DTV converters: Best performers from our tests

[Aug. 26, 2008 UPDATE: We've added 24 new models to our Ratings of DTV converter boxes. See our latest update to our guide to DTV converter boxes for more information. Both are free on ConsumerReports.org. —Ed.]

We tested 14 of the first digital converter boxes on the market, and the preliminary results are in: The models we tested—all of which are approved for use with the government's $40 coupon and thus have a basic set of features in common—didn't differ significantly in performance.

[June 18, 2008 UPDATE: Our complete Guide to DTV converter boxes, including our Ratings of 14 tested models, is now available on ConsumerReports.org. —Ed.]

And, pricier models aren't necessarily better than those that cost less.

We're working hard to gather all the data from our hands-on reviews and present the information in a comprehensive report on ConsumerReports.org soon. Coupled with our expert advice—as found in our "Digital TV Transition" section—along with the questions and comments here on our Electronics Blog and DTV discussion forums, we hope to assist consumers through the analog-to-digital switchover.

But for those who face a looming DTV coupon expiration date or are looking for a Father's Day gift, here are some DTV converter box recommendations and guidelines that should help right now.

Focus on features

Every one of these set-top DTV boxes converted broadcast digital signals pulled in by our rooftop antenna (a standard residential model) into analog signals an older TV can accept. They can receive both high-definition and standard-definition digital broadcasts but will down-convert programs transmitted in HD (such as prime-time network fare) to a resolution a standard-def TV can display. When supplied with a strong signal, all produced acceptable picture quality—although some were better than others—plus good sound, and they were capable of detecting a similar number of digital channels. (Note that your location and other variables will determine how many channels you can get with any of these boxes. You can check reception in your area at AntennaWeb.org, a site co-sponsored by the Consumer Electronics Association and the National Association of Broadcasters.)

While you can't go too far wrong with any of the models we tested, there are several we would consider first, based on a combination of picture quality, features, and pricing.

Some add optional features that increase convenience. For example, the electronic program guides on some have only minimal information while others give you fuller descriptions for more channels and cover a longer period of time. The ability to change the appearance of closed captions to make them more or less visible is another handy feature.

We also like boxes with a universal remote that can control your TV as well as the box; button controls on the box you can use if you misplace the remote; and an easy way to add individual digital channels that weren't detected when you scanned for all channels.

Some suggestions

That said, here are the models that stand out. (Prices shown are what we paid. Several models appeared to be "twins" made by the same manufacturer, with differences noted.)

• Tivax STB-T9 $50, available from Solidsignal.com and FreeDTVShop.com
• Microgem MG2000 $65, available from Solidsignal.com and FreeDTVShop.com
• Insignia NS-DXA1 $60 (See image above left), available from Best Buy and FreeDTVShop.com
• Zenith DTT900 $60, available from Circuit City, Radio Shack, and hhgregg
• Philco TB100HH9 $47 (See image above right), available from DSI Systems and SummitSource.com

Read on to see what made these models standouts and for a list of the other models tested.

About the stand-out models we tested

Tivax STB-T9 $50, available from Solidsignal.com and FreeDTVShop.com.
This box was among the best for picture quality, with images that come close to those of a DVD. It had a minor flaw that only the fussiest might notice: If you're watching a down-converted HD program letter-boxed to fit your squarish screen, images are stretched vertically to a slight extent. It has an informative program guide, a few nice convenience features, and comes with A/V cables (composite-video and stereo audio) in addition to the usual RF cables.

Microgem MG2000 $65, available from Solidsignal.com and FreeDTVShop.com.
The Microgem is one of the smallest units we've seen. It too was among the best for picture quality and has the same issue as downconverted HD images. Its program guide lists the program title and run time for several hours' worth of programming for the currently tuned channel but does not provide show descriptions. It has an informative program guide and a few nice convenience features

Insignia NS-DXA1 $60, available from Best Buy and FreeDTVShop.com.
Zenith DTT900 $60 (See image at left), available from Circuit City, Radio Shack, hhgregg.
The Insignia (Best Buy's store brand) and Zenith were very similar both functionally and stylistically. Picture quality was a small step below that of the top boxes but still impressive, better than most analog broadcasts. The program guides presents a limited amount of information. Both boxes are loaded with convenience features and come with A/V cables (composite-video and stereo audio) in addition to the usual RF cables.

