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.

Living with Apple's new iPods, iTunes

Apple's refresh of its iTunes and iPod line, while not a radical remake, looks like a winner, according to our preliminary tests. As the embedded video shows, we found that the new iPods and iTunes features worked as promised.

As we noted previously, the new Nano received the most radical overhaul, inside and out. The tall, slim design, a throwback to the second-generation Nano, is extremely palm-friendly, and its curved display and rounded edges look very cool.

The built-in accelerometer reorients the display when you tilt the Nano—just like those on the iPhone and Touch—and you can view your albums in cover-flow mode as well as play games. One feature it borrows from a lesser-known MP3 player, the Sandisk Shaker, lets you shuffle your songs by shaking the player. 

The new Touch's more subtle improvements, a built-in speaker and side-mounted volume control, also worked very well. It's a pleasure not having to plug in earphones just to watch a video or play a game. The edges of the new Touch are noticeably thinner than the original model, which makes it feel more comfortable in the hand. Otherwise, it appears and handles the same as the previous Touch.

The jury is still out on the new Genius feature, however, which creates a 25-song playlist based on the type of song to which you’re listening. For it to work properly, Genius requires iTunes users to open an account, and it has to scan your entire library. We tested it on a collection of about 1,000 songs and found it easy to befuddle. It frequently came back saying it was unable to make a playlist because there weren’t enough similar songs. It’s better if you have a large collection of music. Genius playlists can be created and saved on the iPod and then synced back to iTunes. One quibble is you have to enable Genius in iTunes then sync to the iPod to get it to work on the iPod. The Genius feature is available on iTunes, the new iPods, and older Touches and iPhones.

We will be completing our in-depth tests very soon. But our initial impression is that these new arrivals have a lot to offer.

—Mike Gikas

DTV converter boxes: See what you need

Judging by the number of comments we keep receiving about DTV converter boxes on Consumer Reports' Electronics Blog, it seems many consumers are still confused about DTV set-top boxes—and the transition to digital TV, in general.

We produced a new online video guide to DTV converter boxes that should help those who are using their $40 government-issued coupons to shop for DTV boxes. You can watch the 5-minute-long video by clicking on the embedded player at right.

We also have more, free information about the DTV transition—including our latest Ratings of DTV converter boxes—at ConsumerReports.org. You can find further help in the digital TV transition section of Consumer Reports discussion forums on Electronics and Computers.

Have a question about DTV converter boxes or the digital TV transition you'd like to see answered? Leave a comment here on our Electronics Blog.

—Paul Eng

Apple Spruces Up iPods, iTunes; Prunes prices, and fixes for iPhone 3G

Apple unveiled significant updates to iPods (Click on the image at right for a closer look) and the iTunes store at its "Let's Rock" event in San Francisco. These include a slimmer, greener Nano with a larger display, a slimmer Touch with a built-in speaker, and a revamped iTunes that adds a cool new music-search feature and the ability to download HD programming. There's also a firmware update for iPhone 3G users that promises to fix dropped calls and other problems reported by its users. Many of the products are available today; others will roll out over the next few weeks. We'll be reporting on these new models and features as they roll through our labs over the next few days. In the meantime, here's what we know now:

iTunes 8.0. With this update, iTunes' 65 million customers will be able to download and view high-definition programming on their computers and Apple TV. Shows in HD will cost $1 more than those in standard definition. What remains to be seen, besides the purported improvement in quality, is how long it will take to download such shows. Also new is Genius, a search feature that takes its cue from Internet radio stations by seeking out songs from similar-sounding artists. How it works: While you're listening to a song that you like on your iPod or iTunes, pushing the Genius button will send it scanning your library for  25 to 100 songs from like-sounding artists. Of course, Genius will also make recommendations from the iTunes store, as well. Genius is available to all iTunes and iPod users who install the free update.

