NTIA Issues Alert about Microprose DTV Converter Box

May 29, 2008

The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), a division of the U.S. Department of Commerce, issued a consumer alert last week about Microprose MPI-500PT digital-to-analog converter boxes – a new Microprose product. The alert came after Microprose announced the availability of these models with a message of urgency to consumers about purchasing the units before the deadline to use the NTIA’s converter box coupons. The NTIA’s alert was issued because the new Microprose product has not yet been certified by the NTIA and is not eligible to purchase with NTIA converter box coupons.

List of NTIA Certified Converter Boxes Available

Consumers can review a complete listing of NTIA-certified and coupon eligible converter boxes, manufacturers, and retailers at the NTIA’s website: www.dtv2009.gov.  An asterisk next to any converter box name indicates that the models are capable of passing analog and digital signals through to television sets.

Many Consumers Need Converter Boxes Prior to Digital Transition

Because television networks will begin transmitting signals exclusively in digital format on February 17, 2009, consumers who currently watch analog television have three basic choices to upgrade their current television sets in order to be able view the new signals and watch television next year: purchase a digital-to-analog converter box which has analog pass-through capability; purchase a digital-to-analog converter box without analog pass-through, and then add a splitter or A/B switch to receive both analog and digital signals; subscribe to cable, satellite, or other pay television service

Consumers can apply for television converter box coupons now to offset the costs of converting their televisions to receive digital signals.  For more information, visit the NTIA website or call the coupon program 24-hotline at 1-888-DTV-2009 (1-888-388-2009).