Samsung Introduces All-In-One HDTV Set-Top Box Receiver

[Gregg Lengling]

Samsung Electronics America, Inc., a leader in the DTV category since introducing the first integrated HDTV in 1998, offers the SIR-TS160, an advanced, all-in-one set top box solution for consumers seeking HDTV programming and reception. Based on Samsung's award-winning ATSC receiver, noted by industry experts as the most sensitive tuner available, this newest model offers unprecedented reception of over-the-air digital broadcasts (ATSC), analog broadcasts (NTSC), and digital satellite programming from DirecTV®.

The SIR-TS160, a CES Innovations 2003 Design and Engineering Showcase honoree, is the first DirecTV HD satellite receiver to employ the industry-standard DVI/HDTV digital connection. Combined with a DirecTV Advanced Program Guide™, selectable output formats, and a true videophile design, the SIR-TS160 is the all-in-one choice for HDTV content reception.

"Samsung's flagship SIR-TS160 offers performance and ease of use never before seen in this category," offered Frank Romeo, Director for Samsung's Digital Set-Top Box Group. "From versatile connections, like DVI, to selectable format outputs, and fast-response program guide, the SIR-TS160 provides an unparalleled HDTV experience."

The SIR-TS160 employs a seven-day Advanced Program Guide, which integrates both analog and digital channels for seamless guide information switching between programs broadcast over satellite and over-the-air. The guide features Samsung's speed enhancement technology that offers the fastest guide-surfing experience available in any HDTV satellite receiver to date. It includes a new guide search function that lets users scan program listings via the names of actors, movies, and other one-step search fields. A picture-in-guide window allows viewers to continue watching a program while surfing through the listings, or they can choose Samsung's Quick Guide, which displays listings one 30-minute time slot at a time in an opaque overlay located on top of the program.

Consistent with the all-in-one theme, the SIR-TS160 offers selectable outputs--including 1080i, 720p, 480p, and 480i--to optimize performance by matching any digital television monitor's native resolution, whether LCD, plasma, DLP™ or CRT-based. In addition, the SIR-TS160 simultaneously outputs 480i, allowing connection to an analog TV or standard VCR.

To complement the DVI/HDTV output, the SIR-TS160 offers a full range of A/V connectors for a wide range of devices currently available or to come in the future. These include component video (YPbPr), RGB, and RGBHV (15-pin D-sub), two composite video, one S-video, and optical and coaxial digital audio.

The SIR-TS160 is available now for an MSRP of $699.

For more information about Samsung Electronics America, Inc., visit //www.samsungusa.com.

[sp44again]

Hasn't this been out for awhile?