Digital Stream DTX9950 tuner receives digital over-the-air TV broadcast
signals as well as passes through analog signals as the United States
shifts to full-power digital TV broadcasting Feb. 17, 2009
FORT WORTH, Texas, June 5 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- RadioShack
Corporation (NYSE: RSH) today announced the rollout of the Digital Stream
DTX9950 digital converter box with built-in analog pass-through for
consumers who wish to continue using analog television sets to receive both
digital and analog over-the-air broadcasts when the United States transfers
to full-power digital television on Feb. 17, 2009.
The DTX9950 will be arriving nationwide starting this week through all
RadioShack distribution channels, including 4,500 company stores, more than
1,000 participating dealer stores, RadioShack.com, RadioShack's
Direct-to-You ordering system, or RadioShack's special toll-free
1-877-RS-DTV-4U number with free shipping.
All full-powered TV stations across the country must switch to digital
transmissions in February 2009 with the exception of a test market in
Wilmington, N.C., which is converting to digital broadcasts at noon on
Sept. 8, 2008. However, low-powered broadcasters such as small community
stations are not required to make the switch at this time. The Digital
Stream DTX9950 enables consumers who watch full and low-power TV stations
to do so without the need to add a splitter or A/B switch to a digital-only
converter box.
The DTX9950 is approved by the National Telecommunications and
Information Administration (NTIA), which is part of the U.S. Department of
Commerce, making it eligible for the $40 government subsidized coupon
program. The price of the DTX9950 is $59.99 (or $19.99 plus tax for
customers redeeming a $40 government coupon) in the Continental U.S. NTIA
is in charge of administering the TV Converter Box Coupon Program at the
direction of Congress. Information about the coupon program is available
from http://www.DTV.gov, 1-888-CALL-FCC, http://www.dtv2009.gov or
1-888-DTV-2009.
"We're excited to be among the first national retailers -- as well as
the largest in terms of the sheer number of retail outlets and distribution
channels -- to offer a digital converter box with a built-in analog
pass-through," said Peter Whitsett, RadioShack's executive vice president,
general merchandising manager. "Although most research indicates a minority
of households actually require such a feature, we've found some customers
visiting our neighborhood stores for advice are confused over what kind of
box they actually need. This alleviates any uncertainty, at no additional
cost.
"The DTX9950 also allows us to deliver a complete digital transition
solution, whether it be over-the-air reception of digital and analog
signals, satellite television or cable subscription services, or simply a
new television. In addition, customers living along our northern and
southern borders who wish to continue enjoying analog television broadcasts
from Canada or Mexico will benefit from this converter box, because those
countries are not converting to digital signals on the same schedule as the
U.S."
Features of the new Digital Stream DTX9950 include:
-- A simple interface capable of receiving both digital and analog
broadcast signals
-- Fully compliant with ATSC standards
-- Energy Star compliant
-- Contains the parental control V-chip
-- Offers advanced closed caption
-- Includes both English and Spanish on-screen display menu
-- Channel 3 / 4 output for analog conventional TV
-- High-quality composite video / L/R audio output
-- Support of current program information
-- Comes with a universal remote control In addition to converter boxes and digital accessories, RadioShack
offers a complete solution for customers who currently receive over-the-air
TV broadcasts, including various televisions and home entertainment devices
with built-in digital tuners and subscription television services.
About RadioShack Corporation
RadioShack Corporation (NYSE: RSH) is one of the nation's most
experienced and trusted consumer electronics specialty retailers. Operating
from convenient and comfortable neighborhood and mall locations, RadioShack
stores deliver personalized product and service solutions within a few
short minutes of where most Americans either live or work. The company has
a presence through almost 6,000 company-operated stores and dealer outlets
in the United States, and nearly 800 wireless phone kiosks. RadioShack's
dedicated force of knowledgeable and helpful sales associates has been
consistently recognized by several independent groups as providing the best
customer service in the consumer electronics and wireless industries. For
more information on RadioShack Corporation, or to purchase items online,
visit http://www.RadioShack.com.
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