Ratings of DTV converter boxes: New models added

We've updated our exclusive Ratings of DTV converter boxes, which now include 31 models, covering a good chunk of the market. Prices for tested models range from about $40 to $90. As you probably know by now, you can use a $40 government coupon to defray the cost of an approved DTV converter box.

New arrivals include several models that fall into the "best" group for picture quality. There are also more boxes with a VCR timer and analog pass-through. (Read our free DTV converter box guide for the latest information, including important DTV converter box features and free access to the DTV converter box Ratings.)

The Channel Master CM-7000 remains the best of the tested models for picture quality. It's among the first to have an S-video output, which can deliver better picture quality than a composite video or RF out. (Older TVs don't have an S-video input output, so you'd have to use either the composite-video or RF input output.) It's pricey, though, at $80. The Apex DT250, $60, also has an S-video out, though its picture quality didn't quite match the Channel Master's. Keep in mind, though, that it might be hard to appreciate the subtle differences in picture quality with a run-of-the-mill TV.

The Dish Network DTVPal, $60, has a VCR timer, as does its brandmate, the TR-40 CRA, available in limited quantities for $45, and the Zinwell ZAT-970A, $46. The timer will turn on and/or change the channel on the box so your VCR can automatically record from different channels. Eleven of the tested models in the Ratings have analog pass-through, which enables a box to feed your TV analog signals as well as digital signals converted to analog.  (See our "How to choose: DTV converter boxes" for more information that will help you decide which DTV box features are right for your needs.)

As in our first round of tests, all tested models converted broadcast digital signals from our rooftop antenna into analog signals that an older TV can accept, with decent picture and sound quality. They also performed comparably in their ability to pull in digital stations. The number of digital channels that will be available to you depends on how many stations broadcast digitally in your area, the distance from your home, your antenna, and whether trees or other obstructions block the signals. (Since we started these Ratings last June, four models—the Insignia NS-DXA1, the Zenith DTT900, the RCA DTA800B, and the Digital Stream DTX9900—have been discontinued and are no longer available.)

Note that prices listed in the Ratings are what we actually paid at retail. Some readers have reported that they've found different, sometimes higher, prices.

Keep in mind that if you shop online, you generally have to pay shipping; fees of about $10 are common. Be prepared for delays if you call an online retailer. Some report very high call volume as we get closer to February 17, the date of the DTV transition.

If you want to request one or two government coupons, call 888-DTV-2009 or go to www.DTV2009.gov. There, you'll also find a list of online retailers, and you can enter your zip code to find local merchants as well. Visit our free online guide to the digital TV transition for more complete information on the digital TV switchover and DTV converter boxes.

—Eileen McCooey

Comments

[everett whitney]

TO: Tony 17 -"Don't care for C.R.'s Reviews ..!"

By all means, one may "find fault" w/ everything !

A) - After one has accomplished that ~ ~ { 50 minute } initial scanning, any supplemental attempt - to 'map' into the memory any new digital sub-channels - is done in far less. In fact, our various Sonys require under 4 minutes to do so.

B) - Why are you bothering w/ Converters IF you already have "switched" to a HDTV ?

C) - IF no HDTV yet, why not use the latest .. Converter Ratings .. instead of limiting your selection to whatever nonsense might be found @ that singular store ? The majority of the sale persons are not actually very well informed at all. And, certainly none are technically-astute.

D) - You should review DTV rules / requirements / definitions a bit before making all manner of misleading accusations . . . . VCRs, "S" connections , etc., are NOT a part of digital transmission definition . . . strictly, analog!

These are Not what DTV is all about at all !

[Tony17]

I'm very disappointed with this review and the reviews of HDTVs. They don't mention reciever sensitivity to pick up stations. They don't mention time to scan channels. Many HDTVs take 50 minutes or more! They don't show connectors like S Video in the chart. All of these things should be in the chart and not have to click on each one or read every full review to see these. They should also list if they have timers for using with a VCR in the chart. Only 2 do and I had to read EVERY review to find that out.

These reviews are 5 months old. They don't list the APEX DT502 which is the most popular at Best Buy and the only one they keep in stock.

And there are errors. The APEX boxes don't allow manual channel entry.

You should see CNET's reviews of HDTV's. They are much better than yours and you have many years of experience. Your HDTV reviews don't list resolution, color temp, viewing angle, etc. All of which are VERY important for finding a suitable new TV.

