More than two million Zenith converter boxes have shipped to retailersthis year, with Americans redeeming more than 50,000 discount converter boxcoupons each day. The digital TV converter boxes, designed to bring digitaltelevision to old analog TVs that rely on an antenna, make it easy for viewersto enjoy the benefits of digital TV -- including better pictures, moreprograms, and advanced new digital closed captions.

Zenith is urging analog TV viewers to install their boxes now to beginenjoying the benefits of digital broadcasting and to avoid possible confusionabout receiving the new digital channels on Feb. 17, 2009, when all of thenation's full-power TV broadcasters are required to make the final transitionto all-digital service. The Zenith web site (http://www.zenith.com/dtv) nowincludes a new online video that, among other things, shows how to scan thenew digital channels with a touch of a button on the box's remote control.Fully captioned and also available online in Spanish, the video shows how easyit is to connect a converter box to an analog TV(http://www.zenith.com/dtv/setup.html).

Underscoring the need for converter boxes by millions of Americans whodepend on free over-the-air broadcasting with their analog TVs, the site alsoincludes a new video interview with a Chicago teacher whose family uses analogTVs and antennas throughout the home(http://www.zenith.com/dtv/analogtv.html).

The Zenith DTT901 digital TV tuner converter box, endorsed by low-powercommunity broadcasters, full-power broadcasters and disability advocates forits ease-of-use, combines advanced digital technology in a simple package forconsumers.

As shown on the video, set-up couldn't be easier. Just connect anantenna, put the included AAA battery in the remote control, and connect thebox to the TV's antenna input. (Based on consumer calls to the Zenith customerservice hotline, the video reminds consumers to remove the plastic wrapperbefore installing batteries.) A channel scan can be accomplished in seconds.Each individual digital TV channel is also customizable with the on-remoteZoom button, so viewers can choose how digital TV programs are displayed ontheir analog TV (full screen or letterboxed, for example.) The DTT901 evenremembers viewing preferences, channel by channel.

Watching digital full-power or analog low-power TV stations are bothpossible with the DTT901, which is designed to "pass through" analog TVsignals from the antenna to the TV when the converter box is turned off. Whenturned on, the converter's on-board digital tuner delivers additional channelsof weather, news, and entertainment sent by local digital TV broadcasters.

The advanced closed-captioning functionality of the DTT901, which allowschanging colors, fonts, type size and backgrounds on closed captions, buildson Zenith's heritage of accessible products, including pioneering developmentsin hearing aid technology from the 1930s through the 1970s, manufacturing thefirst analog TVs with closed-captioning capability more than 15 years ago, andthe first digital HDTVs with closed captioning.

Other Consumer Friendly Features

-- Despite its compact size -- smaller than a hardback book at8- x 7- x 2-inches -- the Zenith DTT901 packs in a long list of additionalconsumer-friendly features such as a "what's on next" program guide and onebutton access to a signal strength indicator.

-- The DTT901 goes above and beyond the federal ENERGY STAR (R)requirements, turning off automatically after four hours of inactivity anddrawing only three watts of electricity when active and less than half a wattwhile in standby mode.

-- An easy-to-follow connection guide is included, and DTT901 owners mayalso call Zenith's toll-free consumer hotline (1-877-9ZENITH) for assistance.

The federal government's NTIA is offering $40 discount coupons forconsumer purchase of Digital TV converter boxes. Coupons can be requested athttp://www.DTV2009.gov, or by calling 1-888-DTV-2009. The Zenith converterbox is widely available at national retailers at a suggested retail price ofless than $60 (just $20 with the government coupon).

SOURCE Zenith