CEDIA gets the Blus: New Blu-ray models debut from major brands

Reflecting the market's inexorable move to high-definition content, a number of manufacturers introduced Blu-ray players at CEDIA. Several are so-called Profile 2.0 models with a feature called BD-Live, which enables you to download Internet content such as movie trailers. If you want Internet connectivity, look specifically for a player that has BD-Live (or can be upgraded to include it), as earlier designs lack this capability.

Here's a rundown of what we've seen at the show so far:

LG launches Netflix-enabled player

LG Electronics surprised audiences when it revealed the price for the previously announced BD300 player: $400, which is $100 less than expected. The BD300 (click on image above for a closer look) is a BD-Live model with the unique ability to stream movies and TV episodes from a Netflix online library of about 12,000 titles (a Netflix subscription is required). The player offers internal decoding of the new Dolby TrueHD high-resolution audio format, and will presumably pass DTS-HD Master audio as bitstream (the specs are a bit unclear). The BD300, which has a USB port for playing back digital music, photos, and videos stored on a flash drive, will be available next month.

Free TV—on your cell phone?

Here's an interesting story from the Associated Press this morning regarding television on cell phones.

U.S. TV broadcasters are working on a new standard (called ATSC-M/H) that will allow cell phones (and other mobile devices) to receive and display over-the-air digital TV signals, which nearly all stations will be using by February 2009 as part of the transition to DTV.

TV on your cell phone isn't entirely new. U.S. cell phone service providers have been offering—for extra monthly fees—TV "channels" (such as ESPN and CNN) on certain model phones, like the Samsung SCH-u620 (Verizon), the LG Vu (AT&T) and the Samsung Instinct (Sprint Nextel). In fact, "live" TV is one of the Instinct's jazzy features that make it a much more entertaining touch-screen phone than the iPhone. (See our "head-to-head" match-up, "iPhone 3G vs. Instinct," and video for more information.)

But such services aren't beamed directly to the phones, but carried via the carrier's cellphone network. By potentially cutting out the carrier as middleman, ATSC-M/H would potentially allow next-generation mobile devices to receive free digital TV. (Like current "off-the-air" analog broadcasts, the new "free TV" service could be supported by advertisers.)

Mini camcorders for Web video shooters

Not all camcorders cost several hundreds of dollars and require TLC when you’re traveling on vacation. We've tested two new flash-memory based video cameras that are aimed at those looking for a quick way to record video and post it immediately to Internet sites like YouTube and Photobucket.

The Pure Digital Flip Mino (at right) and the Creative Vado are pocket-sized and relatively cheap—$180 and $100, respectively—compared to full-sized, conventional camcorders.

Both were also fairly easy to use, and they can digitally record up to an hour of video on 2GB of internal, non-removeable memory. (The Vado can record two hours using a lower-quality mode.)

Transferring video onto a computer was a snap, too. Just plug the camcorder into a USB port and save the video to your hard drive.

But there is a catch: Like the SmallWonder EZ201A and Flip160B we've previously tested, video quality from the Mino and Vado wasn't spectacular. We wouldn’t recommend either as the best choice for shooting events you want to cherish forever, like graduations and weddings.

Still, if you're looking for an inexpensive camera mainly for Web videos, it’s worth checking out our review of the Mino and Vado. And keep an eye out for our forthcoming review of the Kodak ZI6, a flip-type camcorder that promises high-def video recording.

Still confused about what you should be looking for in a video camera? Check out our camcorder buying advice online. Our guide, plus our Ratings of standard-definition camcorders and Ratings of high-definition camcorders (both available to subscribers) will help you find the right camera for your needs.

2008 Summer Olympics: Other ways to catch the Games?

With its exclusive U.S. broadcasting rights, NBC will televise a whopping 1,400 hours of the 2008 Summer Olympics Games from Beijing to American homes. HDTV owners will see some stunning moments—from tonight's opening ceremonies to the closing ceremonies 17 days later—in crystal clarity on their TVs. (To ensure that you enjoy world class viewing, see our recent post, "HDTV: Adjust the picture for best quality.")

But there are only so many hours in the day, so who can watch it all? And even NBC's thousands of hours of broadcasts won't capture every minute of the 28 Olympic events spread over 31 separate venues in China.