Philco TB100HH9 $47, available from DSI Systems, SummitSource.com
The Philco stands out as the lowest-priced of the models we tested and the only one to offer analog pass-through. This allows broadcast analog signals to be passed through from the antenna to the box to the TV, along with converted digital signals. Picture quality was a small step below that of the top boxes but still impressive, better than most analog broadcasts. Although the stereo left/right audio output provides good audio, the RF outputs audio volume is quite low, which results in a noticeable hiss when you raise the TV’s volume to compensate. The program guide presents a limited amount of information. It has fewer features than the other boxes recommended.

Other DTV converter boxes

Here are the other boxes we tested, in alphabetical order. They might be worth considering, especially if the features and price suit you. We will be testing more boxes as they become available and posting results soon after on ConsumerReports.org.

Artec T3A Pro, $55. Picture quality was a small step below the best. A decent choice, though it lacks a few useful features of recommended boxes.

Digital Stream DSP7500T, $70. Picture quality was generally comparable to that of a good analog broadcast, but with noticeable flaws. Has many useful features, including a good program guide.

Digital Stream DTX9900, $60. Picture quality was generally comparable to that of a good analog broadcast despite minor flaws. Has many useful features, including a good program guide.

GE 22729, $80. Picture quality was generally comparable to that of a good analog broadcast despite minor flaws. Has many useful features, including the best program guide.

GE 22730, $70. Picture quality was generally comparable to that of a good analog broadcast despite minor flaws. Has many useful features, including the best program guide.

Lasonic LTA-260, $55. This was among the best for picture quality. Has a very basic program guide that gives minimal information and lacks many useful features. Functionally and stylistically similar to the Sansonic.

Magnavox TB100MW9, $50 (See image at right). Picture quality was a small step below the best. Functionally and stylistically similar to the Philco but lacking the analog pass through feature. A decent choice, though it lacks a few useful features offered by some recommended boxes.

RCA DTA800B, $65. Picture quality was a small step below the best. Lacks some useful features.

Sansonic FT300A, $60. This was among the best for picture. Has a very basic program guide that gives minimal information and lacks many useful features. Functionally and stylistically similar to the Lasonic.

—Eileen McCooey

Comments

[Brenda]

I finally figured out a solution to my DTVPal Plus turning itself on when the TV wasn't on and not being able to turn it off with the remote. It would also turn itself off and back on while I was watching a program or the picture will freeze on the screen but the sound would keep going in the background for whatever I was watching. I had even turned it off to watch certain shows in Analog format because of this and it would turn itself on and kill the show I was watching.

I decided to see what would happen if I pretended it was brand new out of the box and start all over. I went into the menu and set it back to the Factory Defaults. Then rescanned for new channels and waited for it to power back up. Since I did this it runs as well as it did since I first hooked it up. It has managed to behave for the last 2-1/2 hours.

Maybe these things are kind of like computers and when they freeze up and you just have to restart them from its original down state.

[Dot]

My HDTV converter Model DTA1080D works well, but runs very warm. I am afraid to keep it plugged in when I leave the house. Is running warm common?

[everett whitney]

TO: Frank P. - " ... JUST USE THE OLD RABBIT EARS ..."

" ... But, of course it will not work much of the time ! .."

That's precisely why one should have a new Antenna System - to keep from needing to miss "who done it" or constant " fiddling" during intense rain, different Channels, even dramatic temperature & wind differences !

Forget a make-shift arrangement IF one expects to have strictly O.T.A reception 100 % of the time . . . . . spend the money, use www.antennaweb.org and DO buy an appropriate antenna, connected with quality Quad RG-6 Coax!

[Frank Pen]

About the need for a new antenna for DTV: Much has been said about the need for a UHF-type antenna and the inability of regular "rabbit ears" to capture digital signal -- ostensibly because they are broadcast in the UHF frequency band. This is mostly scare tactics from uninformed sources. In theory what is said may be true. BUT, in practice, ANY antenna can be tunned to receive any frequency! All you need to do is fiddle with the length of the "ears". I have been using the old-fashioned rabbit ears (plain, no special phase converters nor "bow-ties", nor "loops". I have been receiving excellent picture reception from digital channels since I bought my DTV. In fact, I use the same antenna with my digital tunner to feed my analog small TV, and it works just fine. So, DO NOT discard your trusted rabbit ears yet. Plug them in and experiment with length as well as angle between the ears. Then a simple maneuver rotating the "ears" until the proper reception is achieved is all you need.

