Video Imaging DesignLine

In essence, the tuner brings in DTV and demodulates the signal to baseband, where the MPEG signal stream is decoded and converted to an analog signal equivalent. The resulting analog versions of the signal go to the rear RCA jacks while also forking back to the tuner can, where the signal is remodulated back onto an RF carrier for analog-only TV input.

The power board, which feeds all TV signal processing, is a single-metal-layer phenolic PCB whose main semicon- ductor content is the usual set of discrete devices for rectification and an Infineon switch-mode power supply controller (ICE3B0365J). The power board implements the DC-to-DC conversion needed to go from (rectified) wall- power input, with attention to achieving low standby current requirements.

As might be expected, the $60 retail price implies a low-cost box to build; our detailed cost analysis points to a hardware production cost of about $30 for the NS-DXA1. Combining a modest purchase price (made possible by a carefully whittled bill of materials) with a significant coupon offset from the government allows folks to hang on to their still-good-enough TVs through the impending transition.

With a reported government subsidy of $1.5 billion in play, sales are likely to be stimulated to the extent that legacy analog TVs remain in the mix. In the end, the February 2009 switch-off of analog broadcast television will free up spectrum that has huge intrinsic value. Claims of improved broadcast quality from DTV could indicate another upside. But for those not quite ready to take the plunge, an inexpensive option will still exist in the form of boxes such as the NS-DXA1. p

See related image: New digital-to-analog signal converters will ease broadcast customers through the impending transition to digital TV.

See related image

David Carey is president of Portelligent, a TechInsights company that produces teardown reports and related industry research on wireless, mobile and personal electronics.