CES: EchoStar to Sell $40 Digital TV Converters
The price will meet the federal government's coupon subsidy.
By Swanni
At that price, consumers could buy a converter box with a $40 coupon provided by the federal government without having to spend their own money.
Other companies that have announced converter boxes have said they will cost around $60-70.
On February 17, 2009, all local broadcasters must switch their analog signals to digital which means viewers will need a Digital TV, a digital converter box or a pay TV subscription to watch television.
The federal government last week began accepting applications for $40 coupons for people to buy Digital TV converter boxes which will permit analog TVs to display the new digital signals. Americans are eligible for two coupons each.
EchoStar, the sister unit of DISH Network, said its TR-40 converter box will be available in "limited quantities in March and "unlimited quantities" in June.
In July, the company will introduce the TR-50 DVR converter box, which will include a Digital Video Recorder. Pricing for the TR-50 DVR will be established in the coming months, the company said.
"While DISH Network has always offered 100 percent digital programming, we know there are still a lot of consumers who have analog TV sets and want to ensure they can continue to watch their favorite over-the-air programming without interruption," said Mark Jackson, president of EchoStar Holding Corporation.
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