Multi-Platform RCA DTC100 Digital TV Converter Offers Consumers Opportunity To Receive Digital Programming, Improved Performance From Existing TVs
On January 6, 1999, at the Consumer Electronics Show Thomson Consumer Electronicsí RCA brand announced the RCA DTC100, a digital set-top TV converter that delivers new digital, DIRECTV satellite, and conventional programming to todayís analog TVs. The RCA DTC100 (suggested retail price $649) ñ featured here this week as a ""Best Of Show"" winner in the International Consumer Electronics Showís Innovations Design/Engineering competition ñ is a multi-platform digital receiver/decoder that easily connects to the family television and provides significantly enhanced picture performance. The unit is capable of receiving both NTSC analog and digital HDTV signals delivered via DIRECTV satellite or conventional broadcasts. ""The digital approach offered by the RCA DTC100 focuses on a user-friendly, affordable solution for consumers who want to participate in the early stages of availability for full digital programming as well as those seeking the optimum home entertainment enjoyment from their existing analog TVs,"" said Bill Mengel, General Manager, Global Business Development & Innovation. The RCA DTC100 receives the same broad range of programming as Thomsonís fully integrated digital HDTV models including all 18 Advanced Television Systems Committee (ATSC) digital formats. The set-top device automatically converts the robust digital signals into an analog display that delivers dramatically improved picture and sound capability to todayís television sets. In addition, the DTC100 may serve as the receiver to deliver the increased resolution of HDTV programming when connected to high-resolution monitors. The DTC100 receives both satellite high-definition signals as well as conventional satellite programming from high-power direct broadcast satellite service providers DIRECTV and USSB when used with an elliptical dish, which is sold separately. When used with a standard off-air antenna, the unit will also receive both analog and digital signals being broadcast by local TV stations. Recognizing that the scope of television programming will be extensive ñ including over 200 channels of subscription satellite broadcasts from DIRECTV and USSB ñ 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 include an S-VGA interface output, RF output, two pair of A/V outputs, S-Video output, telco modem connector, and optical audio output. Similar in size to a VHS VCR, the RCA DTC100 will provide MPEG-2 video capability, DolbyÆ Digital, and Dolby ProLogic audio capabilities.