BUT, this does not mean all will be well. Inherently, digital transmission is MUCH MORE sensitive to weather conditions and terrain/obstructions, than analog transmission. PLUS, it's either ALL or NOTHING! NO ghosts, statics, weak signals, etc. Remember, digital TVs are computers interpreting all those binary bits, and they have zero tolerance for interruptions. So, we are yet to see the real effects of digital transmission on the public's patience and forebearance when they repeatedly lose signal; particularly at those critical moments in a broadcast when they announce "who dunnit"! Give me the old, reliable analog signals any day!

[everett whitney]

A ( p.s.) to Bill - " 4 bad Magnavox Converters so far !"

Do also realize that for MOST, a new antenna system will be required to receive consistent, in-all-weather & Summer / Winter seasons digital reception, without constant "fiddling" as with many indoor or set top units.

Step #1 - www.antennaweb.org - input ONLY your ZIP, check digital & listed will be your Broadcasting Band(s) {VHF or UHF or Both }, Compass Directions [determines IF a Rotor will be required ], how far from the TV Towers & by color coding, suggested strengths or electronic "gain" necessary.

Step #2 - many very safe web stores - one is - www.solidsignal.com

Step #3 - after getting the appropriate unit - mount it outside, high atop your roof ridge & connect it directly with Quad RG-6 coax cable at the rear terminal of your HDTV . . . NOT to 3 - 4 - 5 other sets in the home !

The days of consistent, O.T.A. reception of DTV are over - 100 % reliable digital signals ARE much more difficult to achieve than the former analog ever was!

[everett whitney]

TO: Bill - " Are My Converters the exception?"

Read thru all these 9 - 10 pages / with some 5 / 6 complaints each - to see just how very many folks have the same results with any Brand / Model!

They have either been waiting forever for the replacement, had to send the old ones back prepaid / insured only to Never get any back at all or even be refused outright after ( 30 ) days!

All-in-all, it would seem that these were awarded to the very lowest bid suppliers available in China , without the obvious "across-the-counter" exchange one might have expected.

These do not always allow for the easy adding of new digital channels, which IS going to be the case now thru 12 June because of the totally-silly delay rather than a 100 % switch as was intended.

"IF" one really expects to be able to 'relax & just watch'- a FAR better result will be had by simply giving up / planning for / buying a new top tier HDTV instead . . . . really unbelievable sales due to this horrific Global financial mess . . . Sony's very Top 32" set was closed out this week @ $599

[bill machicek]

I have had nothing but problems with the magnavox converter boxes. The first one died after maybe 2 whole days of use, and now the 2nd one I bought scans for channels, and consistently says that it cant find any digital channels!! Am I the only one with this problem??

[everett whitney]

TO:Doug-06 Feb - " Need my Coupon Back ..?"

No, federal coupons are NEVER returned .... and, your case is exceptional, as most with "early-defective" Converters simply are put on "eternal-wait" .... the replacement either never shows up or takes forever & then, it, too fails!

Between now & the next time to visit @ the cottage, simply do "save up" the funds & just give up / purchase a new, basic digital TV .... very much less aggravation & these "DO" function ... plus, you'll have HD

[Doug Allis]

I bought two MicroGEM 2000 set top boxes in June 2008. The first one died relative quickly, after only a few weeks in a summer cottage that has no telephone, cable or satelite. We had the TV on much of the day watching the Olympics. It ran warm to hot. I replaced it Labor Day weekend. But I don't know if the replacement box will last very long, as it also runs warm and, we won't find out until after the warrantee expires, as we won't use it much until next summer.

The second one, located in our bedroom and used about an hour each day, just died (January 2009). It also ran warm. MicroGem says they will replace the second box.

I don't know if I just got two defective Microgems and it seems as if MG is being fair about standing by the box for the warrantee period, but I sure wish that I get my money back and the coupon back, and buy another brand. I suspect that I will be on box number 5 next summer.

[barbe]

We purchased 2 different boxes, the Tivax STB-T8 and the Zenith DTT901. I became very disappointed with the Tivax very quickly. We had received the Zenith first and already had it installed. It was very easy, the directions were clear, received all the stations on the first scan and it allowed you to have a “favorites” for the channels you watch the most.

