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

[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.

[everett whitney]

TO: George - 27 Aug - " NEW Special Antenna .....?"

Not exactly .. special ... but, definitely, any antenna must be for UHF Band { above channel 13 } for the digital Converter to "receive" any signals.

Very few markets - Chicago, NYC etc. - are using VHF to transmit their digital signals for O.T.A..

Any former set top antennas with the two, long "V" wires or rabbit ears will definitely not "DO".

However, also very doubtful that the popular "all-in-one" new indoor offerings will be totally satisfactory, either !
Constant fiddling may be needed between different channels and / or stormy weather.

One's UHF digital antenna in the attic may work IF quite close to those TV Towers ... and, of course, there are exceptions to every case as well. Usually, a "bow tie" is needed - such as a C.M. 4228 or - from another supplier - a DB-4 or DB-8.

IF not sufficiently powerful, then it should be mounted outside, high on the roof.

New Quad Coax RG6 cabling, etc., plus commercial installation will total far more than even the outright costs for any Converter !

Many local cable companies are now offering (24) analog channels with free installation to all picture tube sets in the home for $11.75 / monthly ... good 'til 2012.

For some, a far better option than Federal Converter/each TV, new antenna and only 4 - 5 local channels !

[george]

After connecting my digital converter box, there was a clear reception to only 1 channel that I was not able to get on analog. With analog, I can get fair reception on 5 stations. When I was in the store, the salesperson made an attempt at selling me another indoor antenna (conveniently displayed next to the digital converter boxes) warning me that my present antenna may mot work. Is this gimmickry or what? I really don't want to spend money unnecessarily.

[Paul Eng]

To all:

We've updated our Ratings of DTV converter boxes to include 24 more new models, including the long-awaited DTVPal. Please go to this URL:

http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/electronics-computers/televisions/digital-tv-converter/ratings/dtv-converter-boxes-ratings.htm

Or go to:

http://www.consumerreports.org/dtv

and see the link to the "Ratings of DTV converter boxes."

-Paul Eng
Web Senior Editor, Electronics

[Ron Hoover]

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,reception is really great,
don't even have to move the rabbit ears around!.
Ron in Denver Co

[Eliza]

Jesse, having pulled in only half of the stations we get in analog with the Magnavox converter, we are now considering the John Prine converter box.

[Ron Leckfor]

Don,

An Echostar-Dish Network DTV Pal / TR 40 CRA is operated by 5 Volts DC, the same voltage as 4 NiCad Batteries in series. Each Ni Cad Cell is worth 1.25 Volts.
I have operated a DTV Pal with my 5 inch Radio Shack LCD TV using it's external A/V in For details, email me at

ronaldjleckfor
at
hotmail.com

[Ron Leckfor]

Consumer Reports needs to review the rest of the DTV Convertors, like the Dish Network DTV Pal / TR-40 CRA (same device) It has features such as the ability to set up record timers using it's 7 day guide. Great signal scanning capability with a signal strength meter. A straight forward, setup wizard. An easy add chaanel screen

[Robbie dixon]

A couple of points missed –
1) Our Government is not paying for these coupons, we are. Where do you think the Government is getting the money to pay for the coupons? From our taxes, that’s were.
2) When you buy a converter box with the coupon, return it and only get back the part you paid for, the store you purchased it from is keeping the $40 plus is free to sell the box again. Wouldn't you call that double dipping? They should be required to issue something like a Visa gift card where you can go elsewhere and purchase a box better suited for your needs. The profit margins for RadioShack, etc. will rise while we have still “no” box for our tax dollars, or you will have to pay for it yourself, hence paying twice.

[everett whitney]

TO : EARL- 14 Aug - " - I Have a HD televison ..."

IF that is already a "HD" unit, there's NOT a federal coupon Converter needed anyway ....

Simply connect that antenna coax lead to the RF terminal & all should be fine !

Sell that Converter to some one that has a standard picture tube set.

[earl turner]

Dont bet your life an HDTV WILL BE ANY BETTER. I have Zenith set top and a Vizio HD set. Iget more channels from the set top box using the same antena configuration

[Angie]

I am not overly impressed with the Artec Digital Converter boxes that I ordered. 4 days after receiving it, the power supply cord would no longer work and it isn't as easy to replace as one would think. I would definitely not recommend ordering any products through Digitalstar.com either as they do not work with their customers to exchange faulty equipment. They've been giving me the run-around for over 2 months.

[Donald]

I bought two Digital Stream DTX 9950 Converter Boxes from Radio Shack. I had to return them soon after due to heat and faulty manufacturing issues with the green HD signal LED. Not bad yet not worth the aggravation. Look to http://site.dtvboxanswers.com/reviews for information on alternate models.

[everett whitney]

To David Fine - " $20 refunds on $ 60 Converters ..."

Your experiences about "no full refund" is the way it is for all ! One did not 'pay' anything for those coupons - therefore, there should be no refund. This is the rule for the program.

These converters have been made in China at the very least possible content allowed by the federal specification. None are "spectacular!"