My recourse? Turn to technology. Specifically:

Garmin Nuvi 880 takes voice recognition to a new level

Our colleagues in the Cars department have just finished testing the Garmin Nuvi 880, the first GPS navigation unit with a fully-integrated voice recognition system.

An excerpt from the Consumer Reports Cars blog:

“The Garmin Nuvi 880 is a premium, full-featured portable navigation device (PND) with an impressive voice-recognition system. It has a wide vocabulary, enabling the driver to enter destinations and cycle through menus without touching the screen. And it does so in multiple languages. Other devices we have tested with voice recognition still required using the touchscreen to accomplish common tasks and they tended to interrupt conversations like an impatient child… All told, the Garmin Nuvi 880 represents the state of the art.”

In addition to the blog, be sure to check out the Nuvi 880 First Look for a detailed review and watch the accompanying video to see the unit in action.

For other models, see our Ratings of portable GPS navigators (available to subscribers).

LG unveils its BD300 Blu-ray player

As we reported yesterday, at a press event in New York City last night LG Electronics took the wraps off its new BD300 Blu-ray player, which can stream movies and TV shows from the Netflix website directly to a TV.

Also unveiled were two previously announced LCD TVs—the company's first LCD to use LED backlighting, and two additions to the company's "Scarlet" line of highly stylized LCDs. The company also disclosed plans for a national consumer-electronics recycling program.

As we learned yesterday, the BD300 Blu-ray player will be available in the fall, and can stream movies and TV shows from Netflix's online instant-streaming service. Last night, the company filled in a few blanks, saying that it would be priced "well under $500," and that the streamed content would be standard definition. To access content from Netflix, users will have to have a Netflix subscription that starts at $9 per month.

LG's first TV to use LED backlighting with local dimming is the 47LG90 (see image at right), which will be available in September with a $3,600 price tag. The 1080p TV's backlight is broken into 128 sectors, each of which can be controlled individually for improved contrast and energy savings. The sets have a "teardrop" design and blue color accents.

At the event, LG executives introduced two new super-slim Scarlet "sisters": 42- and 47-inch LGX-series LCD models that are just 1.8 inches deep (and unlike Hitachi's new 1.5-inch models, these sets include built-in tuners). Both models—the 42LGX ($2,700) and 47LGX ($3,000)—are 1080p sets that include LG's TruMotion 120Hz technology to help reduce motion blur. The 42-inch set is already available (see image at left), and the 47-incher will hit stores in October. Both bear the trademark Scarlet design scheme of piano-black fronts and all-crimson back panels.

The company also announced a partnership with a company called Waste Management to launch an electronics recycling program that will allow consumers to drop off unwanted or broken CE gear at one of the company's 106 recycling centers. The number of centers, run by its subsidiary, WM Recycle America, will continue to grow, and there will be sites in all 50 states by September, they said. There's no charge for LG-brand goods (LG, GoldStar, or Zenith), while a "modest" fee will be imposed for items from other brands. To find the center closest to you, call a toll free number, 1-877-439-2795.

—James K. Willcox

LCD or plasma? What’s better for watching sports?

If you're buying a new flat-panel TV to watch the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing this month, you might be wrestling with what size and type to get.

We recommend at least a 40-inch or 42-inch set for a main TV used in an average-sized living room. You might want to go larger if you’ll be hosting a crowd or simply prefer a bigger screen. Many rooms can comfortably accommodate a 46- to 50-inch set, and spacious family rooms can handle a 50-plus-inch set.

Both LCD and plasma TVs come in all those sizes, so take your pick. Each has pros and cons. Plasma TVs are better than LCDs at displaying fast-moving images without blurring, a big plus if you watch a lot of sports.

Our video experts can clearly detect motion blur on most LCD sets with test patterns designed to pinpoint the problem, and you might see it when you watch soccer, basketball, and other sports where the cameraman does a lot of fast panning. Blurring is also evident when the camera focuses on a swinging tennis racket or a moving ball. You're less likely to see it on movies and TV shows where there is little camera motion. Some newer LCD models include 120 Hz technology, which essentially doubles the TV's frame rate to help improve motion-handling. We've seen a visible reduction in motion blur on those TVs.

