Philips DTV converter boxes get approved, pictured

Up until now, we've heard a whole lot about what these things will do, where you can eventually pick one up and how to apply for your government-issued coupon, but outside of a stray Zenith, we really haven't seen what many DTV converter boxes will actually look like. Now, Philips has announced that three of its digital-to-analog converters have been approved by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), and the trio will be sold under the Magnavox / Philco brand names. Reportedly, the Magnavox TB-100MW9 (pictured above), Philco TB-100HH9 and Philco TB-150HH9 (pictured after the jump) will be "available through large retail stores beginning in early 2008" for those in need, and yes, your handy coupon will indeed apply to any of the (admittedly unsightly) three.

[(Unverified) Posted Feb 14th 2008 4:28PM]

Radio Shack is selling the Zenith DTT900 for $59.99 according to http://www.ezdigitaltv.com/Converter_Box_Retailers.html. There is a small list on that page of other boxes, where they are sold and how much.

[(Unverified) Posted Feb 19th 2008 5:01PM]

you might check out the Echostar TR-40 at http://sats.client.shareholder.com/releasedetail.cfm?ReleaseID=284881
I am told that they will be released in June or July.
You might also look at http://www.indybooks.net/DTV/ at the bottom of the page is a list of currently approved CECBs.

[(Unverified) Posted Feb 28th 2008 1:44PM]

Recently saw RCA and Magnavox boxes at Wal-Mart for under 50 dollars not including tax.
So, they're getting near the $40 "free" box.

[(Unverified) Posted Mar 6th 2008 7:42PM]

I just started checking these out but have noticed that most (including radio shack one sold for about $50) only have a yellow video out, or at best a composite video out.

why not have a dtv converter component video out for those older tvs that nevertheless have component video in?

if anyone knows of a converter box with component video out, please respond ;)

[(Unverified) Posted Dec 19th 2007 6:23PM]

Wow, those are pretty fugly.

[(Unverified) Posted Dec 19th 2007 9:57PM]

I hate to admit it, but I am going to be in the market for one of these as I have a circa-2002 32" flat tube Sharp that will need one of these.

[(Unverified) Posted Dec 20th 2007 1:38AM]

The Magnavox seems ok but the Philco & Zenith are all kinds of ugly. Currently have a Hisense external box hooked up to a Panasonic DVD-RAM recorder just to be able to record digital programs. Sure it down converts the HD signals but at least I get to see shows that I would have missed.

[(Unverified) Posted Dec 20th 2007 10:34AM]

When are they going to make an unit small enough for my small NTSC portable TV. Where are any ATSC portable/pocket TVs?

[(Unverified) Posted Feb 28th 2008 1:42PM]

from: http://www.dtv.gov/consumercorner.html#faq18
What about my portable, battery-powered analog TV? Will I be able to use it to watch broadcast TV after February 17, 2009?

Portable, battery-powered analog TVs may be able to receive over-the-air programming after February 17, 2009 if they have the necessary plugs to allow them to be connected to a digital-to-analog converter box. Because it is not anticipated that battery powered digital-to-analog converter boxes will be produced, an external power source would also be required.

[(Unverified) Posted Feb 28th 2008 2:23PM]

I looked up some specs for these boxes, the chipsets and other parts all run on +5 volts, I don't see why one couldn't be modified to accept batteries instead of converting from household current with a cord (similar to a computer tower...) After all, laptops are capable of running on batteries!
Also, expect, for big bucks, DVD players to come out which are capable of using the new USB digital tuners. Now, why can't someone come up with a DVD player screen with a built in tuner INSTEAD of the soon-to-be-extinct HD DVD player? (there might be one already, but I'm unaware of it) Oh wait, then you'd get your Over the Air television FREE instead of having to buy discs...

[EQC Posted Dec 20th 2007 7:08PM]

Any word on price yet? I bet most potential consumers of these devices will care more about the price than the appearance.

If these things are much more than $40, it'll be pretty annoying.

[(Unverified) Posted Jan 6th 2008 3:00PM]

Radio Shack is going to be selling the boxes for $69.99. I found a website that has information, a list of all the converter boxes and where you can buy them! It's http://www.ezdigitaltv.com/Converter_Box.html