Exclusive: First tests of digital TV converter boxes

With the digital TV transition less than a year away, digital-to-analog converters have started showing up in retail stores. These set-top boxes convert digital transmissions pulled in by an antenna into analog signals that can be accepted by an older tube TV and other sets that don’t have a built-in digital tuner.

We tested three of the first digital-to-analog converters to hit the market: the Magnavox TB100MW9 ($50 at Wal-mart), Insignia NS-DXA1 ($60 at Best Buy) and Zenith DTT900 ($60 at Circuit City). If you buy any of these boxes, you can use the $40 coupon offered by the government, reducing your out-of-pocket cost to $10 or $20. (The Magnavox is pictured above. You can click on it for a closer look.)

[Feb. 14, 2008 UPDATE: We've further reviewed these digital TV converter boxes and have posted more information about them in our report, "Digital TV converter boxes: First Look," on ConsumerReports.org. —Ed.]

These converters did what they're supposed to—they provided access to free, off-air digital TV programs when we connected them to a rooftop antenna at our Yonkers, NY, lab. In addition, we tested to see how well each box performed when we lowered signal strength to marginal levels. All three boxes did an equally good job with weak signals, comparable to several late-model 42-inch flat-panel HDTVs we tested for comparison. (One important note: While the boxes can pull in both HD and standard-def digital channels, they'll convert HD programs to standard-definition analog.)

Picture quality from all three converter boxes was decent and should be fine on a relatively small-screen set. It's likely to be better than analog broadcasts you're watching on that same TV now. It won't match what you can get with a good digital TV, but the difference in quality isn't that great that you should buy a new TV unless you're ready to change for other reasons.

For an extra $10, the Insignia and Zenith boxes provided a slightly better image than the Magnavox and some added features that make them more convenient to use. The Zenith and Insignia performed closely overall, but the Insignia had a few quirks in picture quality when we used the composite-video output, so we would opt for the Zenith.

If you're in the market for a converter box, stay tuned for our full test report on these three models, which we expect to post next week on ConsumerReports.org.

—Eileen McCooey

Comments

[ebrewed]

RCA stb7766g1 remote was bad out of the box, sent it back (not recieved, been 3 weeks)now the unit does not work at all. Power light goes to green, stays on, does not shut off. Unplugged unit for an hour, still does same thing. No picture, wont turn off unless you unplug main power adaptor.

[Kevin Kraft]

After owning our converter box for a few month, now, suddenly, after switching the box on (and why doesn't it have an actual switch, and you NEED remote?)it switches off after a few seconds. So, basically, now, after being compelled by the government of all entities to purchase one of these newfangled gizmos, our is absolutely useless, a piece of junk. Yes, I've tried unplugging and turning off to reset. but there's an obvious problem with the switch or some other component that should keep it turned on when we turn it on. What i could be after such a short period of time is beyond me. Any help or recourse would be appreciated. It would have been nice if they worked the bugs out of these things before FORCING US TO BUY THEM!

[everett whitney]

Nicole - " MY Converter is a Pile of X#$@@!"

Totally aside from your foul language {strictly prohibited!} - there ARE now very frequent postings herein by C.R. that federal coupon Converters are NOT a 100%, permanent DTV fix!

ONLY a very temporary, short-term solution to permit the continued use of picture tube sets for a short while longer.

Everyone will eventually need to buy (1) new HDTV set, with it's own, internal Digital Tuner - sorry - BUT - that's the way it is!

everett

[Nicole Expose]

My Magnavox Converter Box is a piece of junk. My SETUP button does not work anymore. I have tried new batteries and it still does not work!! All of the other buttons on the remote work, except the SETUP button. What a piece of CRAP!

[aaron]

@ Jane Brooks-
Unfortunately, you've run into one of the problems with digital TV; the "cliff effect". Digital signals are either on (you get them) or off (you don't). They don't degrade like analog signals do. While this is a good thing if you live in an area with a strong signal (the picture & audio are great), it's not so good if you are in a "fringe" area.

I've just finished fighting this battle at my parents farm, and found a nice article that helped a lot. http://www.digital-tv-converter.info/digital-tv-converter/digital-tv-reception-tips/

The short of it is making sure you have the proper antenna, and making sure it is aimed correctly. If you are using an indoor model, see if moving it higher (on a shelf perhaps) helps any.

