Philips launches new design FTA terrestrial set-top boxes

Philips is introducing a new family of free-to-air digital terrestrial set-top boxes in Europe, offering viewers an attractive combination of high-quality reception, innovative features, attractive styling and competitive pricing.
For launch selectively in various markets, the new family, comprising two models - the DTR 300 and the DTR 500 - offers numerous innovative features, including, among others, digital picture quality, fast channel scan, seven-day Electronic Program Guide (EPG) and automatic program list update. The unique styling and compactness (only 25 x 4 x 15 cm) of both models ensure an optimal match with today's home decor.
Interference caused by a number of electrical sources like tramcars, electric trains and some household appliances is a common cause of picture distortion with terrestrial TV reception, and noticeable towards the edge of the screen. This problem is eliminated in the DTR 500 and DTR 300 set-top boxes through the use of Philips' 'Killer Pulse Chip', which suppresses impulsive interference.
The DTR 500 will be launched in the UK in Q4 this year for access to Freeview channels with MHEG enhanced interactive applications such as quiz participation, games and home shopping. The DTR 300 will be available in Germany from the first quarter of 2005.
Philips' DSR 300 digital satellite receiver, already available in Germany and now holding a number one position there, as rated by the independent German consumer research association Gesellschaft für Konsumforschung (GfK), is part of the same design family as the DTR 300 and DTR 500. This set-top box utilises Philips' patented Euphoria User Interface, which provides viewers with a user-friendly channel selection menu. The DSR 300 gives access to more than 4000 television and radio channels with easy 'plug-and-play' reception of services from the Astra 19.2 satellite.
The launch of the two new free-to-air set-top boxes underscores Philips' commitment to the European digital terrestrial TV arena in retail markets.
In addition to Germany and the UK, Philips will introduce new set-top box models in Austria, Finland, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Spain and Sweden in the first quarter of 2005.
(GB)