The Tivax was difficult to install, the directions were unclear, you had to run the “search” for stations several times (the directions didn’t tell you that, we had to figure that out on our own). The Tivax didn’t come up with as many stations as the Zenith until we ran the “search” four times. It didn’t come up with stations that were less than 100 miles from us and had received on broadcast and the Zenith. There is not a way to have “favorites”. The choice is either viewable or not viewable. While I have heard from reviews that the Tivax was a better picture, we feel that the Zenith gave a much better picture. I wish I could return the Tivax. In addition, what company make the newer model with a smaller number (STB-T8 is newer than the STB-T9) than the old model?

[TekGuy]

Spent the day reviewing boxes. Some have S-video - that is important. Some have smart antenna http://www.solidsignal.com/dtv2009/compare/digital/converter/boxes/ - looks like a good feature. http://broadcastengineering.com/hdtv/smart_antennas/
Some have a Silicon Tuner http://www.design-reuse.com/articles/exit/?id=19301&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.videsignline.com%2F211100025%3FprintableArticle%3Dtrue - may be important, have to look into it. The Dish ones have the best EPG, but customers on CNET say they are unreliable. They also do not have S-video or Dolby output. The 'plus model' may have the silcon tuner, but few details are given.
http://www.solidsignal.com/dtv2009/compare/digital/converter/boxes/
people might ask why I want Dolby with my old tv, I've had surround sound since the 70's and it makes even a CRT much more interesting to watch.
Need "scan add" capability as not all my stations are located in the same direction "The Channel Master CM-7000 exclusively offers the "Scan Add" feature. This important feature allows you to scan for channels at one compass setting and store them, then rotate to a new compass setting scan for channels and add them to your already existing list" unless a "smart antenna can take care of that.

[everett whitney]

TO: Tv - 29 Dec - 1:07:37 pm -" NO Limited Cable ..."

Glad to clarify ... you need to do the re-checking ... Comcast just now re-confirmed their limited cable service of ( 28 ) channels for $18.95 .... due to lack-of-interest, apparently, the 11 channels @ $11 has been eliminated in Atlanta market ....

Glad to be of help !

[Tv]

"so, seriously consider Instead of any Converter at all, getting the new, restricted analog cable service -- available @ all major local cable companies - i.e. - our COX has (20) channels for $11.75/mo" ....

NOT True. Bellsouth (Atlanta) was offering analog cable service for $11. With AT&T takeover, they stopped it, and now CHEAPEST 'cable' offered is $45+.

[Charli]

David N., I want to thank you so much for your comment. I'm sure it's helped many people including myself.

[everett whitney]

TO: Carol - " Which federal coupon Converter is guar ?"

From the multitude of irate comments here, it would seem that very few have any warranty as "trouble-free" as you asked .. i.e. - swap or across-the-counter exchanging.

Also consider that a LOT of folks find that they'll need a new Antenna ! Old built-in TV antennas in the shape of long, slender "V" rods { without a bowtie shaped section } or older "rabbit ears " will Not function w/ Converters.

My personal recommendation ? ... you posted TVs, so, seriously consider Instead of any Converter at all, getting the new, restricted analog cable service -- available @ all major local cable companies - i.e. - our COX has (20) channels for $11.75/mo - some Comcast markets have essentially the same @ $11 ... Does work thru 2012 - not "dead" come Feb... no maintenance & they'll connect ALL your sets at N/C additional. Perfect pictures, too.

[carol howe]

I'm NO technology person. What unit do those of you that KNOW - recommend? I need one that does NOT break. I hate returns, and exchanges. Many retailers do not honor warranties! I know I'll lose $40 on both boxes if/when I need returns. I have low end analog TVs. I do not trust online retailers! They probably do not honor returns/exchanges. Is Walmart, or Best Buy going to stand behind a defective box? Or NOT? Does anyone know WHO I should buy from? WHAT box to buy? For how MUCH money? What else I should know? I find all your comments extremely helpful!

[everett whitney]

For: Len - 13 Nov - " Timed Recordings (1) or more ..?

You have highlighted a core issue with all the Converters !

TV usage after digital will NOT be the same as during these past 50 -60 years!

IF one expects excellent reception, unlimited abilities to record one channel while watching a different one, a fully-feature Program Guide, easy set up, user-friendly Library to find recorded items, etc., most should simply buy a proper dual tuner digital O.T.A. Receiver-Recorder! No Converter involved at all.

