Samsung Offers Over-The-Air Set-Top Box Lineup

[Gregg Lengling]

Samsung Electronics America, Inc., a leader in the DTV category since introducing the first integrated HDTV in 1998, offers the SIR-T151 and SIR-T165 tuners for free over-the-air HDTV signals.

With 92 percent of the country able to receive HDTV broadcasts, according to the National Association of Broadcasters, Samsung offers consumers the best option for enjoying the future of TV now with the entry level SIR-T151 (currently available for $499 MSRP). For consumers ready for the next step, the SIR-T165 (currently available for $799 MSRP) a CES Innovations 2003 Design and Engineering Showcase honoree, is the first consumer HDTV tuner set-top box to employ the industry-standard DVI (Digital Visual Interface) with HDCP, as well as FireWire™ (IEEE 1394), allowing the connection of high-end devices such as D-VHS decks from JVC and Mitsubishi to record programming in HDTV digital format.

Samsung's over-the-air digital (ATSC) set top box models, the SIR-T151 and the SIR-T165, employ what industry expert's note as the most sensitive HDTV tuner available. Uniquely able to output all native DTV resolutions (1080i, 720p, 480p, and 480i) through a selectable output, both the SIR-T151 and SIR-T165 offer universal compatibility with any DTV monitor currently on the market, whether it be CRT, plasma, LCD, or DLP™. Both models have the flexibility to tune and decode all 18 approved ATSC DTV broadcast formats and Dolby® Digital DTV broadcasts (5.1 channels). Support for favorite channel and Closed Caption functions, an easy-to-use on-screen menu system, and universal remote control (compatible with TV, VCR, CATV and DVD) ensure ease of navigation and operation.

"Samsung is educating consumers that DTV is here now," said Frank Romeo, Director of Samsung's Digital Set-Top Box Group. "By offering a comprehensive lineup of set-top boxes for ATSC over-the-air digital broadcasts, Samsung is providing DTV solutions that customers are comfortable with and that incorporate the most cutting-edge technologies available."

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