DXA1-APT |
Basic/Adv |
Yes |
Sequential |
Menu Only |
Kingbox K8V1 |
Basic/Adv |
Yes |
Sequential |
Yes |
Lasonic LTA-260 |
Basic/Adv |
Yes |
Sequential |
Yes |
Magnavox TB100 MG9 |
Adv |
No |
N/A |
Yes |
Magnavox TB100MW9 |
Adv |
No |
N/A |
Yes |
Memorex MVCB1000 |
Basic/Adv |
Yes |
Toggle |
Yes |
MicroGem MG2000 |
Basic/Adv |
Yes |
Sequential |
Yes |
Philco TB1000HH9 |
Adv |
No |
N/A |
Yes |
RCA DTA800B1 |
Adv |
Yes |
Sequential |
Yes |
Sansonic FT-300A |
Basic/Adv |
Yes |
Sequential |
Yes |
Sunkey SK-801ATSC |
Basic/Adv |
Yes |
Sequential |
Yes |
Tivax STB-T9 |
Basic/Adv |
Yes |
Sequential |
Yes |
Venturer STB7766G1 |
Basic/Adv |
Yes |
Sequential**** |
Yes |
Winegard RC-DT09 |
Basic/Adv |
Yes |
Sequential**** |
Yes |
Winegard RC-DT09A |
Basic/Adv |
Yes |
Sequential**** |
Yes |
Zenith DTT901
|
Basic/Adv |
Yes |
Sequential |
Menu Only |
Zentech DF 2000 |
Basic/Adv |
Yes |
Sequential |
Yes |
Zinwell ZAT-970 |
Basic/Adv |
Yes |
Sequential |
Yes |
Zinwell ZAT-970A
|
Basic/Adv |
Yes |
Sequential |
Yes |
*All boxes convert basic captions on the
digital signal so that they can be viewed using the settings on an
analog TV.
**These boxes could decode only CC1 (captions
in the primary language) and CC2 (data that augments information
carried in the program) basic captions. The other boxes that decode
basic captions also decode CC3 (alternative program-related caption
data, typically captions in a second language) and CC4 (data that
augments information carried in the program).
***Menu - The CC button brings up the
captions menus on the converter box.
Sequential - the CC
button progresses through each of the caption options in sequence.
Toggle - the CC button turns the captions either on or off.
Caption preferences must first be configured through the captions
menus on the converter box.
****Sequential function cycles only through
basic caption modes. Advanced captions can be accessed through menu
only.
SECONDARY AUDIO PROGRAMMING FEATURES
Some broadcasters send additional audio channels in
foreign languages and/or with a voice-over describing the movements on
screen for the vision impaired. Digital television allows up to 4 audio
channels to be transmitted at a time. Some of the remote controls have a
button allowing easy access to the SAP feature. This button may be labeled
"audio" or "SAP."
Converter Box |
SAP
(Channels)* |
SAP button on
remote? |
AccessHD DTA10101D |
At least one |
Yes |
AccessHD DTA10101U |
At least one |
Yes |
Airlink 101®ATVC101 |
At least one |
Yes |
Alpha Digita AT2016 |
At least one |
Yes |
Apex DT 250 |
At least one |
Yes |
Artec T3A |
At least one |
Yes |
Artec T3AP Pro |
At least one |
Yes |
Artec T3A Pro |
At least one |
Yes |
Cadence DTVC-9 |
At least one |
Yes |
Channel Master CM-7000 |
At least one |
Yes |
Coship N9988T |
At least one |
Yes |
Digital Stream DSP7500T |
At least one |
Yes |
Digital Stream DSP7700T |
At least one |
Yes |
Digital Stream DTX9950 |
At least one |
Yes |
Dish Networks DTV Pal |
One only |
No |
Dish Networks TR-40CRA |
One only |
No |
GE 22729 |
At least one |
Yes |
GE 22730 |
At least one |
Yes |
GE 23333 |
At least one |
Yes |
Goodmind DTA 1000 |
At least one |
Yes |
Gridlink GLT-200 |
At least one |
Yes |
Insignia NS-DXA1 |
At least one |
Yes |
Insignia NS-DXA1-APT |
At least one |
Yes |
Kingbox K8V1 |
At least one |
Yes |
Lasonic LTA-260 |
At least one |
Yes |
Magnavox TB100 MG9 |
At least one |
Yes |
Magnavox TB100MW9 |
At least one |
Yes |
Memorex MVCB1000 |
At least one |
Yes |
MicroGem MG2000 |
At least one |
Yes |
Philco TB1000HH9 |
At least one |
Yes |
RCA DTA800B1 |
One only |
Yes |
Sansonic FT-300A |
At least one |
Yes |
Sunkey SK-801ATSC |
At least one |
Yes |
Tivax STB-T9 |
At least one |
Yes |
Venturer STB7766G1 |
At least one |
No |
Winegard RC-DT09 |
At least one |
No |
Winegard RC-DT09A |
At least one |
No |
Zenith DTT901
|
At least one |
Yes |
Zentech DF 2000 |
At least one |
Yes |
Zinwell ZAT-970 |
At least one |
Yes |
Zinwell ZAT-970A
|
At least one |
Yes |
*Refers to the number of additional audio
channels that the box can access, if provided by the
broadcaster.
