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

[Jimmy in Dallas]

I bought 2 Insignia boxes on 06/06/08 and 1 appears to be fried. The picture freezes or scrambles and the box won't turn off. After I unplug it and plug it back in, it works for a few minutes then freezes again. These boxes have a 90 day warranty. Bought it at Best Buy. It does provide a great picture. Any hope for me besides having to pay full price for another one?

[Link]

I just went to Gridlink in Pasadena, CA to bought another 2 GLT-200 for my parents, their price has raised from $42.99 to $45.99 compare to when I made my first order in July but still is lower than Best Buy. GLT-200 is exactly the same as Sansonic and Lasonic which sold elsewhere for about $54.99 and it does not provide analog pass-through capability but actually that might not needed for some TV. What I setup for myself and my parents (we all have cable TV) is leave the original coaxial cable from cable un-touch and use a composite cable with L,R audio cable connect (those red, white, yellow cable) to the extra video-in provided from most TV set and when watching cable program, I just use channel 3 as usual and when I need to watch the DTV program, I switch to Video-1 from my TV remote. During Olympic period, I usually set my TV as picture-in-picture and switch them back and forth. I have to admit that the digital broadcast signal is far better than my cable quality. By the way, Gridlink they are offering free shipping for their combo set order at this time ($59.95 for converter box plus an active antenna), even I did not benefit for it but that might come thru for someone.

[Denice Rhodes]

There is still a lot of confusion about digital converter boxes.

Our non-profit, the Urban Progressive Foundation has been actively working with seniors and other groups to provide straight, clear and understandable information to help them through the transition.

Later this week, I will be traveling to Wilmington, North Carolina, where the first full blown transition test-run will commence. If you can't make the trip, allow me to be your eyes and ears. Visit my blog http://digitaldynamo.blogspot.com/ and website www.transition2DTV.com to for more information.

[Matt Mattelig]

What people are finding out - unfortunately - is one of the caveats of digital broadcasting... It's more or less an "all" or "nothing" type of technology where when a minimum threshold has been reached, your set goes blank and you see and hear nothing. It's also a line of sight technology where the antenna and broadcast tower need to be inline with one another for optimal reception.
What most people are going to need to consider when converting to over-the-air reception of digital tv is to invest in the best antenna they can afford. This is especially true of viewers in rural or urban areas where there are lots of obstacles and electro mechanical interference.
While it is a bit of a cash layout, it's still less expensive than cable and satellite subscriptions.

[everett whitney]

TO Trax - 17 Aug - "Direct TV on (1)... antenna for locals"

Have "hope!" ... certainly confusing but possible !

For most, the first step will be to go to
www.antennaweb.org putting in ZIP & address, checking "digital" ...

Listed will be all your available digital channels - as well as the proper antenna by color-code. IF all spread out over the entire compass readings, then, unfortunately a rotor assembly will be in order.

IF most are "grouped" fairly close together ... pretend with a 15 or 20 degree compass arc ... you are good-to-go!

Some stations will be returning to the VHF Band ... others will stay at the UHF Band. IF both are listed, consider a "combo antenna" --- one is a Channel Master 3016 ... also boxed as a #5646.

IF all will be UHF Band ... there are many --- one is the C.M. 4228.

Connect with a good Quad Coax cable & proper digital splitters / connectors to each of your TV's Converters and all will work! F.Y.I.- (1) converter / each TV in order to "see" more than a single channel at a time.

See www.solidsignal.com
or
www.antennasdirect.com
or
www.mycablemart.com for supplies

Good Luck !

[everett whitney]

TO: Paul Burns - 18 Aug - "Indoor Antennas ...."

All O.T.A. signal reception inside an attic is automatically reduced by about half ... metallic roofing stops almost all.

analog antennas may well have worked o.k. here - BUT - consistent digital signal reception needs a better antenna { more "gain" } as well as an outside mounting in most cases.

Also, a necessity will be the associated Quad Coax RG6 cabling, unspliced from antenna connection directly to the
rear "RF" terminal of the TV.

@ www.antennaweb.org

your ZIP & address plus checking "digital" will provide the color-coded antenna that is appropriate for you.

After Feb cut off of analog transmission, all digital signals Will become stronger ( more powerful).

www.solidsignal.com
or
www.antennasdirect.com

are only (2) of many web stores where these may be seen & bought. One of the "combo" VHF/UHF antenna is a C.M. #3016 - also boxed as a #5646 --- a very powerful UHF only is their # 4228 & it will still pick up down to channel 10 of the VHF Band, too.

[Paul Burns]

I beg to differ. You were in Yonker. The signal strenght is terrible but especially uhf stations. If things stay the way they are there are going to be many citizens complaining of this service and TV station complaining about loss of viewers. VHF is not that bad but does come in and out. UHF stations are terrible. Go to the suburbs and antennas inside the house. You will see. This is a force to make antenna users pay for TV.
Paul Burns
Wrentham, MA

[Trax]

This whole process is getting so confusing, I think we'll just bail out and forget TV. We have DirectTV on only one set, but use antenna for local channels, and on all other sets. What the *&*^% are we supposed to do? All of the posts are such a variety of service from the boxes, we don't have a clue as to which way to go.

