Specifications Coupon-eligible_converter_box

1 specifications

1.1 absolute requirements
1.2 optional features
1.3 disqualifying features
1.4 limitations

specifications

the ntia specification arranged in 3 categories, describing required, permitted, , disqualifying features.

absolute requirements

a digital tv converter box

these features absolutely required, varied in way provided box.

coupon-eligible converter boxes had convert atsc (digital) formats traditional ntsc analog system used analog television sets. box must output signals both radio frequency output (compatible television s antenna input), composite video , stereo audio outputs. must include remote control, , compatible universal remotes.

the units had support both 4:3 center crop of 16:9 transmitted image, , letterbox rendition of 16:9 transmitted image. video outputs had produce video @ itu-r bt.500-11 quality scale of grade 4 or higher. various technical performance parameters digital tuner specified.

the boxes must decode emergency alert system (eas) messages, closed captioning data, , parental control (v-chip) descriptors. must decode program , system information protocol (psip) data digital transmission, , use provide user tuned channel , program information.

cecbs must consume no more average of 2 watts of power when not in use (no video or audio display). must provide automatic power-down option can put unit in standby mode when has not received commands while.

optional features

manufacturers self-certify compliance these requirements, had provide test results , 2 units ntia ad hoc testing. fcc test converter boxes @ ntia s request. among optional features permitted, not required, following:

support smart antenna, through use of cea-909 antenna control interface. manufacturer optionally provide promotional package discount combination of smart antenna , cecb.
multichannel television sound (btsc) stereo @ rf output.
s-video output.
analog passthrough, needed lptv, broadcast translator, , foreign signal reception.
electronic program guide
software updates.
support canadian television ratings system, allowing manufacturer sell same device in canada.
support secondary audio channels, such foreign languages or descriptive video service.

while outdoor antenna required adequate digital reception in locations beyond 10–25 miles (16–40 km) tv transmitters, , smart antenna interfaces optionally permitted feature of coupon-eligible converter boxes, there no subsidies antennas. although manufacturers sell converter/smart-antenna bundle, required offer converter consumers.

dtv converter boxes earn united states environmental protection agency energy star label if consume no more 8 watts of electricity while operating, no more 1 watt while in standby mode, , if automatically power-down after 4 hours of inactivity.

disqualifying features

some features disqualified converter box coupon eligibility, such high-definition video output , built-in dvr functionality. digital cable , satellite set-top boxes incorporate digital tuner disqualified.

certain output features prohibited coupon-eligible devices: component video, vga, rgb, dvi, hdmi, usb video, ieee-1394/ilink/firewire video, ethernet video, , ieee-802.11/wifi video outputs.

limitations

coupon-eligible converter boxes tune 1 channel @ time, contain 1 digital tuner , no analog tuner. in order watch 1 channel while recording another, 1 must have 2 such converter boxes, unless recording device has own digital tv tuner.

most video recorders unable change channels under control of built-in timers when using converter, channel selection handled converter. converter boxes have programmable timer, user program match recording schedule of vcr. then, converter s tuner change appropriate channel @ time vcr needs record. requires separate box vcr, or viewer have watch being recorded. another, less common option ir blaster , recorder can use control external tuner, cable set-top box or converter box. however, older devices ir blasters may not compatible digital subchannels; converter box may require use of [-] or [.] button specify subchannel, pre-digital recorder may not know how transmit. older tivo brand digital recorders received software updates control digital converter boxes via tivo s included ir blaster.

small battery-operated portable televisions, while valuable in time of disaster, poorly suited digital conversion. while @ least 1 cecb (winegard s rcdt09a) operable external battery pack, combination of television, converter, external antenna, , power supply limits portability. of 2009, portable digital lcd tv sets cost @ least $100, , not used while in motion @ significant speeds (restoring analog functionality require broadcasters transmit mobile tv via separate atsc-m/h standard, in require new tuners).

the inability of boxes add new digital channels without full re-scan—deleting existing channel settings—renders them unusable viewers rely on directional antennas , rotors receive distant stations. signal strength meters, available, awkward, typically displaying information channels have been found. problematic, digital signals transmitted on higher frequencies or far less power analog counterparts, requiring careful antenna installation, orientation , location avoid obstructions, fading , multipath interference problems. converter fails receive channel, often-cumbersome manual process provided; however, requires knowledge of frequencies each missing station transmitting on, rather virtual channels each mapped atsc protocol.

since ntia did not require cecbs output mts stereo signals via radio-frequency output, corporation noted consumers using rf-only connections cecbs lose stereo tv sound. problem may avoided using converter s line level audio outputs.

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