REMOTE CONTROL FEATURES
All coupon-eligible converter boxes
have remote controls, though the features vary. Boxes that have
universal remotes are able to control the power and/or volume for your
television set. Some universal remotes may have the ability to control
other devices such as your VCR or stereo amplifier.
Remote control buttons vary in size.
Some consumers may find it more comfortable to use a remote control with
larger buttons to make it easier to push one button. Other consumers may
find it easier to use a remote control with smaller buttons because the
overall size of the remote control is typically smaller and easier to
hold.
Converter Box |
Caption button on remote? |
SAP button on remote? |
Universal Remote? |
Number Button Diameter
(mm) |
AccessHD DTA10101D |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
6 |
AccessHD DTA10101U |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
7 |
Airlink 101®ATVC101 |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
6 |
Alpha Digita AT2016 |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
6 |
Apex DT 250 |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
6 |
Artec T3A |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
6 |
Artec T3AP Pro |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
6 |
Artec T3A Pro |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
6 |
Cadence DTVC-9 |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
6 |
Channel Master CM-7000 |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
6 |
Coship N9988T |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
6 |
Digital Stream DSP7500T |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
6 |
Digital Stream DSP7700T |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
6 |
Digital Stream DTX9950 |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
6 |
Dish Networks DTV Pal |
Yes |
No |
No |
6 |
Dish Networks TR-40CRA |
Yes |
No |
No |
6 |
GE 22729 |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
6 |
GE 22730 |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
6 |
GE 23333 |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
6 |
Goodmind DTA 1000 |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
7 |
Gridlink GLT-200 |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
6 |
Insignia NS-DXA1 |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
7 |
Insignia NS-DXA1-APT |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
7 |
Kingbox K8V1 |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
6 |
Lasonic LTA-260 |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
6 |
Magnavox TB100 MG9 |
No |
Yes |
No |
7 |
Magnavox TB100MW9 |
No |
Yes |
No |
7 |
Memorex MVCB1000 |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
7 |
MicroGem MG2000 |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
8-9 |
Philco TB1000HH9 |
No |
Yes |
No |
7 |
RCA DTA800B1 |
Yes |
No |
Yes |
9 |
Sansonic FT-300A |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
6 |
Sunkey SK-801ATSC |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
5 |
Tivax STB-T9 |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
6 |
Venturer STB7766G1 |
Yes |
No |
No |
6 |
Winegard RC-DT09 |
Yes |
No |
No |
6 |
Winegard RC-DT09A |
Yes |
No |
No |
6 |
Zenith DTT901
|
Yes |
Yes |
Yes |
7 |
Zentech DF 2000 |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
6 |
Zinwell ZAT-970 |
Yes |
Yes |
No |
6 |
Zinwell ZAT-970A
|
Yes |
Yes |
No |
6 |
ADDITIONAL/ADVANCED FEATURES
-
Adding Channels: All coupon-eligible
converter boxes have the ability to scan the airwaves for available
channels, but not all boxes can add channels to your line-up without
deleting channels. This may be important to you if you live between two
cities and have to point your antenna in different directions to receive
different stations. Some boxes can add channels through an update scan,
which may take 5 or more minutes and will find new channels and add them
to your lineup without deleting your existing lineup. A "direct" add
allows you to add a channel to the lineup without scanning, but you must
know the RF channel number, which is not always the same as the channel
number used for marketing. Some boxes have both an update scan and a
direct add function.