The viewing angle is another major consideration. With most LCD TVs, the picture degrades to some extent if you sit off to the side or on the floor—a likely scenario if you have a bunch of people rooting on their favorite athletes. A few new LCD sets have addressed this problem—several Panasonic models we've tested for example, have a viewing angle that rivals a plasma set's—but most still have limitations.

Plasma sets are also better than LCD screens at displaying deep blacks, and they tend to have better contrast, which makes for rich, natural-looking images.

On the other hand, LCD TVs are generally a bit brighter than plasma, and their screens are less reflective, so many look better in bright rooms. Some plasma TVs can look a bit dim in bright lighting when set to the normal or standard mode, which we recommend for home use. You can switch to the vivid mode or raise the brightness control to compensate, but the picture quality might suffer.

Another issue with many plasmas is that the glass screens are subject to reflections and glare. If you have the lights on while watching dark scenes, you might see mirror-like reflections, though the anti-reflective coating on some new plasma sets can reduce glare.

Still, you can’t go too far wrong with either type as long as you buy one of the better sets. Our Ratings of LCD and plasma sets (available to subscribers) highlight specific models that make the most of each display technology, while minimizing the limitations.

—Eileen McCooey

New LG Blu-ray player will stream movies from Netflix

Viewers seeking easy access to prerecorded movies and TV shows will soon have a new option: LG says its next high-def DVD player, the BD300 Network Blu-ray Player, can stream content from the Netflix website directly to their TVs.

The BD300, which will be available this fall, requires a broadband connection to access the Netflix website. Using the player's remote control, users can browse movies and TV shows, and access ratings and a synopsis of a program. Desired selections are then added to a personalized queue, which is displayed on the TV screen. According to LG, once a movie is selected from the queue, it will start playing within 30 seconds, and viewers will be able to fast-forward and rewind the program as they do on a DVR.

There are several questions that hopefully will be answered at a press conference this evening. For example, the companies didn't say if the programs would be available as high-def video streams, and if so, what the resolution would be.  Based on other deals, we presume it will be sent as standard-definition video. And so far, there's no word on the expected price for the player. And while the companies said there would be "no additional charge" for content streamed from Netflix, they didn't say what level of membership, if any, would be required to access the Netflix library.

The BD300, a Profile 2.0 player with Blu-ray's BonusView (picture-in-picture) and BD Live (Internet access) features, is the second joint product announcement from LG and Netflix this year. At the CES trade show in January, the two companies said that in the second half of the year LG would offer a settop box with a similar ability to stream movies and TV episodes from Netflix to TVs. Netflix also has a deal with Microsoft that allows Xbox 360 owners to access standard-def content from the Netflix website.

We'll be attending the LG summer line show this evening, so stay tuned for more details about the BD300 and other LG products. LG has emerged as a strong brand in multiple consumer electronics categories, including TVs, Blu-ray and DVD players and recorders, and cell phones. Several LG models are listed in our LCD and plasma TV recommendations. For other fine choices see our Ratings of LCD and plasma TVs. (Ratings and recommendations are available to subscribers.)

—James K. Willcox

Essential gadgets for emergencies

With Texans along the Gulf Coast recovering from Hurricane Dolly, we thought it would be a good time to mention electronics gear that can be invaluable to have before, during and after a natural disaster or other emergency. Of course, there are other items you'll need, such as flashlights, water, and more. For a complete checklist and other tips on preparing for—and dealing with the aftermath of—devastating storms and disasters, see our free Storm and Emergency guide on ConsumerReports.org.