[Jim Johnson]

I too have notice a significant reduction of volume when the converter box is used. This occurs on all TV's I have wired to the box . Thanks JIM

[Phyllis]

I am having trouble with audio volume. When the television is on without my Tivax T-8 converter box, I usually listen with the volume set at 20. If I leave the television at 20 and turn on the converter box, I have to increase the converter box volume to 60 using the remote to get adequate volume. I can turn the television volume up (this would be too loud for confortable listening if the tv was on by itself), but even though this increases the audio through the converter, the loud television volume produces a background noise.

I am trying to determine whether this is normal with converter boxes or if it is defective.

[Tony G.]

While CR has noted that there are a few converter boxes that will enable programmed channel tuning, neither they nor any other info site I have located have provided complete information about this feature. It has been a huge disappointment since the DTVPal does not have the expected 8 timers, opting for 5, which makes it unsuitable for the majority of consumers looking for a companion to a VCR or DVD recorder. I made that mistake with my first coupon, lacking any information on which to make a better choice, so I am stuck with a crippled box for one of my VCRs.

While TiVo is an option, it is an expensive one, compared to the cost of a ZAT970A or DTVPal + existing recorders. And it should be noted that the majority of new recorders, whether VCR, DVD, or DVR, do not include ATSC tuners. Those that do have premium prices. Just to do a little math: ZAT970A: $10 + shipping for 2 (after coupons); TiVo: $179 + ($15/Mo or $399 for "PRODUCT" lifetime). One might as well get cable for that kind of money, with an ATT 4 channel DVR thrown in.

Incidentally, this lack of pertinent information on any web site, especially CR's, in just indicative of the dumbing down of consumer information that has made intelligent buying a real chore for at least the last 2 decades. But I shouldn't get started . . .

[everett whitney]

TO: Maggie - " Record 1 channel / view a different ..."

It can be done but only by having / connecting in the required manner Two federal coupon Converters ... Mr. Eng herein has explained that procedure in detail.... but, still can be a nightmare !

Consider instead buying an O.T.A - Recorder / Receiver from www.tivo.com, starting at $179 on up. NO Converter(s) at all !

An excellent Program guide, very user-friendly Library for finding already-recorded programs, a hard drive rather than any tapes or discs and - yes - with it's two digital tuners, one may record / watch different programs simultaneously or two while you are away, all episodes for the season, etc..

MUCH better than will ever be done with the hodge-podge of splitters, loosing the clock & channels at each momentary power interrupt, etc..

[Maggie G]

I've been diligently doing my homework and what I find lacking is clear info about using recording devices-- VCRs and DVRs-- with a digital converter box. I gather that some boxes now include a timer, but still am not sure if you can record one channel while watching another.

Also, the charts that show features for all the boxes on the market are helpful, but the timer feature could be visible since it's something many people probably want.
Thanks.

[Gordon R. Vaughan]

We've tried 3 different units. The Zenith DTT-901 is by far the best. Get one made after May 08, apparently the earlier ones weren't as good.

The reception in our bedroom isn't very good and the 901 picked up several stations that the GE 22729 could not. OTOH, I'd say the GE's picture quality is a bit better.

Remotes are also a key consideration. The Zenith's remote is pretty good, whereas the GE remote is horrible. The number buttons are quite small, and you have to enter XX-X (4 buttons) to get any station. If you just enter 2 on the Zenith for, example, it goes to 2-1.

It does seem like the longer you wait, the better the DTV units get, though coupons may be running out.

[w8sdz]

It is not true that UHF signals carry over longer distances than VHF. The reverse is true, provided that a proper antenna is used.

For help in determining which antenna to use please visit this web site http://www.antennaweb.org/ . It also lists stations, channel numbers, their locations and receiving antenna orienting direction.

[L. Englander]

One missing point in dtv converter box discussions is that the digital transmissions will be moved into the VHF part of the spectrum, whereas at least in my area major over-the-air network broadcasts now are in the UHF segment. VHF may not come in as well, or at all, in areas somewhat distant to the transmitters, so that one will lose channels. The website recommended by the gov't to check on channel availability at one's address tells me that I will get only one network channel in digital (over VHF), whereas now I get many (using UHF). I am forced to consider monthly cable fees or give up broadcast tv (a very tempting option, considering current programming). Thank you, U.S. government.