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

[Phil Kistner]

In my case, I have two antennas (VHF & UHF) in my attic, running into a UHF/VHF combiner, and then out to a pro-quality signal amplifier. The output from my signal amp is then split via a cable network into a wall jack in every room in my home. QUESTION: Can I simply put a new Set Top Box between the antennas, in FRONT of the amplifier, and then amplify the digital signal (providing the amp will do that in addition to the current analog) using existing splitters and cable network through my home? Having to buy a STB for all of my 8 analog TVs will be extremely unfortunate, if that's the only solution.

[fred hess]

what about people that have sound sys setups. I wire all my componets to my amp before going any where.I don't use chan 3 or 4. I use a analog vcr & a ditatal dvd.

[everett whitney]

To: " Sean - 02 April - Antenna says None ..."

You didn't happen to include the Brand & Model of that antennae, but, from your experiences it's "safe" to conclude that it's only for "VHF band" - i.e. - channels 02 -13 only.

Federal Convertors are strictly for digital signals - above #13. Accordingly, either a "combination antenna -VHF/UHF " - or, a UHF unit IS mandatory.

Unless one is so very close to those broadcasting TV Towers that these are clearly visible, essentially poor results will be had with the current variety of "HD Indoor" antennae.

Rather, it will be much better to install one Outside or as a second ( less desirable ) choice, in one's attic. One such specific UHF unit - which will also work with channel #13 - is a Channel Master # 4228 - there are many others as well, of course.

This may be purchased from a "safe" web store -$77 -
www.solidsignal.com more (?), pls do "ask."

[sean]

hi all i purchased a TB100MW9 Magnavox converter box, and no matter what way my antenna is it just says 'no signal'. could it be the antenna i'm using? It's amplified to about 25 DB i believe. Maybe if i got one with more power would it work? i live on the 1st floor and i am able to recieve most analog channels with the exception of some ghosting and snow.
or maybe the box is broke. and i should get another one? please reply

[OLDXTECH]

All of these units do not have analog pass thru, which will be a pain for folks until 2009, However, the ECHOSTAR TR-40 does have pass thru. I would hope that CU will review the TR-40 and its upscale cousin, the TR-50, voted the best at CES this year.

[David Basch]

The research I've done so far indicate that the best features to have are smart antenna, pass through, signal strength meter, and s-video out and as you would guess NOBODY gives you all those features! I'm sure in the future you'll be able to get all the good features on some units but by that time the coupons that I orderded in Jan./07 will be expired. The Goverment never said anything about coupons expiring in 90 days! This has to change!

[Paul Eng]

To Mister TV:

Thanks for pointing out our oversight. You are correct in that the RF output for the Magnavox TB100MW9 can be set for channel 4.

We have fixed our First Look report on ConsumerReport.org.

Again, thanks.

--Paul Eng, Web Sr. Ed.

[Mister TV]

Some info on the Magnavox TB100MW9 in the test report is incorrect. Report states only channel 3 is available to be used for RF output, which is incorrect. From the Manual:

"After you have completed the connections, select an appropriate external input channel on your TV (ch3 or
ch4) (refer to your TV’s manual for details), and also set the STB’s output channel to the corresponding
channel number (3 or 4). You can switch between 3 and 4 by holding [SETUP] down over 3 seconds."

[kingfisher]

Just to let you know that I applied for 2 coupons on January 1 - they were received in the mail March 14. The coupons expire on May 30, so I'm very much looking forward to your reviews from the tech savy.
Thank you.

[Tim Young]

I purchased the Insignia converter box about two weeks ago and I am extremely pleased with the results.I am feeding the component video and audio out into a video input channel of my VCR.
All analog channels transmitting a digital signal are being received in absolute wonderful color and sound.The 480i standard def signal makes my old 90's RCA set look absolutely beautiful.
Many wonderful features on this unit.However i must keep the audio level of the box set to full or high and then control the low audio with my TV remote.It's a small price to pay for gorgeous pictures. Tim Young

[Paul Eng]

To all:

Just a short note to thank everyone here for their great input. And for those who are looking for more information about these converter boxes, we've finally posted our "First Look" at these set-top boxes.

You'll find it by typing in "First Look DTV converter boxes" in the search box on our site, ConsumerReports.org. Or, you can also cut and paste this simple URL into your broswer:

http://tinyurl.com/3xgqr7

Again, thanks for your comments. Keep them coming. And check back often as we hope to take closer looks at more DTV converter boxes soon!

—Paul Eng, Web Sr. Editor, Electronics

[everett whitney]

To "Product Blog dated 11 Mar "- 6 analog Tvs -

You will Not be able to run those 6 CRTs on an antenna signal, even IF there were one-for-one Convertors.

This O.T.A. signal - even with an amplifier - seldom operates that many TV sets successfully.

Since two (2) are the maximum you can get on the Federal Coupon Program, you will still be out the costs of the others, for an outlay of approx $220 in total.

Better to get local cable 'basic analog service" instead - they Will hook-up all your (6) TVs to an adequately-strong signal thru end of 2011. NO Federal Boxes involved at all.

[John Fuller]

Since this box now isolates the VCR/TV to one channel input, does the box have any timer-controlled channel selections to sync with the vcr?

[Product Blog]

Thanks for helping clear up the confusion regarding the transition to Digital TV. I have more than 6 analog TVs. It looks like I will have to purchase 6 converter boxes... otherwise my community landfill will receive a truck load of old TVs.