[Paul Eng]

To S. Towsley and all:

We are in the final stages of reviewing 10 more converter boxes, INCLUDING the DTVPal which I discussed here:

http://blogs.consumerreports.org/electronics/2008/07/dtvpal-converte.html

We hope to soon included the details about these new DTV converter boxes here:

http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/electronics-computers/televisions/digital-tv-converter/overview/dtv-converter-box-guide.htm

To keep up to date, I'd suggest you subscribe to our RSS feed, or bookmark in your browser this link:

http://blogs.consumerreports.org/electronics/digital_converter_boxes/index.html

Thanks for your patience.

-Paul Eng
Sr. Wed Editor, Electronics

[S. Towsley]

ConsumerReports.org promised to keep these converter box ratings & recommendations updated but nothing seems to be new. The DTX-9950 appeared at least 6 weeks ago, and our local Radio Shacks seem only to be selling that box now, yet the only info available from a salesperson was that it "has passthru." It would be nice to know quickly about any and all additional features and any improvement in picture quality on new boxes, since we all have to purchase within 90 days of coupon receipt (I have until Sept. 24). Thanks for considering this.

[everett whitney]

TO: Susan - 21 July-"Not my antenna 'cause it works the Tv if connected directly ..."

By-laws prohibiting external antennas and / or satellite "dish" types have been legally found to be invalid / unenforceable now.

But - to find out what digital signals Are available, go to
www.antennaweb.org
input your ZIP & address, check "digital" & there will be listed those digital channels, what distance & which compass heading relative to you.

As well, there will be by color coding, which antenna types { VHF or UHF or even a combo } as well as "gain " - strength - is needed.

Except NYC & Chicago,etc., above channel # 13 is required for these Federal Converters to function... UHF antennas. But, this will change in some other cities after next Feb..

Unless those TV Towers are unusually close as well as w/o trees, nearby taller buildings, etc., dependable, consistent digital signals WILL be much more troublesome to achieve than your current analog. From your posting, it is NOT that Converter ... rather, the antenna is not the needed band.

One that might function adequately in the rear of a closet, etc., is the Channel Master # 4228 plus a short length of Quad Coax RG6 cable. Although considered the "strongest" UHF available, inside any building Does reduce digital signals at least by 50 %.

May be viewed at many web stores - one is -
www.solidsignal.com

[Ed]

To Susan again; I take back my advice just sent. Look at the Keeley entry on 6-14-08. It states that a Magnavox TV needs a Magnavox converter. Hope this is your answer.

[Ed]

To Susan, July 22/08; My guess is the converter is no good. Ed

[Susan Enzman]

I purchased a Insignia converter box for my Magnovox TV. I hooked it up and I only get 1 channel in clearly. Most of the channels pictures are breaking up and the volume fades in and out. Some of the channels I should be receiving shows that I do not get a signal. I bought a new TV
antenna which works fine when the converter box is not hooked up, so I know my problem is not due to the antenna. I live in a Condo and am not allowed to put up a rooftop antenna. How do I find out if the digital signal is strong enough to the West Chester, PA area to get a clear picture and sound? Do you know who I can contact to find out this information? I do not want to go out and buy a digital TV and find out it is worthless. Thank you. Susan Enzman

[Bruce Martin]

I have an insignia converter. I can not get a universal remote unit to work. I have a Philips remote SR3004WM/17 and have tried Zenith code 0065, and LG codes 0362, 0864, and 0765 and also ALL other codes listed for STB units. Is there another remote unit I can buy- or other codes that will work?

[John B. Daniels]

I see the e-mail address isa not included in the posting. I would like to get any feed back from others. I bought a Zenith DDT900 digital video tuner. Works very well in getting signals some which I never had before. No channel 13PBS though here in Jersey. My problem and gripe is that I use both the Dish Network and an outside antenna. They come into the TV from two separate lines. When I put the tuner box in the antenna line it does not allow me to operate the Dish Network at all no matter what. The only way I can get it to work is to bypass the box and connect the line direct as if it were only spliced. Zenith said I can't get there from there.
Any suggestions or help would be appreciated. You can reply to me directly . Thanks. John

[Nightowl]

I had to use my coupons soon so I drove to the Gridlink office and bought two converters. They look exactly like the Sanonic and Lasonic units. They have great pictures. I get about 45 channels in the Pasadena area using a 99cent V antenna. My wife wanted some analog channels but this converter has no passthru so I also bought a 99cent splitter with short cable so the V antenna signal also goes to the Sylvania TV. She now gets all the analog channels with the converter turned off. Gridlink is $39.95 plus tax so I paid $11 for two Gridlinks, two V antennas and two splitters.