On the electronics front, here's what we recommend:

• Make sure you have an emergency radio—powered by either batteries or a hand-crank—which will work even if the lights go out. A radio can pull in vital news, weather, and evacuation information from AM radio stations, which have further "reach" than TV broadcasters.
• Have at least one corded phone that doesn't require electricity. A cordless phone's base station won't run without juice.
• Keep your cell phone charged and have alternative power options—a car adapter or a portable cell phone charger that uses common AA batteries or features a hand crank or other "green" energy source.
• Consider having family members use different cell phone service providers in case one carrier goes down.
• Know how to text message. If cell towers are still up but available bandwidth is limited, a text message may be able to get through when voice calls won't.
• Learn how to browse the Web on an Internet-enabled phone. You'll have news bulletins, maps, and more at your fingertips.
• Have a portable GPS navigation system, which can be handy if you have to evacuate through unfamiliar routes and areas.

Samsung adds new LCD, plasma HDTVs, plus Blu-ray HTIB

This week, Samsung offered a sneak preview of some of its flat-panel TV offerings that will hit stores shelves starting next month, including models with color accents (Touch of Color) on their frames, super-slim designs, and LED backlights. The company also showed a new home-theater-in-a-box system that incorporates a Blu-ray disc player.

A new high-end LCD line, the 950 series, features 1080p resolution, 120Hz technology (called Auto Motion Plus), and LED backlighting with local dimming. These sets have the ability to dim certain segments of the screen while others remain bright, which improves color, contrast, and black-level performance, and reduces power consumption, Samsung claims. The 46-inch LN46A950 ($3,200) and 55-inch LN55A950 ($4,200) will be available next month, and replace the LED-based 81-series models. The TVs come with a flash drive preloaded with HD-quality artwork, recipes, children's shows and games, and other digital content.

Other new LCD TVs include the 850 and 860 series, the slimmest LCDs yet in the Samsung line, with a depth of just 1.9 inches. They also have narrower frames than previous models, so they take up less room in your media center. These 1080p sets have 120Hz technology and two USB 2.0 inputs. The main difference between the lines will be that 860-series models, which have blue rather than rose accents, will be sold exclusively through A/V specialty dealers, and are priced $100 higher. The 46-inch LN46A850 ($2,700) and 52-inch LN52A850 ($3,400), and comparable 860 sets will be available in September.

HDTV: Adjust the picture for best quality

When you turn on your new high-definition TV, it probably won't look as stunning as it did in the showroom. The default, out-of-the-box settings on most HDTVs are designed to create a super-bright, vividly colored image, but they're almost always a bad choice for use at home. Here in our labs, our engineers fine-tune each set before evaluating the picture. It's likely the TVs in our Ratings would have much lower scores if we didn't.

You don't need an engineering degree to get the most from your HDTV. The easiest way to adjust picture quality is to use one of the preset picture modes. (Press menu on the remote and find picture or video controls.) Most TVs are set to Vivid or Dynamic (names vary by brand), but we've found that modes like Natural, Cinema, or Pro generally provide the most pleasing, natural-looking picture. Play around with the choices and see which looks best. Finding the right mode might be all you need to do.

You can also adjust picture settings individually rather than using a preset mode. One simple method is to set the brightness, contrast, color, and tint controls to a middle or neutral position, then move them up and down until the image pleases you. Also, turn off sharpness, noise reduction, and image-enhancement. This approach generally results in a decent picture.

If you're more adventurous, try these seven steps to better picture quality. You'll find more detail in our article on tuning your TV.

LCD TVs: Then and now

It wasn't too long ago that LCD TVs were tiny sets with 4- or 5-inch screens, so-so picture quality, and hefty price tags. Watch our "vintage" video review of portable LCD TVs from 1993 and it's easy to why we said LCD display technology had "a lot farther to go." (Click on the embedded player at right to watch the video.**)

In the 15 years since then, LCD displays have gone even farther than anyone expected, transforming the TV industry as well as smart phones, laptop computers, portable digital media players, and much more.

LCD TVs, of course, have grown exponentially in size and image quality. We now have models up to 52 inches in our latest LCD TV Ratings, all of them with far better picture quality than their miniature ancestors.

