how did you find the equivalent part numbers?NTE199 is a real part number, with a real datasheet.
According to NTE, it is a pretty good cross to BC547C, BC548C, BC549C, and BC550C
I started out by entering:NTE's component cross reference search only goes one way, from other manufacturer's part numbers to NTE part numbers. This way you get "locked in" to NTE parts, which are usually considerably more expensive than the original manufacturer's parts.
If you enter various part numbers into the NTE cross reference search engine:
http://nte01.nteinc.com/nte/NTExRefSemiProd.nsf/$$Search?OpenForm
it will suggest an NTE part that has similar specifications (if it exists).
Entering BC547C, BC548C, BC549C, or BC550C will suggest NTE199.
I think you're correct. And I intended to mention the pinout differences, but forgot. I'm glad you mentioned it.I don't think NTE makes anything. I think they buy ordinary transistors made by semiconductor manufactures and stamp their own number on them then raise the price a lot.
The NTE199 has specs and a pinout like some Japanese transistors. Its pinout is different to European BCxxxx transistors.