Due Date for Responses to the
DTV-to-NTSC Converter Box RFQ Extended to July 29

On June 15, the Association for Maximum Service Television Stations, Inc. (MSTV) and the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) announced a joint program for the development of a prototype high quality, low cost Terrestrial Digital Converter Box (TDCB) for use in the U.S. consumer marketplace to convert broadcasters' ATSC VSB digital transmissions and MPEG coding to the analog NTSC format, for display on NTSC receivers. On June 20, MSTV and NAB announced availability of a detailed Request for Quote (RFQ) for this prototype TDCB, soliciting proposals from the consumer electronics industry and others.

The RFQ includes the target parameters and specifications for the TDCB, the testing and quality assurance required in its manufacture, all products to be delivered under the project, and the project management activities required to be performed by the successful bidder during the development of the TDCB. Design goals for the TDCB include the following desired features:

1. inexpensive; this is a proof-of-technology project which requires a cost-conscious design that does not compromise over-the-air performance;

2. appropriately process all ATSC video formats;

3. deliver video and stereo audio to NTSC receivers on either TV Ch. 3 or 4, along with a baseband composite video output with stereo audio;

4. must have excellent front-end performance, including multipath and overload immunity;

5. small and lightweight;

6. easy to install and operate;

7. transparent to the users; it should not require the reconfiguration of the consumer's existing in-home entertainment installation;

8. be PSIP compliant and have a friendly menu guide;

9. comply with Closed Captioning, EAS and the required Parental Controls;

10. include a detachable antenna and a "smart" external antenna interface and interconnect cables;

11. be operable by an included remote control.

Proposals will be evaluated based upon the proven ability of the bidder to satisfy the requirements of the RFQ in a cost-effective manner. The due date for responses, originally set at noon on July 22, has been extended to close of business on July 29.

It is hoped to have a working prototype by the end of the year.

Those interested in receiving the RFQ should send an email requesting a copy to Victor Tawil at MSTV at Vtawil@MSTV.ORG (tel: 202-966-1956).