Humax Ships $229 ATSC Set-Top Tuner

[Gregg Lengling]

Irvine, Calif. — Humax USA is shipping the HFA100 ATSC Digital TV Tuner at a $229 suggested retail price.

Humax USA announced that its HFA100 ATSC Digital TV Tuner is now available for purchase at a number of current retail partners. Priced at $229, the HFA100 enables consumers with high definition (HD) -ready TVs to access all free terrestrial HDTV programs broadcasted by the TV networks in their area.

In keeping with the company's "Easy-Digital" charter, the HFA100 is the first of its kind to alleviate the complexity once associated with using similar type products. Incorporated are: An intuitive on-screen set-up guide; 7-day electronic program guide (EPG); automatic channel scan that identifies and assigns all available HDTV channels into the unit's memory; direct channel access and aspect ratio and parental lock out controls.

The unit is compatible with the many different American Television Standards Committee (ATSC) digital TV formats and, in order to match the native resolution of the display device used, offers selectable output resolution including 1080i, 720p and 480p. A Dolby Digital optical output ensures easy and "pure" connection to surround-sound amplifiers and processors for the best possible sound and movie effects reproduction. Equipped with Component Video, RGB and HDMI with HDCP outputs, the unit is compatible with most HD-ready monitors and display devices, regardless of brand.

Humax USA Strategic Marketing and Business Development VP Tony Goncalves says, "While several million homes across America have HD-ready television sets, until now many have had to settle for the minute amount of HDTV programming offered by their pay-TV operators. The HFA100 is a viable, economical alternative for these households to now enjoy the stunning visual and sonic clarity of the many HDTV programs being broadcast in their area -- and with no monthly fees!"

Goncalves added, "The HFA100 also marks the next step in Humax's winning line-up of digital television devices for the consumer and perfectly illustrates our company's mission to continue to bring to market innovative, easy-to-use and affordably priced products that consumers want to purchase and retailers want to sell -- all of which further reinforce Humax's position as a value-added brand in the consumer electronics sector."

Key Features of the Humax HFA100 Digital Television Tuner include:

- Terrestrial ATSC HD receiver compatible with all ATSC formats
- Entry level price point with top quality build and features
- Ideal for the millions of ED & HD TV's sold-to-date without a tuner for FREE off-air HDTV reception, just need an indoor or outdoor antenna
- Easy-to-use EPG with customization options (i.e. full screen, small screen) · On Screen Guided Set-up
- Multiple connectivity options: HDMI output w/ HDCP; RGB output; Component Video Output; Dolby Digital output; Simultaneous digital HD and Analog (S-Video) output for multi-room and/or multi set display of content
- User selected resolution output, (i.e. set the unit to output your TV's native resolution)
- Small footprint allows easy placement · Auto channel scan provides easy setup

For more information, visit http://www.humaxusa.com

[StarvingForHDTV]

This price is a step in the right direction.  If these things were $99 there would be no reason to hesitate on the purchase.  I think we will get to "DVD player" prices in due time.

[foxeng]

Has anyone find out if this box has  a 4th generation or 5th generation chip in it?