For all coupon eligible converter boxes currently on the market, there are two options for the tuner:
a "can" tuner, aptly named as such because they are housed in metal enclosures
to minimize RF interference and cross-talk, or a silicon tuner.
So, what's the difference? To put it simply, silicon tuners are newer technology. Fundamentally, they don't
offer any new features to a converter box, but there may be benefits in terms of the amount of heat generated, better
quality control, and a smaller overall size. The issue of silicon tuners recently came to the forefront of
the TV Converter Box Coupon Program as a silicon tuner manufacturer named Microtune sent a letter to the
NTIA regarding performance of can tuners that they tested off the shelves of local retailers.
We don't want to bore you with techincal jargon that frankly, even we don't understand, but we will provide you
with a few links that may help to guide your decision on whether to purchase a silicon tuner, or stick with
a can tuner.
Silicon TV tuners poised to replace cans - Courtesy of RFDesign.com
Microtune Sends Letter to NTIA Raising Compliance Issues about Subsidized U.S. Digital TV Converter Box Program
FreeDTVShop.com offers both silicon and can tuner converter boxes. Silicon converter boxes can be found here:
Silicon Tuners