Best of luck to you,
Aaron

[everett whitney]

TO: Jeff & Kev-"Unsatisfactory Converters..?"

From the rather HUGE number of early-failures of essentially all Brands / varieties of federal coupon Converters, as well as the problems associated with constant rescanning from now thru 12 June because of newer digital channels coming on-stream constantly - it would seem to be pertinent that one seriously consider "biting-the-bullet" & simply buying a new, top tier HDTV instead !

With the horrifically bad Global Economy, there has been sales / promotions at pricing even lower than last Black Friday ! Yesterday, Conn's Appliances closed out Sony's KDL-32XBR6 @ $599 !

A much more satisfactory end-result than will ever be achieved w/ Converters !

[everett whitney]

TO: Rick - Canadian Tv in a Boat -

Yes, there are very many adequate 12V-to-120V Converters for your TV . . . . same as for autos, RVs, etc..

BUT - since your DTV conversion isn't for until 2011, YES - you'll need to use the analog only TV, unless you might be very near our border at times ?

[Rick]

I have a 12v tv in my boat. 2 problems - I need a 12v DTV converter AND the ability to receive analog tv when I travel with my boat in Canada.

1 - Is there a 12v DTV converter?
2 - In Canada, do I have to undo the DTV box to use the tv?

Thanks

[Jeff W]

I also had the same issue as Kay M. I purchased two Digital Stream converter boxes in June and they both stopped working within a couple weeks each other. I went to dsconverter.com and e-mailed support on 1/25/09 I finally got a phone response from them on 2/19/09. When I called them back they told me that the boxes were out of warranty and there was nothing they could do. They have a 6 month warranty and mine were out of warranty by a month. Based on poor customer support response and lack of the ability to do anything about multiple failures even though they are technically out of warranty I will not be purchasing products from this company again.

[Kev]

I purchased a Sansonic DTV converter several months ago and it was working fine. I was receiving local channels and even a few channels that are relatively far away. Then suddenly I was unable to receive any channels! I am unable to receive a signal from any of the transmitters in my area (ca. 2 miles away). My converter appears to be working properly and I have scanned for stations many times with no success. I even purchased a new antenna with no success. I went to antenna.org and looked up the optimal antenna for my area and I should be able to pick up signals (at least 5) with a rabbit ear style antenna. I am really frustrated and really don't want to throw any more $ at this problem!

[Dori]

We bought a RCA STB7766G1 from Target today and connected it to a "back up" TV. Before we were able to get 5 local channels. Now we only get one..the UHF channel. What is the reason for this? (Our back up tv is used only when the cable goes out due to bad weather.)

Will portable (battery) operated TV's not work anymore either? How are we to know what is going on in the world when our power goes out. Sometimes mine is out for a whole day or 3 days. The radio does not give us much info when power is out.

Dori

[Donny Wilson]

I purchased an RCA Converter Box, I installed it on my Projection TV as outlined in the instructions. All was working just fine except the picture had a yellowish tone and the signals faded in and out. I was able to view most of the programs that was located when I scanned for available signals. After about three weeks of viewing, my expensive TV has a shadow in the back ground from letter boxes and other info fixed on the screen. I would like to know is there going to be any enforcement of product liability for those that are creating defective products or products that cause damage to Projection TVs.

[Billie Ross]

between my neighbor and I, we have four had Magnavox digital converters. Three of them scanned one time each and found no signal, then locked us out,the fourth only the power light came on. Called Magnavox customer service and were told we didn't know how to put our T.V.'s on channel three.We went to other brands (full price) and they work fine. Magnavox was a waste of coupons.

[Doris]

I have the RCA Converter box. DO I connect my DVD player the same way as the instructions show to connect a VCR player? There are no direction to connect a DVD player.
Thanks

[Kay M]

I bought 2 converter boxes 4-6 months ago...one for each tv. Recently I've had to buy another 2 boxes for around $50.00 each as the first 2 boxes quit working, 1 week apart. I sent one back to Digital Stream hoping to get a replacement, and I will have to try to send in the other one to them also. At present I am waiting to get the first replacement in the mail.

