When are the DTV-analog converter boxes going to be available?

Question

I keep seeing 'early 2008' for these DTV-analog converter things but can't find a date or any further detail. 2008 is 2 months away, shouldn't they be saying something?

Does anyone have any information on when I can buy one of these?

Thanks!

Answer 1

You can get one now for about $59 at Amazon.com. Most people, manufactures, and stores are waiting until Jan 2008 when the US government will start handing out $40 off coupons. This will bring the out of pocket cost down to about $20 each (maximum of 2 per household).

Since most of the brands are not on available yet, there is a big question about which one will be best. Based on what little I know, at this point I'd pick LG's Zenith brand box. That's because LG has been making the best DTV tuner (5th generation) for a couple of years.

Hopefully some people with test equipment & expertise will do some quick tests in early 2008 and let us know.

Answer 2

No major brands have started selling these converters yet. Amazon.com does have a RCA brand converter, but you would probably be better off to wait just a bit. LG announced that they would start selling their converter in January 2008... the same time the US government will start their $40 coupon deal for these converters. Samsung announced that they would start selling the converters before the end of 2007 to get a head start on LG.

So, I predict that the Samsung model will be available the 3rd week in November... right before the holiday shopping season starts. You might want to wait until January so you can get apply to get the $40 coupons from the government.

I own a Samsung TV with digital ATSC tuner and a LG DVD Recorder with digital ATSC tuner. Both tuners work really good, but I give the LG tuner a slight advantage.

Answer 3

They have been out for awhile now usually at a radio shack and a few other places you can find all your answers here

Answer 4

They already exist. They have been out for years.