I am looking for CECB with Digital Audio Out. I understand the Channel Master CM-7000 has a Digital Audio Coaxial Port, but the CM-7000 is rather expensive compared to many of the other CECB's available so far. Does anyone have experience using the Digital Audio Out on the CM-7000? Does anyone know of any other CECB's with Digital Audio Outputs?

We are waiting for the answer from one of the owners of this box:
http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=13436312#post13436312

For me, CECB + digital audio out + Smart antenna interface = Sale!

Digital audio output is not allowed by NTIA for CECB:

16. Are digital coaxial audio outputs or SPDIF (optical) outputs permitted on eligible converter boxes?

No. Technical Appendix 2, "Outputs" includes examples of disqualifying features. Digital coaxial and SPDIF optical outputs are not consistent with the statutory description of "converter box." (See Pub. L. 109-171, Section 3005(d) and Paragraph 55 of the Final Rule.)

Digital audio output is not allowed by NTIA for CECB:

16. Are digital coaxial audio outputs or SPDIF (optical) outputs permitted on eligible converter boxes?

No. Technical Appendix 2, "Outputs" includes examples of disqualifying features. Digital coaxial and SPDIF optical outputs are not consistent with the statutory description of "converter box." (See Pub. L. 109-171, Section 3005(d) and Paragraph 55 of the Final Rule.)
Then how did the Channel Master box get approved? Did they remove the digital output? (I don't see why digital audio would be so horrible...)

https://www.ntiadtv.gov/cecb_list.cfm

Still no Smart Antenna interface, so still no sale for me...

Yes, the poster who got a CM box said the digital output said "unused" . They must have figured they had to remove it to get CE status. Maybe they'll produce one for more money that's not CE. Who knows, not me.

Sad :(

Lassen, do you suppose you could post a link to where you found the copy of the Final Rule that you quote from? I've done a bit of searching and can't find a copy of the Final Rule with any disqualifying feartures in the audio out section of tech appendix 2. I'm not doubting you, just like to see it for myself.

Please see
http://www.ntia.doc.gov/ntiahome/frnotices/2007/DTVFinalRule_2e.htm
"55. In the NPRM, NTIA proposed that “the converter box would not be required to render pictures and sound at more than standard definition quality.”
Also if you hit
http://www.ntia.doc.gov/ntiahome/frnotices/2007/DTVFinalRule_technical.htm
There is a table at the bottom of what is and what isn't a CECB.

The page the Lassen was talking about is this one.
http://www.ntia.doc.gov/dtvcoupon/manufacturerFAQ.html
Question # "16. Are digital coaxial audio outputs or SPDIF (optical) outputs permitted on eligible converter boxes? " Says NO

Thanks for the research guys. I have been trying to find a coupon eligible tuner with Dolby Digital out and now I know why I cannot find one.

I wonder what the reasoning was in only allowing taxpayer dollars to underwrite the cost of only ATSC tuners that ONLY have mono or stereo audio and RF, composite or S-video video outputs instead of any ATSC tuner.

Easy - these CECBs are intended only to replace the analog tuners in legacy TVs. As such - there is no need for High Def video outputs and digital audio outputs.

Digital audio output is not allowed by NTIA for CECB:

16. Are digital coaxial audio outputs or SPDIF (optical) outputs permitted on eligible converter boxes?

No.
On the top of my RCA CECB, it says Dolby DIgital. What's up with that?

As a requirement of ATSC, you must license Dolby Digital technologyto decode the audio.

As a requirement of ATSC, you must license Dolby Digital technologyto decode the audio.
The DTV audio system that the ATSC chose was developed by Dolby. ATSC receivers must include a Dolby Digital decoder (and they ALL do.) That is why there is a Dolby logo on set-top boxes and receivers.

Just to be clear, viewers do not need to license anything. TV manufacturers buy decoder software that has been licensed from Dolby and put it in their euipment. This can be set-top boxes, TV sets, AV receivers, DVD players, etc.

I am watching and hoping that some of the boxes I see in threads that people take apart for pictures get fiddled with more. They have the spot for the jack, and in some cases aren't even missing the supporting passive parts on the board. As long as the firmware isn't crippled, we may see boxes that require just a few finishing touches to achieve full functionality.
Remember, those boxes HAD it before that CECB ruling made them cripple it...Seems likely to keep cost down they wouldn't make a whole new version of firmware just to do that, but instead just leave off a few pertinent parts.

I am watching and hoping that some of the boxes I see in threads that people take apart for pictures get fiddled with more. They have the spot for the jack, and in some cases aren't even missing the supporting passive parts on the board. As long as the firmware isn't crippled, we may see boxes that require just a few finishing touches to achieve full functionality.
Remember, those boxes HAD it before that CECB ruling made them cripple it...Seems likely to keep cost down they wouldn't make a whole new version of firmware just to do that, but instead just leave off a few pertinent parts.

I put all the parts in the board for the Magnavox for 5.1 DD audio and tried it but there need's to be firmware enabled. Bummer :(

Good, a first attempt by someone. Does anything come out?

If you don't have a scope, you could just temporarily put one of the RCA audio plugs in it and listen.

I remember when working on multi-layer radar boards the options were disabled by blocking the plate-through holes. All one had to do was slip a piece of wire through the blank hole and solder both sides. Trace all the way back to the chip with a jewelers eye loupe and you may find your just missing a link.

I put all the parts in the board for the Magnavox for 5.1 DD audio and tried it but there need's to be firmware enabled. Bummer :(

Did you do any testing here where it says SPDIF?

Did you do any testing here where it says SPDIF?

Here's my post of everything I did with the Magnavox.

http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=1012075