[K. S. Keeley]

To TINA.PDX who posted on June 2, 2008.
Magnavox TVs only work on the Magnavox converters because of the remote. I have two Magnavox TVs and finally found a Magnavox converter box on E-Bay. It's not a great converter because you still have to use your Magnavox remote plus the converter remote (they do different things). What I found interesting in the Magnavox converter box instructions is: that it tells you if your TV doesn't work to use the Sylvania codes. HOWEVER, it doesn't give you the Sylvania codes. The Magnavox Converter Box Customer Support number is: 1-800-605-8610 or you can go on line to: http://www.funai-corp.com for help. (That's who makes the Magnavox converter box) and all of this information comes from the Magnavox Converter Manual. Hope this helps.

[Wayne]

One important thing to remember is to use RG-6 Coax cable from antenna to the Cable Box. The smaller RG-59 cable has too much signal loss for anything but very short cable to antenna leads. Since most of the Digital transmissions are only transmitting between 25% to 40% power at the present time, you might have picture freeze or pixilated video on your TV. This will not happen when the transmitters are operating at full power. Some models of the Digital Converter units will receive non scrambled Cable TV signals. If you have a HD capable TV, it probably doesn't have a built in DV tuner (LCD,Plasma, & some Rear Proection) & will need a converter box. To receive true HD quality you will need a converter box with Component Video or DTV connections, three RCA outputs labeled (Y Pb Pr). If it also has a rectangular plug (DVI) that connection will produce best quality Video. A few DV tuners have either IR or Coaxial (orange RCA) plug, which is Dolby Digital sound. If the signal signal strength meter shows 40% & some video dropout, don't worry about it now, as all Digital Transmissions will be at full power in February of 2009. For this reason buy a DV Converter Box with Analog Pass-through like Digital Streams DTX-9950, which is available at Radio Shack (#15-150, or any other unit with the Analog Pass-through.

[Shirley J. McNall]

Well the good ole government has done it to us again. We had perfectly fine TV via the antenna. We got ABC, CBS and NBC reception from Albuquerque, NM on our antenna. We just spent our two $40 coupons from Uncle Sam plus we had to pay extra to make up the difference on the purchase prices. We bought an Insignia box from Best Buy. Now we have NBC and 3 so, so signals from PBS. Bye, bye CBS and ABC. Not good!! Our local Walmart stores are always out of the converter boxes. Our remaining $40 US Govt. issued card expires on July 2nd so we felt pressured to try the Venturer brand box from Target. We hooked it up........we get fragmented picture signals from the 3 PBS channels with no sound. So far, we are very dissatisfied with our TV signals. What are the American people who do not have cable or satellite supposed to do? We have been dumped into the Dark Ages. Thanks Uncle Sam----again!!

[Ed Tulinsky]

I just installed the Zenith Converter Box to my small tv that is using rabbit ears. I too was also receiving low signal pics. until I changed the box ch. no. showing in the box menu from 3, which I do not have, to a 4 which I do have. Then use the tv remote to be sure your on 4 for the strong signal and then use the box remote for all other ch.'s . In other words, It's the programming part that is tricky. If the box menu sends the antenna info. to ch. 3 on your tv and you do not have 3 available on your tv then you do not receive any antenna info. Hope this helps someone.

[Jim Ruth]

I bought an Insignia converter box from Best Buy but it did not work. I took it back for an exchange and the second box also did not work. It gives me a no signal box on the screen no matter what I do. I live about 90 miles from Seattle but I get good analog signals from three channels, fair signals from two others and a fairly nice signal from PBS which is supposedly a weak signal due to low power. I also get a fair channel from Bellingham WA about 22 miles from my home. I utilize a roof top antenna with about 45 to 50 feet of co-ax cable. I do have hills and trees in the way of direct signals but still have good analog. Do I need to get some sort of "Better" antenna or an amplifier of some sort? I'm not a "Techie" so I don't really know what to do for my non existent digital signal.

[zerotsm]

I purchased the Zenith DTT900. It has 6th generation decoder chips and is able to receive all but one DTV station in our market perfectly. One station is marginal, on some days it works but when propagation is poor it drops in and out. The EPG (Electronic Program Guide) on the Zenith box only has the current and next programs. I have ordered a Channel Master CM-7000 because it has S-Video output. The Channel Master unit also has a 12 hour EPG. I'll report on how it performs compared to the Zenith when it arrives.

[K. Keeley]

Re: Magnavox TVs. A Magnavox TV will only work with a Magnavox TV converter box. This is due to the remote control. Magnavox TVs will not work with a universal remote.

I have two Magnavox TVs and found this out after trying all brands of converters available in my area (Magnavox converters are NOT available in my area)and many subsequent conversations with Magnavox/Phillips-Magnavox as well as RCA whose converters are available in my area. This is a follow-up to my earlier posting of April 28th.

[Edgar Warren]

I have an Insignia converter box, but I cannot get good reception. I had really good reception with the analog, but much interference with the picture as well as the audio after hooking up the converter box. I live in Milwaukee and get several stations--all of which had good reception under analog transmission, but not with the DTV converter box. I have quit using the box until I either have to switch to it or the reception improves. Have you heard of any similar problems from anyone? If so, do you know how it was resoved if it was?

Thanks.