[Sherri Pryor]

I installed my converter box about 4 weeks ago. It's been working just fine and bringing in all my local stations. However, yesterday I began having problems with my local station WTOV-9 out of Steubenville, OH. When I tune to that station, I get the message "No Signal". All of the other stations are still coming in just fine. I don't know where to begin to troubleshoot this. Any ideas?
Thanks!
Sherri

[Paul Reynolds]

Debra:

All TVs now sold in stores have built-in digital tuners that eliminate the need for a converter box to receive over-the-air broadcasts. So you won't need to buy a box, or use a box you now own, if you're buying a new TV.

-- Paul Reynolds, Electronics Editor.

[Debra]

I am going to replace my old tv that had an antenna. Are there going to be television sets in the stores that will be compatible with the converter box? Because they dont sell them with antennas anymore and are just cable ready.

[everett whitney]

TO: Gerald - " TV is 12 volts ... Converter is ?"

These are only 120V ... see if there's any 120 V outlet within your RV's system - it doesn't need to be of a huge capacity ~~ 100 watts or less - with which to operate the federal coupon Converter.

BUT - you WILL need to get a new antenna system, too. Digital reception IS an entirely new, different animal compared to our 50 years of analog with ".. aluminum-wrapped.." coat hangers! Very problematic / erratic / tedious/ extremely short distances !

[Gerald Hammon]

I'm getting a converter box for my RV motor home. The tv is 12 volt dc and was wondering if the converter box was also 12 volt. There is a cigarett plug in adaptor behind my tv. I cant find anything on the power supply requirement.
Thank You
Gerald

[Debra]

Has anyone realized that the sound is delayed with this digital or is it just on my end. I noticed the mouths of the actors say the words before the the audio. I came home with no signal at all and before I was at least able to view a few channels before I get my "special" antenna. (they are expensive for my budget by the way)

[everett whitney]

TO: Lisa - " Rural, hilly part of N.H. ?"

" IF " they live on a hilltop ... perhaps their exiting antenna might be only VHF, whereas the must have also a UHF unit-- probably a combination would be better.

BUT - IF they live in the valley between those hilltops, they will NOT be able to pick-up UHF digital signals! Entirely different issues than our old analog reception.

www.antennaweb.org is the start ... input Digital, address, etc., check 'digital' - listed Will be their available Channels, Compass Heading, which transmission bands now & after FEB { Hi VHF or UHF or Both }, distance and by a color-coding, recommended strength or "gain" needed.

www.solidsignal.com shows views of all possible antennas ... compare what your parents now have with what has been suggested .... hopefully, there'll be a better one available!

Also, the connection must be w/ Quad Coax RG-6, one length, with factory-supplied Connectors.

Much more - so, please repost?

[Lisa]

Upon connecting a converter to my parents analog tv I received "no signal". I triple checked all of the connections and reread the instructions everything was connected properly. I did the channel scanning 6 times and still got a "no signal" message and the signal meter read "0". This tv is connected to a channel master roof top antenna with a rotor and booster system. I went to rabbitears.com and it seems that all of the 5 channels they were receiving beautifully in analog have gone to digital. They live in a rural hilly area of NH. How will I be able to resolve their reception problems? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks

[Rosanne]

Two questions: #1 If my TV is connected to converter box, and if I buy a dvd/vcr such as Panasonic EZ48V which has a digital tuner, will I then have a "normal" dvd/vcr which can record multiple programs on multiple days such as I have now with my present dvd/vcr? #2 I have a television set that is both TV and DVD and VCR player. If I attach a converter box to it, will its' digital tuner control both the TV part and the DVD/VCR part?

[everett whitney]

P.S. - LAUREN - " Smart Antenna / Zip 80643 ...?"

Sadly, just checked for the above # .... there will be only (2) digital Channels near enough for you & these don't need any Smart Antenna at all. Just a very simple DB-4, perhaps even mounted within your attic !

"ION" & IND" networks are those (2) ... all the majors in Denver are much too far removed ! At 45-50 miles +, with your weather & terrain ... there's not going to be 100 % reliable UHF digital reception of the major networks.

You will need some TV service other than Over-The-Air.
Sorry.