Broadcom Powers RCA Digital-to-Analog Converter Box in Support of the NTIA's Digital-to-Analog TV Coupon Program
Based on Broadcom® Digital TV Technology, the RCA DTA800B is Certified as an NTIA Coupon-Eligible Converter Box that Extends the Lives of Analog-Only TVs in the U.S.
IRVINE, Calif., Jan. 28 -- Broadcom Corporation (NASDAQ:BRCM), a global leader in semiconductors for wired and wireless communications, today announced that the RCA DTA800B digital-to-analog converter box utilizes a Broadcom® digital television (DTV) system-on-a-chip (SoC) solution designed specifically to facilitate the transition from analog-to-digital broadcasting. As part of the U.S. Department of Commerce's National Telecommunications and Information Administration's (NTIA's) digital-to-analog converter box program, the RCA DTA800B, powered by Broadcom DTV technology, has recently been certified as a "coupon-eligible converter box."
Under the direction of the NTIA, this government program will provide up to two $40 coupons per household towards the purchase of digital-to-analog converter boxes. As a result of this program, consumers with analog TVs that receive their broadcast signals using an antenna can use these converter boxes to receive new interference-free digital TV broadcasts. On February 17, 2009, full-power analog TV broadcasting will terminate in the U.S. Consumers may call 1-888-CALL-FCC (1-888-225-5322) for more information or apply on-line at dtv2009.gov/ApplyCoupon.aspx to receive these coupons.
With the opportunity presented by the NTIA, RCA has introduced the model DTA800B -- an easy-to-use digital-to-analog converter box that will enable millions of consumers to easily bridge the transition from analog-to-digital television broadcasting. The RCA DTA800B converter boxes are expected to be available in February 2008, and the NTIA has budgeted a total of 33.5 million coupons for the program, which began January 1, 2008 and concludes on March 31, 2009.
Utilizing the Broadcom BCM3543 ATSC (Advanced Television Systems Committee) receiver, the RCA DTA800B converter box is designed to receive ATSC high definition television (HDTV) broadcasts and convert them to NTSC (National Television Systems Committee) signals. Designed in a 65 nanometer process technology, the BCM3543 SoC is a highly integrated, low power digital "television-on-a-chip" receiver that provides superior ATSC signal reception targeted at the NTIA's coupon-eligible "analog switch-off" converter box program. The BCM3543 features on-chip support to convert all ATSC standard and high definition inputs to 480i output formats for display on analog televisions.
The RCA DTA800B digital TV converter box is slightly larger than a paperback book and is the ideal solution for consumers who want to continue watching programs on their analog televisions and don't want to buy a new digital TV. Highly energy efficient, the RCA DTA800B consumes only one watt of power while in "standby" mode and is designed to automatically turn itself off when the consumer is no longer actively watching TV. The DTA800B converter has qualified for ENERGY STAR designation and in a home environment, can sit horizontally as a set-top component, or, with the turn of a foot on one side of the box, can stand vertically next to the consumer's analog TV.
As part of its feature-set, the RCA DTA800B converter can automatically display current program information sent electronically by broadcasters and is also compatible with Smart Antenna products that can improve reception in hard-to-reach areas where TV signals are harder to receive. The Smart Antenna connection allows the DTA800B to electronically "steer" a specially designed antenna (available separately) that optimizes antenna placement for each station. This new capability, made possible by Broadcom digital TV technology, will insure steady picture-perfect reception in areas where conventional analog broadcast reception has been difficult. Also included in the RCA DTA800B converter box package is a specially designed "big button" remote control that works easily with millions of existing televisions and can be programmed to control millions more.
"Broadcom is very excited to support the transition from analog-to-digital broadcasting by enabling RCA to produce and quickly deliver digital-to-analog converter boxes as part of the NTIA coupon program," said Dan Marotta, Senior Vice President & General Manager of Broadcom's Broadband Communications Business Group. "The RCA DTA800B converter box is very important to the DTV transition assuring that millions of Americans can continue to receive free over-the-air TV programming after analog broadcasting concludes in February 2009."
About Broadcom's Broadband Communications Group
Broadcom offers manufacturers a range of broadband communications and consumer electronics SoCs that enable voice, video and data services over residential wired and wireless networks. These highly integrated silicon solutions continue to enable the most advanced system solutions on the market, which include digital cable, satellite and IP set-top boxes and media servers, broadband modems and residential gateways, high definition and digital televisions, HD DVD and Blu-ray Disc® players, DVD recorders and personal video recorders.
About Broadcom
Broadcom Corporation is a major technology innovator and global leader in semiconductors for wired and wireless communications. Broadcom products enable the delivery of voice, video, data and multimedia to and throughout the home, the office and the mobile environment. We provide the industry's broadest portfolio of state-of-the-art, system-on-a-chip and software solutions to manufacturers of computing and networking equipment, digital entertainment and broadband access products, and mobile devices. These solutions support our core mission: Connecting everything®.
Broadcom is one of the world's largest fabless semiconductor companies, with 2007 revenue of $3.78 billion, and holds over 2,500 U.S. and 1,000 foreign patents, more than 7,400 additional pending patent applications, and one of the broadest intellectual property portfolios addressing both wired and wireless transmission of voice, video and data.
Broadcom is headquartered in Irvine, Calif., and has offices and research facilities in North America, Asia and Europe. Broadcom may be contacted at +1.949.926.5000 or at http://www.broadcom.com/.
Broadcom Trade Press Contact
Laura Brandlin
Senior Director
Marketing Communications
949-926-5108
lbrandlin@broadcom.com
Source: Broadcom Corporation; BRCM Broadband
Web site: http://www.broadcom.com/
