RCA DTC100, The Industryís Most Affordable Digital Television Set-Top Receiver, Now Shipping To Retail Customers
The reality of HDTV-quality picture performance at high-end analog TV prices is realized this week with the shipment of Thomson Consumer Electronics' versatile RCA DTC100 set-top HDTV converter and the RCA MM36100 36-inch (diagonal) digital high-resolution television monitor. Used together, these two products deliver an outstanding HDTV-quality picture when receiving digital HDTV broadcasts. The MM36100 carries a suggested retail price of $2,499 while the DTC100 has a suggested retail price of $649. Offering virtually unlimited entertainment options, the DTC100set-top box receives standard analog, digital terrestrial, and over 200 channels of DirecTV satellite programs - including HDTV programming from DirecTV. The RCA DTC100 provides viewers with more movies, sports, music, news, and information programs than can be found on cable or any other digital TV service,"" said Thomson's Michael D. O'Hara, Senior Vice President - Americas Strategic Business Unit. ""Further expanding entertainment possibilities is the RCA Digital High Resolution Monitor that addresses the needs of consumers who demand the big-screen experience with lifelike picture and sound as well as the capability for computer and video game applications."" The RCA MM36100 monitor displays images using either Interlaced(conventional television and 1080I ATSC) or Progressive Scan (computer) technology. With its array of seven audio and seven video inputs, the monitor serves as a display for the computer, VCR, standard TV broadcasts, video games, and DVD players as well as DirecTV satellite service. When teamed with the DTC100, the monitor will deliver a HDTV-quality picture. The MM36100 also features a Thomson-manufactured Digital Precision Pitch Picture Tube with 0.78mm center screen pitch that provides crisp focus and rich color images. When combined with an INVAR shadow mask and 3-Line Digital Comb Filter, these monitors deliver the sharpest picture available. The DTC100 easily connects to the MM36100 or to existing analog TVs for optimum picture performance and offers the ultimate in audio with Dolby DigitalÆ 5.1-channel Surround Sound capability. When partnered with the MM36100, the powerful entertainment tandem delivers video images with up to 864,000 pixels on a 4x3 TV screen, or the equivalent picture resolution of HDTV. When used with an analog TV, the DTC100 automatically converts the robust digital signal into an analog display that provides improved picture and sound capability over standard analog broadcasts. Recognizing that the scope of television programming will be extensive, Thomson designers have incorporated a user-friendly on-screen electronic program guide into the DTC100. The guide provides a comprehensive listing of available programs as well as the capability for developing favorite-channels listings, one-touch VCR recording, and one-touch tuning. Connection options for the DTC100 digital High Definition receiver include a High Definition (RGB via standard 15-pin connector) output for HDTV, RF output, two pair of A/V outputs, S-video output, telco modem connector, and optical audio output. For more information, contact Dave Arland, Thomson Consumer Electronics at 317 587 4450, ArlandD@tce.com.