Nah, this isn't yet another digital-to-analog converter, just a tried-and-true OTA antenna for those looking to ditch their pay-TV provider and live off the fat of the land (or whatever HD locals you can fetch, same difference). The RCA ANT1500 Flat Indoor Antenna is a 10.5-inch square that checks in at just under one-inch thick, and its design supposedly helps it minimize the "cliff effect." RCA notes that this device is just the first of seven new RCA antenna products created with digital TV reception in mind that will be announced this year, and those satisfied with numero uno can find it around right now for $59.99 (or less if scouring the streets).

Even though we just know you'll disregard this information until the last possible moment, we'd like to point out that three more digital-to-analog converter boxes have been reviewed over at Sound & Vision. The $60 Zenith DTT900 -- one of the very first DTV boxes to get outed -- was pit against the $50 RCA DTA800 and the $60 Digital Stream DTX9900. Believe it or not, reviewers actually found quite a bit of difference in the three units ranging from looks (clearly) to on-screen interfaces. If you're one to care about the minutiae (and admit it, you are), head on over to see which of these three most deserve your $40 voucher.

Rest assured, this certainly isn't the first time we've heard stories of certain Wal-Marts trimming down its HD DVD lineup, but a new report from TG Daily asserts that "industry sources" have informed the site that the mega-corp will be "phasing out the RCA HDV5000 as well as the Venturer SHD7000 models." If you'll recall, the latter unit has only been available at Wally World for two months (and change), but apparently, both devices are being heavily discounted and won't be restocked once inventory is depleted. By now, we've learned to see all of these "reports" through the eyes of a skeptic, so we're putting it to you to see just how widespread these supposed firesales are. Have you noticed any unusual price cutting or disappearing acts in your local Wal-Mart?

File this one away in "If I would have thought of this, I wouldn't be working for the man anymore." Seriously. Hanging flat panels and antennas generally don't get along that well, but RCA as a nice and easy solution. Simply hang the little piece of plastic off the front of the flat panel and a pair of rabbit ears is going to stick out of the back. No word on the performance but we are going to step out on a limb here and say this isn't going to work as well as your Winegard roof-top, but it is going to work a tad better then the current pair of rabbit ears duct taped to the back of your flat panel. The ANT188 is going to carry a price of $14.99 when it hits shelves sometime in April.

Note: the other half of the press picture includes flat cables and a wall mount - nothing new.

It's not every day that a DVD recorder makes it onto Engadget HD's front page but sure 'nough, this boy has an ATSC tuner built in and can even record from it. Props needs to go out to the techs at RCA for recognizing that the digital transition is only a short two years and two months away and some people will not be able to use their current ATSC-lacking DVD recorders. The DRC8335 should be available in April at a MSRP of $249.99 and features all the standard VCR to DVD functions, plus that ATSC tuner that will pick up local digital broadcasts and even records those digital programs to a DVD. There is no word if you would be able to record 720p/1080i broadcasts onto a DVD but we would have to guess that you can't. But even still, this should be a great digital solution for those folks that still don't understand that a digital video recorder is still the best option.

RCA, who may not be the most exciting brand at CES, but when a company drops 18 LCD HDTVS, we take notice. Their new sets range in size from 720p to 1080p, 15- to 47- inches with prices at a modest $299 to $2,299. The RCA Scenium 280 Series get the honor of sporting 1080p at both the 42- and 47-inch models along with being equiped with two HDMI, component, composite and USB ports. These sets will hit the shelves come June with stickers of $2,299 for the 47-inch and $1,799 for the 42-inch. Follow the link for the rest of their new LCD HDTVs.

We just got word from one of our loyal readers, Brian, that he recently spotted RCA's HD DVD player on one of Walmart's clearance racks for $350. A quick web-search denies this but that doesn't mean it isn't happening. Many large retail stores will put things on clearance once they have sat on the selves a certain amount of time. We plan on doing a little recon work later today (read: try my best to get my hands on one) and visit a few of the Walmarts in our areas. Remember, the RCA branded HD DVD player is exactly the same as the Toshiba one sans the brand name on the front. It would just make sense to seek one of these players out if you are in the market for an HD DVD player

That is if it is true. Has anyone else seen one of these players on the clearance rack?

[Thanks, Brian]

HD DVD continues to move, as RCA has announced we can buy their HD DVD player, the HDV5000 at stores everywhere. Its basically the same as the lower-end Toshiba HD-A1 model, although a few earlybirds on AVSForum have noted the remote is a bit better. If you're looking for more than the 1080i, 30 second boot time loading of the first HD DVD players however, you'll need to look elsewhere as they share the same hardware underneath. PQ is still excellent, akin to an HD broadcast without the nasty compression artifacts, same HDMI out, surround sound support and everything else. Still, if $499 is burning a hole in your pocket and your local electronics retailer doesn't carry Toshiba, this is a big day for you. We're just glad this is over so we can look forward to second-generation players, sans-glitches and 1080i maximum resolution.

Read - RCA HDV5000 HD DVD Player now Available at Retail
Read - Early Impressions @ AVS Forums

Toshiba's HD DVD player, the HD-A1, has been alone on the market for about 2 weeks now. The units seem to be selling well, but they are 'bout to get some competition from Circuit City and RCA. You can't find the Toshiba model in any Circuit City store but they are still going to carry HD DVD players. The first one is from RCA and is currently up for pre-order at CirucitCity.com. Looks a bit like the HD-A1 you say. Well, we hear that it is the same inner workings as Toshiba's model. The HDV5000 is going to retail for the same price and include the HDMI cable just like the Toshiba.

The date for the digital takeover is approaching and the cost of ATSC tuners is still out of each of some Americans. RCA introduced two new tuners (halfway down the page) and one of them is aimed at the non-hd consumer. Priced at $199, it has no high definition interface, but rather just a composite and S-Video connection. I still think the price is too high for some people, but I am sure it will come down in price.

The second receiver, MPC5000, is priced at $399 and is aimed at the high def consumer. It has both DVI and HDMI to connect it to your HD set. This unit seems overpriced too. Last time I checked, most ATSC tuners with HDMI outputs are going for $249, give or take 20 bucks.

And here I was getting all excited. I thought that we were going to get a USB ATSC tuner here in the States like they have over in Asia thanks to Jensen. But no, not yet. Jensen has a USB drive that does preforms a similar task. It allows you to stream a signal from a tuner inside of a desktop to a laptop.

The press release indicates that the USB dongle will transmit a digital signal from an ATSC tuner, but it does not say if that signal is HD. I am not saying that 480p is a bad thing on a 15-inch screen, but it kind is a let down, isn't?

In fact, not to rain on Jensens parade, but Orb lets you do the same thing from any WIFI hotspot, including the one you probably have in you house. Plus, you do not have to buy anything besides the mentioned tuner.