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

[Dori]

I too am looking for a battery powered unit, not for any big emergency, but when the electricity goes out for an hour or two, I would prefer not to miss my favorite shows. I have a nice little battery powered TV that makes that possible. And the car battery suggestion doesn't work for me since I don't have a car, but even if I did, I would not find that a pleasant solution. I hope you will be on the look-out for this feature.

[A. Cahill]

If you search for the Tivax STB-T9 box using Google Shopping and click on the Solid Signal link there it will take you to a page which lists the price as $54.99(http://www.solidsignal.com/prod_display.asp?prod=STB-T9-MTI&main_cat=03&source=googleps) for some reason you cannot get to that page if you start at the Solid Signal site.

[Daniel]

Jesse,

Use a non-amplified antenna. My guess is that the amplified antenna will also amplify the noise and overwhelm the box.

I had a Zenith unit fail with blue lines of text on the screen.

The replacement DTX9900 requires an external antenna and has too many annoying audio dropouts. I will try rotating the antenna when I can climb a ladder and have a friend help me tune in some weaker stations, but I think loosing important words is a real downer and a real defect. Also, I notice that both the Zenith and the Digital Stream boxes will have signal dropout when a lamp is switched on. Is this interference transmitted through the power cord?

Another installation with the Insignia unit would not work with an amplified indoor antenna, but would with an non-amplified one.

[David]

You guys really need to read these comments. It's been a week and this still has the wrong prices on it. Also why isn't there a tip line? This is consumer reports, right? I'd really like to see this site be a rival to consumerist.com, but right now it's not happening.

[Uncle Joe]

The RCA DTA800 is coming out with a new version (DTA800B) that will have analog pass-through and may address some of these sound issues. Also, if you're buying a Zenith, make sure that it's built in April 2008 or afterwards -- those built before then have some sound issues.

[raycompton]

I have the GE 22729 and it has a thermal problem and will shut off and come back in a short while. This is the second one that does the same thing.

I also have a RCA DTA 800 that has a problem with the sound, it reduces the sound so bad that I can hardly hear the tv even though the sound is up all the way.

As far as I am concerned I think the mfg's put something together with out completly testing the product.

[Florence Ariessohn]

I just went to look at recommended units from the online sellers Solidsignal.com and FreeDTVShop.com, and all were higher in price than you indicated (some substantially higher), telling me that those folks are jacking up the price because of your review. The $47 Philco was $90 at Solid Signal!

My problem is that I purchased what I could get locally, an RCA DTA800, and it drops the signal all the time, plus doesn't receive all the channels we know are available to us. We know it isn't our rooftop antenna, because our DVD/Video recorder (digital) gets more stations and never drops a signal. Any ideas on which one would have the strongest receiver?

[b. katow]

I would ask that you test the Channel Master CM7000 as it is the only thing available in the L.A. area with an "S" output which is the highest resolution allowed for boxes that are eligible for the $40 coupons. I found them at Fry's Electronics.

[Edwin Pfiffner]

As a longtime subscriber of C. U. I am glad to see they are tackling the challenge of finding the best ATSC set top boxes.

I have done a fair amount of research myself and have found that none of the boxes I have researched, will copy NTSC signals along with the ATSC signals.

There are TV stastions that will continue to broadcast analog signals after Feb 2009. These are local neighborhood stations that carry local content only. I am also a direct TV subscriber, and have the DIRECTV box hooked up to an NTSC modulator and broadcasting on an un-used analog channel within my home "cable" system. I have been looking for a set top box that will capture analog as well as digital within the on-screen program guide. No luck so far.

[DAvid]

The Tivax STB-T9 is $59.99, not $50.

[Jasper]

$50 to $70 isn't really expensive. Mfrs were in front of Congress 7 or 8 years ago saying they could never build a converter for less than $100 wholesale, and here we are $50 retail. Remember that VCR's were $1000 when they first came out - these prices will drop even more in the next 9 months.

As far as battery powered ones, several of them run on DC power, and use a wall wart transformer (the DTV Pal runs on 5 Volts DC, according to the spec). I'd find one that runs on 12 Volts or get a 12V to 5 Volt converter and use the box with a 12 volt car battery in an emergency.

[apogee]

I am unable to read the full review, but does it mention the left channel audio bug that plaques LG made boxes, such as the Insignia and Zenith mentioned here?

The "bug" is an audio defect when viewing Dolby Digital 5.1 broadcasts.

If they missed it, then I've lost faith in their reviews! It's pretty blatent.

Apparently boxes manufactured April 2008 and later have been "fixed," but those are only now appearing in stores. I'd be surprised if CR actually was able to get and review the newer boxes.

[everett whitney]

TO: Carol D. -08 June - " Battery-powered Digital TV?"

You would be far better prepared to have a radio rather than a TV, as the digital reception will be very limited & problematic on any portable TV, particularly while inside a moving vehicle ... that digital signal can not always get into the car ! Must pass through the windshield but only -IF- it happens to be facing the TV Towers.

Emergency radio broadcasting IS 'turned' on during any such evacuation emergency & is continuously broadcasted on special frequencies exactly for these situations .

Battery life expectancy is far greater, too, than on any TV.

[Kevin]

Any information on which of these runs the coolest? If I'm going out of town and need to leave the box on so my VCR can tape something, I don't want to leave on something like the Digital Stream that heats up in two hours.

[Carol D.]

Re: DTV converters. Is anyone besides me concerned about finding PORTABLE / BATTERY OPERATED DTV converters? My portable TV's have been lifesavers while living in East Texas ("Tornado Alley") and now back on the Texas Gulf Coast ("Hurricane Alley"), not to mention use during power outages, outside activities, camping, traveling, etc. The DTV converters on the market are all large and powered only by electricity. Most large TVs in homes are connected to cable or can use a plug-in converter. But in an emergency, being able to see hurricane maps and escape routes on a small battery operated portable TV is much better than info a weather radio can ever supply. At least I can use my portable TV's during THIS hurricane season. Can't somebody come up with a small converter that can work on batteries and doesn't really need special features or a remote?

[JIMMY NICHOLSON]

For such a small black box, $50-$70 seems like a lot of money for the "retail" price. Knowing that the government is coughing up $40 for the consumer could the manufacturers be gouging the price?

I would be curious as the the actual manufacturer's cost to make one of these converter boxes.

[robert h. davidson]

tnx for the good info!

[Jesse]

Before I bought my box, I was receiving a passable signal on 5 TV stations using an amplified Philco antenna. I bought the RCA box, and solidly received 4 stations, but they were 51-1, 51-2, 56-1, and 56-2. 56-2 was weather only. I put it back in the box and decided to either get an HD set or wait for the switchover date.