DTV converters: Results of our tests of 14 models

Digital converter boxes that allow older analog TVs to receive digital signals—soon to be the only type of over-the-air TV signal, after analog broadcasts are discontinued next February—have been slow to arrive. But there are now at least 25 models available, at prices ranging from just under $50 to about $80, and we've tested 14 of them. We'll be posting results of these tests, with a comparison of those models, within the next week or so, along with more detailed buying advice.

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

[June 10, 2009 UPDATE: We've hit a bit of a snag in posting the results of our DTV converter box tests on ConsumerReports.org. But we've posted more details about our findings in this recent blog post: DTV converters: Best performers from our tests. We'll continue to work on posting the fuller testing details—as well as new results from the latest converter boxes we're able to buy and get into our labs—as soon as possible on ConsumerReports.org. We regret this unfortunate delay. —Ed.]

Judging by our tests, there isn't much variation in performance. Every one of these boxes converted broadcast digital signals pulled in by our rooftop antenna (a standard residential model) into analog signals an older TV can accept. When supplied with a strong signal, all produced acceptable picture quality, though some were slightly better or worse than others. In addition, their tuners performed comparably in tests of their ability to pull in digital signals. That suggests you'd get the same number of channels with just about any model.

That doesn't mean you can expect to get the same number of channels as us, a friend in a different state, or even a neighbor across town. What you'll see depends on where you live, the local terrain, the number of stations broadcasting in your area, signal strength, and the antenna you use. It would be very difficult for any set of lab tests to accurately predict what you'll experience at home, given all these variables. Comments from some of our blog readers indicate that they have had problems with reception.

(Check out our special February 2009 digital-to-analog TV switchover section and watch our free five-minute video on ConsumerReports.org for more information about your DTV options. You can also click on the player embedded above to watch the video.)

Most of the converters we've seen are black boxes, (though you’ll find the occasional silver, white, or gray box) about half the size of a VCR. The smallest models are about the size of a paperback book. A few converters add stylish curves or other touches.

So how should you choose among converter boxes, and how far wrong can you go? Virtually any model should keep your analog TV operable in a digital world. All things being equal, we'd go with a model offering better-than-average picture quality.

Also consider features. While all government-approved boxes have the same basic features, some add other features that might add to convenience. For example, some of our blog readers want a box with analog pass-through, enabling it to pass along both analog and digital signals, while others want a unit that can control a VCR, enabling scheduled recordings.

Price is likely to be a factor for many purchasers as well. For the lower-priced boxes now available, your out-of-pocket cost after the $40 coupon available from the government would be about $10 or so; with the costlier units, you might have to lay out an extra $30.

Consumers are still waiting for the promised $40 models, which will be covered completely (except for sales tax) by a coupon. EchoStar's $40 TR40 could be the first to arrive; it's expected within the next month or so. We'll test it, and other notable models, when they become available.

Since some blog respondents have reported trouble finding certain boxes, our comparison table will list where we bought them; outlets include online retailers and stores such as Wal-Mart, Best Buy, Circuit City, and Radio Shack.

—Eileen McCooey

Comments

[Paul Eng]

To Celia Rekay:

You'll find our Ratings of DTV converter boxes here:

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

-Paul Eng
Web Sr. Editor, Electronics

[Cecilia Rekay]

Where are the ratings for DTV converter boxes?????

[Holos]

There is a new Tivax STB-T8, like the Tivax STB-T9 listed here, that also has analog pass through. It costs less than $10 more. Based upon the CR tests, I bought the Tivax STB-T8 and found it to work very well. The analog pass through operates without any significant signal loss when the power switch is turned to "Standby". The picture and sound are very clear both through the RF output and the RCA jacks without any picture interference. The unit operates very warm (not hot), so it needs to have good ventilation.

[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

[TVGenius]

Bad news, Echostar has raised the price of the TV40 (now known as the 'DTVPal' by $20, so it doesn't look like there's going to be ANY 'free' converter boxes anytime soon. My mom & grandma had preordered theirs through a site since their coupons were going to expire two weeks after it was supposed to go on sale, but they had to cancel the orders

[Paul Eng]

To all:

We've had some technical difficulties in posting the DTV converter box listings. We're still working on it, but realizing that many of you need the information as soon as possible, we've posted more details about the 14 converter boxes we've looked at here:

http://blogs.consumerreports.org/electronics/2008/06/dtv-converter-1.html

We'll try to get the information up on ConsumerReports.org as soon as we can work out the kinks. What's more, as we test more converter boxes, we'll be adding them to the list on a hopefully regular basis.

Paul Eng
Web Sr. Editor, Electronics

[Cecil]

Where can I find the test results that you said you'll be posting? It's been over a week, and my government coupons expire on Friday!

[foo]

results link?

[everett whitney]

To Tom F. - ".. Already have an internal digital tuner but I want to buy another ...."

No, the Fed Coupons will not apply. Yes, there are other ATSC external tuners commercially available for O.T.A. signals.

Your " resolution / image " problem don't have anything to do w/ the internal digital tuner or any other external one you might buy -- that 15" does NOT have the technical attribute to display a proper image.

Your 15" is smaller than all desktops ... even less than most Laptops! Nothing will help improve it. Too small!

[everett whitney]

To: Ms. Eileen McCovey -

RE: The latest Converter Update ...

Since your testing / evaluation only involves an outside antenna, perhaps an explanation / emphasis of that fact might be included in a much more accessible place herein - i.e.- the "FORUMS" @ Digital Transitions, etc.?

In reading most of the various posts, no one seems to clearly appreciate the necessity (except Chicago, NYC) of a
strong digital UHF unit, most likely no indoor one except in very unique locations.

These "Comments" are quite limited in their access / visibility.

[TomF]

Good article, although I have a question that wasn't covered. I have a 15 inch LCD flat screen TV that has a built in digital tuner. Rather than use a digital to analogue converter with this TV, I would prefer to buy a digital tuner. The TV (Samsung SyncMaster 15mp) should be able to handle the resolution/image.

Does the government program address this (i.e., can I use the $40 coupon to purchase such a device)? Does anyone even make such a device?

[Steve Krant]

The headline of this article is "DTV Converters: Results of our tests of 14 models" -- so where are those results?? None of the hyperlinks go to them.
Thanks!