Start at $179 on up .... electronically stores the same as (30) VCR tapes , even at their 6 hour capacity.

www.tivo.com

[Len]

Some (many? most?) converters time out after a few to several hours. So, if you program your VCR to record some hours ahead, you will record nothing, because the converter will have timed out. I have seen one reference to a unit that allows the time to be set, but I do not know within what limits. This is a "feature" that is not mentioned on the cover of the boxes I have seen, and not mentioned even in the instructions of the one I got.
Also consider than you can program to record from only one channel since the VCR has no way to change the channel on the converter.

[GD]

Posted by: Ron Hoover | Aug 26, 2008 4:45:58 PM "The Tivax remote volume controls won't turn up my TV sound,can faintly hear sound when turned up all the way. I have to use my TV original remote to turn up sound. Anyone knows what the problem would be,I'm stumped,all the other Tivax functions work good"

I have the same problem. Does anyone have an answer? So much for plug and play Analog to Digital conversion! This is becoming a real project and expensive!

G Duell

[Thomerwald]

I picked up the Insignia NS-DXA1 at best buy. It was the only one they had on display and I can see why. After a 5 minute installation, i went from 9 channels with poor reception to 25 channels with perfect picture. I am still shocked with amazement. With the government coupon it was $20. I am an occasional TV viewer and this was the best $20 I ever spent. The remote gave me several added features such as cropping and program guide in addition to the usual channel and volume controls. After consulting the manual, I was able to program the remote to also turn my TV on and off. So nice to be able to do it all with one remote. I have e rooftop Antenna but it never worked this well before. It was unable to get only 1 local digital channel, the religious one, so that was an added bonus.

[everett whitney]

TO: Lyle Z. - 06 Oct - "Need a battery TV for Emergencies"

Not just yet! All UHF digital reception IS too difficult for portable TVs & their associated, built-in wee antennas ...
wait for a year or so ... by then, more will have been made available, especially since all digital broadcasting power Will have been increased from each station.

[Lyle Zoerman]

Need batery powered box for power outages! Can't see weather on a radio.

[everett whitney]

TO: Cardwell -01 Oct-"Gov's Interests re Bad Converters?"

They don't have to "care" ... these federal coupon Converters represent the very least specs possible by the lowest bid of Asian Makers .... none by the quality houses, either.

IF anyone had had any interest at all about reliability, then, that would have been included within the specifications - i.e. - a (1) year warranty / free replacement, etc..

These are only the same class of electronic apparatus as all the past VCRs, toasters, coffee pots, etc.. - use for a while if a person is lucky - otherwise, E waste since none can be economically repaired.

[cardwell]

I not the good rating that the TB100MW9 received and to an extent it may be correct. I just had 2 of the units fail completely after the 90 day warranty period and 1 week apart for each failure. There is nowhere at Magnovox to complaint and the NTIA also does not have anywhere to report these failures to protect the governments interest and expense on these items

[Ed Girard]

On June 23, 2008, I posted a concern about freeDTVshop.com. I had ordered two converter boxes from them and was concerned that the order was taking longer than expected. I had emailed them about my concern and received no response. A few days after my posting to this blog, I phoned them and was told that my order was about to be shipped. The boxes ordered did come and I have no complaint about freeDTVshop.com except that they were a little slow and did not respond to my email about shipment date.

I had ordered two of the top-rated boxes, the Tivax STB-T9 and the Microgem MG2000. I use indoor antennas and live about 10 miles from most of the transmission towers for the 9 stations that I normally view (Atlanta). Two PBS stations are the furtherest stations from me, both about 15 miles away. My experience with the performance of the boxes has been as follows:

Tivax STB-T9 -
I've used this box on three TV sets and with three different indoor antennas. I receive 6 stations very well (almost HDTV quality) and another sometimes. I have not been able to receive satisfactory pictures from the two PBS stations.

Microgem MG2000 -
Using the same combination of analog TV sets and indoor antennas, the Microgem did not perform as well as the Tivax. I initially received fewer stations and the box grew hot with use. I contacted Microgem and returned the box to them. They promptly sent me a new box that did not have the heat problem and picked up more signals. However, it picked up one or two fewer stations than the Tivax. The picture quality was comparable to that obtained with the Tivax.