What is a Digital-to-Analog Converter Box?
A digital-to-analog (DTA) converter box is a device which converts digital television broadcast signals to analog signals. The U.S. is scheduled to shift to digital-only TV broadcasts on February 17, 2009. As of this date, consumers with analog TVs who do not subscribe to cable or satellite services and rely solely on over-the-air broadcasts for their TV-viewing will need a digital-to-analog converter box, or DTA, in order to continue receiving television broadcasts. These boxes will be sold by a range of retailers beginning in late 2008, shortly before the analog to digital transition.
According to estimates, consumers are expected to purchase as many as 22 million DTAs, leading up to and immediately following the transition to all-digital broadcasting. The National Telecommunications and Information Administration will administer a program to help consumers acquire DTAs, which are expected to cost about $50. NTIA is expected to provide up to two $40 coupons per household to offset the cost of up to two DTAs.
In the U.S. alone, depending on viewer behavior and product design, EPA estimates that conventional DTAs could consume more than 3 billion kilowatt hours (kWh) per year and cost Americans $270 million annually in additional electricity bills.
Earning the ENERGY STAR means products must meet strict energy-efficiency guidelines set by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the US Department of Energy (DOE).
- If all DTAs sold in the U.S. met the ENERGY STAR specification, over the lifetime of the products Americans could save approximately 13 billion kWh and $1 billion in energy costs — reducing greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to taking more than 1 million cars off the road.
- Products qualifying for ENERGY STAR must consume no more than 8 watts in On Mode and 1 watt in Sleep Mode and automatically power down after 4 hours or less of user inactivity.
Remember, saving energy prevents pollution.
By choosing ENERGY STAR, you are helping prevent global warming and promote cleaner air without sacrificing the product quality and performance you expect.
More information on DTAs and the coupon program: www.ntia.doc.gov.
Frequently asked questions about the transition to Digital Televisions from DTV.gov: http://www.dtv.gov/consumercorner.html
FCC Consumer Facts on Digital Televisions: http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/consumerfacts/digitaltv.html