-
Analog Pass-Through: While all domestic
full-power television stations will be discontinuing analog service on
or before February 17, 2009, you may be able to receive some analog
television after this date. Channels in Canada and Mexico will not
transition to digital broadcasting on February 17. Additionally, most
low-power, "Class A," and translator stations in the U.S. will continue
to broadcast analog signals. A converter box with “analog pass-through”
capability allows broadcast signals to pass through the converter box to
be tuned by your analog TV without the need to use an “A/B switch” or a
“signal splitter” and extra cable to route the analog signals around the
converter box.
Converter Box |
Adding Channels |
Analog Pass-Through |
AccessHD DTA10101D |
None |
No |
AccessHD DTA10101U |
Direct |
No |
Airlink 101®ATVC101 |
Direct |
No |
Alpha Digita AT2016 |
Scan |
No |
Apex DT 250 |
None |
Yes |
Artec T3A |
Scan/Direct |
No |
Artec T3AP Pro |
Scan/Direct |
Yes |
Artec T3A Pro |
Scan/Direct |
No |
Cadence DTVC-9 |
Scan/Direct |
No |
Channel Master CM-7000 |
Scan |
No |
Coship N9988T |
Scan/Direct |
No |
Digital Stream DSP7500T |
Scan |
No |
Digital Stream DSP7700T |
Scan |
Yes |
Digital Stream DTX9950 |
Scan |
Yes |
Dish Networks DTV Pal |
Scan/Direct |
Yes |
Dish Networks TR-40CRA |
Scan/Direct |
Yes |
GE 22729 |
Direct |
No |
GE 22730 |
Direct |
No |
GE 23333 |
Direct |
Yes |
Goodmind DTA 1000 |
Direct |
No |
Gridlink GLT-200 |
None |
No |
Insignia NS-DXA1 |
Scan/Direct |
No |
Insignia NS-DXA1-APT |
Scan/Direct |
Yes |
Kingbox K8V1 |
Scan/Direct |
No |
Lasonic LTA-260 |
None |
No |
Magnavox TB100 MG9 |
Direct |
Yes |
Magnavox TB100MW9 |
Direct |
No |
Memorex MVCB1000 |
Direct |
Yes |
MicroGem MG2000 |
Direct |
No |
Philco TB1000HH9 |
Direct |
Yes |
RCA DTA800B1 |
Scan |
Yes |
Sansonic FT-300A |
None |
No |
Sunkey SK-801ATSC |
Direct |
Yes |
Tivax STB-T9 |
Scan/Direct |
No |
Venturer STB7766G1 |
Scan/Direct |
Yes |
Winegard RC-DT09 |
Scan/Direct |
No |
Winegard RC-DT09A |
Scan/Direct |
Yes |
Zenith DTT901
|
Scan/Direct |
Yes |
Zentech DF 2000 |
Direct |
No |
Zinwell ZAT-970 |
Direct |
No |
Zinwell ZAT-970A
|
Direct |
Yes |
For more information or questions pertaining to the
DTV transition, please e-mail
DTVinfo@fcc.gov or visit the FCC’s Web site at
www.DTV.gov or call toll-free at
1-888-CALL-FCC (voice) and 1-888-TELL-FCC (TTY).
|
Federal Communications Commission · Consumer
& Governmental Affairs Bureau · 445 12th St. S.W. ·
Washington, DC 20554 |
1-888-CALL-FCC (1-888-225-5322) ·
TTY: 1-888-TELL-FCC (1-888-835-5322) · Fax: 1-866-418-0232 · www.fcc.gov/cgb/
|
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