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So… some believe that DTV is a huge government conspiracy to spy on Americans.  First and foremost, YOU JUST AREN’T THAT INTERESTING!!!!  Why would big brother want to look at millions of slack jawed yokels watching the latest Idol?

But, not to blindly dismiss such a thing, I was amused by this YouTube video, where the author allegedly finds a camera and microphone in his DTV converter box.  Anyone familiar with electronics can plainly see, the “camera” is probably a rubber bumper to keep from crushing the front bezel.  The “microphone” appears to be a trim-pot, whatever it is, microphones don’t have 3 legs.

I decided to tear apart my shiny new Sansonic FT-300A converter from Target.

Front view of the Sansonic

Rear view of the Sansonic

So… fairly innocuous looking right?  Pretty standard box.  Has an on/off switch, an RF in, RF out, and a A/V output.

Removing the cover… no aliens carried me away, no poison gas pellets were activated.  How disapointing!  Already I can see there is no camera or microphone, but I must go further!

Converter open and components labeled.

Removing the front bezel, no bumpers were necessary as its beefy and small enough that it would be difficult to crush, here is the front of the unit in its naked glory.

NO CAMERAS HERE!

So… there you have it… pretty conclusive evidence that there are no hidden surveilance devices in a DTV converter.  I will tear apart an Insignia converter from Best Buy next.

Oh, it might be worth mentioning, I am Chief Engineer and General Manager of a full power, commercial, television station in the #1 market (New York).  If anyone would be approached by big brother, the reptilians, DHS or NSA goons, it would be me.  I kind of wish they would, it certainly would liven up my day!