These federal coupon boxes will NOT really provide a totally-satisfactory solution such as "giving up" and simply buying a new quality digital HDTV for O.T.A. !

Poor digital tuners, intermittent reception during storms, harder-to-receive digital signals { perfect reception or zero} , almost universally-needed, new or different antenna, little improvement of picture quality upon a CRT display, the mandatory usage of multiple Remotes, the difficulties in doing any practical, easy, multi-channel recording, on & on are all reasons why - in a very short while - many will "give up" on these, along with their associated CRTs.

Certainly not "fair & just" - but - that is the hand that all have been dealt.

[David N. Fine]

I received my coupons not even realizing that there would be a difference between units. I assumed that there would be one standard that all of the units would be built to. I went to my local Radio Shack and bought two of the only model that they had, DigitalStream, Model DTX9900. It came with a universal remote.

I hooked one up to my 10 year old JVC with the standard roof top antenna, and it appeared to be receiving fine. I played with the channels for a little while and the picture looked great, although the delay between channels was annoying.

The problem was with the remote. I followed the procedure to program the remote to my TV, and it didn't work. The batteries were new...it worked fine to control the converter. I tried 4 times on the JVC and 4 times on a Sharp, and it still didn't work. Then I tried the remote in the other unit with the same results. As far as I was concerned, this constituted a defect. I was not going to use one remote to turn the TV on and off and control the volume and another remote to change the channels.

I packed up both units and took them back to Radio Shack. As I suspected, they were willing to refund my twenty dollars per unit that I spent, but could do nothing about refunding the forty dollar coupons. They also didn't have any other universal remotes that would work. I wasn't going to take $20 back for a $60 unit, but now I'm stuck with 2 converters with remotes that don't work with my TV's. To top it off, the manager at Radio Shack claimed that this was the only model with a universal remote.

Thus, an inherent problem exists with the coupon program if for some reason you have to return a defective unit or one that doesn't work for your TV. You cannot get your $40 back from the retailer if you want to find another unit that works for your TV.

[Rkokal]

I've been trying to make an informed decision in order to buy my converter boxes. I had two $40 coupons and have asked many questions from store personnel and I have read all I can.

My coupons would have expired today, (valid for 90 days from what appears to be the order placed date, not 90 days from when you receive the coupons) so yesterday I had to buy or let the coupons expire.

I ended up buying two different units to test them against each other. I bought the RCA DTA800 (WalMart- $49.87) and the Magnavox TB100MW9 (Sams Club- $45.26). I hooked them both up straight to the television using the supplied RF cable, (haven't tried the RCA Cables or connected the box to the VCR, surround sound, dvd, etc.). I haven’t read the manual from either converter but set them up using the quick set up guide. So it’s possible some of the issues I’ve identified could be bypassed. However RTFM (Reading the F***ing Manual is something I often don’t get around to.

I've been using an RCA amplified antenna for over a decade to pull in various signals here in Southern California. In the Orange County area I can pull in Los Angeles stations and occasionally CBS and ABC from San Diego.

When either converter box was connected all of the digital channels came in clearly, in most cases more clearly than then analog signal. Both converters pulled in 2-3 times more digital stations than were available though analog. The reason is that many stations broadcast 2 or more other stations in addition to their traditional broadcast channel. For example channel 7 may now broadcast channels 7.1, and 7.2.

When I switched to the digital converters, the RCA didn't pull in as many channels as easily as the Magnavox, although the RCA has an extremely easy to use and obvious remote and the remote was more responsive and (apparently when programmed) will control the television volume as well. However, with the RCA I needed to adjust the amplified antenna to pull in the Los Angeles based CBS channel.

The Magnavox remote is extremely slow. There is a long lag between the time a button is pushed and when the unit responds. It also cannot control the television’s volume, etc.

The RCA Electronic Program Guide allows one to view current and upcoming programming on 9 channels at a time. As I don't watch much tv and don't get a tv guide, I find this feature quite helpful. The Magnavox EPG is accessible with the touch of one button but only shows program information about what is on the channel you are currently tuned to. It will allow you to press ”next“ and see what is coming up next on that channel, but you'll have to do that for every channel individually.

Bottom line: I'm still looking. I'd like to have a converter than has a solid and easy to use remote (RCA wins big here), a program guide that provides useful information about multiple upcoming programs (RCA wins here) However, Magnavox has the EPG button programmed on the remote, for RCA its only 2 buttons though, not a big deal). And I’d like a converter that has excellent reception (Magnavox has the slight edge here).

If I had to choose from these two, the RCA is more user friendly.

Neither systems pulls in the stations from San Diego that I can get with the analog system, but that is probably a function of the San Diego stations not broadcasting their digital signal with enough power to reach Orange County. Personally I favor the RCA system, as the remote response time of the Magnavox is just too annoying.

And this is “One man’s opinion”

[Patrick]

Tivax STB-T9 is available here for $48.95... I got two of them... Thank you CU!

http://www.consumerelecgroup.com/categories.php?PARTNER=hogdoctor

Patrick