Winegard Company Leads Industry in RV 2009 Digital Transition With Introduction of Digital to Analog Converter Boxes
BURLINGTON, IOWA – At midnight on February 17, 2009, the biggest change in television history will occur, when all American local television broadcast stations will be required to abandon their analog channels to broadcast exclusively in the clearer and better digital television (DTV) format. After that date, anyone who receives free local television signals (ABC, NBC, CBS, FOX, PBS, etc.) through rooftop over-the-air antennas with standard analog television sets will no longer be able to receive this programming in their home or RV without taking action to continue to receive local broadcasting.
For millions of RVers who use a Winegard batwing antenna to receive free local broadcasting, these antennas are ‘Digital Ready’ and can receive the DTV signal; however, standard (analog) television sets are not equipped to process the DTV signal.
“If you are affected, there are a variety of options to continue to receive your free local television signals: you can keep your existing analog TV and purchase a Digital to Analog converter box, which plugs into your TV and will allow it to receive DTV signals; or you can purchase a new television with a digital tuner,” said Aaron Engberg, director of Winegard’s mobile products division.
Winegard offers two new Digital to Analog Converter boxes, which plug into the existing analog television set and a Winegard over-the-air antenna, enabling consumers to receive local DTV stations for free, with no monthly programming fees. They are the RC-DT09, which converts digital over-the-air signals and provides an analog TV with analog signals; and the RC-1010, which is the same as the RC-DT09 except that it has an HD tuner for HDTVs that do not have a built-in ATSC HD tuner.
The federal government is providing $40 coupons that can be used toward the purchase of certified DTV converter boxes. The Winegard Digital to Analog Converter Box, RC-DT09, qualifies for this coupon program. Households can apply for up to two coupons, valued at $40 each, which must be redeemed within three months of the issue date. Coupons must be presented at the time of purchase. Visit www.DTV2009.gov for more information, or call 1-888-DTV-2009 (1-888-388-2009).
“Economically, purchasing one of the Winegard digital to analog converter boxes is a better value than purchasing a new digital television,” Engberg added. “Consumers can purchase a RC-DT09 receiver for less than $20 when they use the $40 coupon offered by the government. Plus, their compact size makes them easier to install in an RV.”
Winegard and Camping World have partnered by providing free RV TV evaluations at all nationwide Camping World retail stores. These evaluations consist of a technician walking through your coach to determine what products, if any, you’ll need to purchase to be ready for the 2009 transition. With a government coupon, the RC-DT09 can be purchased at Camping World for $19.99 or installed at a low package price of $39.99. For more information, visit www.CampingWorld.com/winegard2009 or call 1-888-622-6264.
“Digital television offers consumers many advantages such as clearer picture, better sound, more channels, on-screen programming guides and interactive data services,” Engberg said. “Many local television broadcasters are already transmitting a digital signal, so it’s not too early to make the switch today.”
Winegard Company has been manufacturing quality television and radio reception products for over 50 years. Headquartered in Burlington, Iowa, Winegard enjoys a worldwide reputation that is based on many industry "firsts," including the all-channel "Yagi" TV antenna, 82-channel antenna, antenna mounted preamplifiers, antenna amplifiers, the anodizing process, perforated aluminum satellite antenna and the RV television antenna, among others.
Winegard Company currently manufactures and markets four distinct product lines:
• Mobile Television Reception Products: Recreational vehicle, truck, marine, and automotive applications. Satellite systems ranging from manual crank-up models to fully automatic satellite tracking systems with GPS/DVB. Off-air antennas including bi-directional and omni-directional VHF/UHF/FM antennas. Ground Antenna Mounts and Accessories.
• Satellite Antennas and Mounts: Residential antennas ranging in size from 46 cm to 1 meter, including mounts and accessories.
• Off-Air Antennas: VHF/UHF/FM/AM and HD Antenna Systems, Distribution and Preamplifiers, Power Supplies and Accessories.
• Telemetry: Medical and Data Antenna Systems, Distribution Amplifiers, Power Supplies and Accessories.
For technical product questions, contact Winegard Customer Service at 800-288-8094 or visit www.winegard.com.