[Mike in Colorado]

If you are having difficulty locating a DTV signal the following web site will tell you what direction to point your antenna and the relative strength of the signal.

http://antennaweb.org

Be aware that some stations are not broadcasting a digital signal and may not until the February 17, 2009 DTV switchover date. DTV converter boxes will only receive digital signals.

If you receive your TV signal through a repeater contact the owner/operator of the repeater to find our what their DTV plans are.

[Buck Barber]

Has anyone found a converter box with a switched AC outlet on the back? I have a old TV with a volume control on/off and I would like to turn both on and off with the remote.

[everett whitney]

To "Jane Brooks" -

Perhaps the reason your new convertor box may not have worked / picked up any channels might be that your antenna is only VHF - Channels 02 thru 13 .

Currently, most digital channels are UHF - a different antenna - 14 thru higher. Not costly - www.solidsignal.com has many -- one good model is a Channel Master 4228.

[Doug]

It is my understanding that some converter boxes have what is called "analog pass through." I believe that only 4 or 5 of the many converter boxes made offer this. The reason that this is important is because not all of the broadcast stations throughout the country are going to be required to switch to the digital broadcast come Feb. 2009. I guess there are somewhere in the vicinity of 2900 stations, that are considered minor stations, that may still send the analog broadcast. Meaning that a TV viewer with a digital converter box, without the "analog pass through", will not be able to receive these analog stations. This is the information that I have received through our store's national buying group, and I thought that I would pass it on as I have not seen this information anywhere else

[Mike]

Obtained and installed the Insignia box for my father, for use with his traditional analog TV. He's located about 40 and 70 miles from signal sources, using his old top-of-two-story-house antenna and now seeing more channels and (I think) better quality images. He initially found the conversion experience a bit intimidating, but is now settled in and using it ok.

Pros:
- Sound and image seem fine. This was with coax cable between box and TV. Use of component cable might have improved on this.
- Does what it says it does.
- Channel-to-channel flip time seems reasonable (faster than my high end HD set).
- Remote control is well laid out and logical
- Zoom button allows selecting display format most appropriate for viewing the various traditional 3-by-4 and wide screen 9-by-16 programming. Apparently remembers zoom setting per-channel.
- Image and sound seem good.
- Straightforward attractive menu system.

Cons:
- On a couple of TV sets I first tested on, got significant white noise when program's sound was low/silent. Though was fine on my father's TV.
- Wound up having to set TV sound volume to max, then use box's volume to control the sound. Which is fine unless one turns the TV on before the box or turns the box off before the TV..... in which case he gets blasted with disconcerting very loud white noise. Tried the reverse of setting box volume low and using TV volume, but wasn't loud enough. Note: This was using coax cable between box and TV. Use of the component cable might resolve this?
- Remote's "TV power" button didn't work with my father's TV, so he still has to use two remotes. Presumably would work with some others.
- The remote control is too small for elderly and technically challenged. Which leads to likelihood of needing to obtain a larger universal/trainable remote control compatable with and capable of controlling both TV and box in a straightforward unintimidating manner........ Don't know how much that would be complicated by the boxes being new (and therefore not yet supported by non-trainable third party remote controls?). And cost of box plus an acceptably large/compatible/straightforward remote control might start to get high enough to justify looking at replacing the TV with a mediocre HD glass tube or flat panel TV, which would remove need for box and would typically provide a larger remote control and single power on/off button..

[Jane Brooks]

What about rural areas? I got the Zenith DTT900, hooked it up this morning, and find that I get NO signals at all. I have a rooftop rotating antenna (tried it both directions I usually point it) and with standard analog tv I typically can pull in at least 3 stations from one antenna direction and 3 from the other. How can it be that with the tv converter box I don't even get a hint of a signal. I'm 99.99% sure everything is hooked up right; I even tried both the RF and the 3-way outputs. I get the menu and tried both autoscan and manually entering channels, but still NO SIGNAL shows up. Any ideas? What about all the other people out here in the boonies--will we have to pay next year? Thanks, Jane

[Michelle]

Forums indicate that the Insignia NS-DXA1 and the Zenith DTT900 are actually the same box, both made by LG Electronics, although there's a possibility that the devices' firmware may differ.

[Roger]

Bob Diaz is correct and both the Insignia and Zenith boxes are made by LG Electronics. I suspect the Insignia box you tried has a manufacturing defect that wasn't caught in the factory. Both should perform identically as they both use the same PCBA (Printed Circuit Board Assembly).

Too bad CR didn't do their research before buying two identical boxes. The RCA DTA800 would have been a better third box to try.

[Sandra Foster]

I would just like to ask consumer reports if they would include an evaluation of the "Digital Stream" converter box sold by Radio Shack, in their report.

Thank you.

[Paul Eng]

To Bob Diaz and others:

We'll have more information on the converter boxes soon.

As for the embedded video, you are correct in that the Web site to apply for a $40 converter box coupon is indeed:

www.dtv2009.gov

(We produced that video in early January, BEFORE the dtv2009 site became operational. However the www.dtv.gov site that is mentioned does have a link to the online coupon application Web site, as well as lots of other helpful online resources regarding the digital TV transition. We'll update the video soon.)

Thanks.

--Paul Eng, Web Sr. Editor

[Bob Diaz]

I find it odd that there would be any difference between the Insignia and Zenith boxes, it is my understanding that these are the same basic box with different labels.

Also, your video gave the wrong link; www.dtv.gov

The correct link is: https://www.dtv2009.gov/

I can't wait to see your full review.

Sincerely,

Bob Diaz