And smaller LCD displays have carved out several new niches: 

• Touch-screen smart phones (such as the new iPhone 3G) that download YouTube videos or receive TV "shows" from cellular service providers.
• Notebooks and portable computers that wirelessly access popular primetime shows from Amazon, iTunes, Netflix or even the TV networks' own Web sites.
• Tiny portable digital media players with spacious hard drives that store and play hundreds of hours of digital video. 

It will be interesting to see whether OLED displays, still in their small and pricey infancy, make similar strides over the next decade or so.

—Nick Kolman-Mandle

** That's Evon Beckford, Senior Director of Electronics Testing at Consumer Reports, in the video. He's been testing televisions for Consumers "for almost 30 years," as he says in our much more recent "Comprehensive video guide to buying a big-screen TV."

HDTV Ratings: The best lower-cost high-def front projectors

Although I've been writing about front-projection video systems for almost a decade, and envying those who had them, only recently have high-def models come down enough in price for me to consider buying one. Also, moving from a one-bedroom apartment in New York City to a larger home in the suburbs allowed me to carve out a separate space dedicated to watching movies and listening to music.

Now that I've been living with my system—a 1080p DLP projector, 106-inch 16:9 screen, and 7.2-channel surround-sound system—for more than a month, I can say it was worth the wait. There's no home-entertainment experience that can compare to a movie presented in all its high-def glory on a very large screen, backed by a powerful surround-sound soundtrack. Even my primary 50-inch plasma TV (a far larger set than I ever imagined I'd have) can't deliver the same kind of visceral impact you can get from a front-projection system.

I can honestly say that I now generally prefer watching high-def movies at home to seeing them on the seemingly ever-shrinking screens in the multiplexes at the mall. (Plus a bottle of water doesn't cost me $4, and I don't have to endure 30 seconds of Abba's "Dancing Queen" while someone rummages through a bag for a cell phone.)

If you've been contemplating building your own truly big-screen home theater, the good news is that our just-posted Ratings of front-projection TVs (available to subscribers) echo my own experience. Front projectors continue to get more affordable, and better, every year.

(Need help deciding? Read our free "Is a projector right for you?" report for important buying guide information. If you'd rather stick with a conventional flat-panel HDTV, we've recently updated our Ratings of LCD TVs and Ratings of plasma TVs, too. Those Ratings are also available to online subscribers only. But read my other post, Ratings: The best LCD and plasma TVs, for a general overview. And see all our blog posts about plasma TVs and LCD TVs, for the latest news.)

HDTV Ratings: The best LCD and plasma TVs

We tested more than 60 HDTVs for our latest LCD TV Ratings and plasma TV Ratings (both online reports are available to ConsumerReports.org subscribers).  The good news: More HDTV models than ever before have very good or excellent picture quality. Such sets can do justice to the wide variety of high-def content now available to consumers.

We also just completed Ratings of high-def front projectors (also available to subscribers), which can deliver a truly theater-like experience in the home. (Check my other blog post, Ratings: The best lower-cost high-def front projectors, for a quick overview of the 14 front-projection HDTV sets we tested. And if you're a subscriber, you'll have access to our Recommended front projector HDTV models.)

In our latest review of flat-panel sets, among the top performers were models from brands such as LG Electronics, Panasonic, Pioneer, Samsung, Sharp, and Sony. Some modestly priced sets—including TVs from several of those brands, as well as Vizio and Insignia (Best Buy's house brand)—earned Best Buy designations.

Most of the 40-inch and larger LCD TVs in our Ratings are 1080p "Full HD" models that can display all the detail in high-def images. More LCD sets have 120 Hz technology, which doubles the TV's frame rate to help reduce motion blur—a traditional LCD drawback—during fast-moving scenes.

LCD TV reliability—Why Vizio isn't in our repair history

A reader recently asked us why Vizio, an up-and-coming brand that now ranks third in sales for LCD TV sets, is not included in our repair history for flat-panel TVs—especially since we've recommended a number of Vizio TVs for their combination of decent quality and low price. (Access to our brand repair history for LCD TVs and Recommendations of LCD TV models requires a subscription to ConsumerReports.org.)

Let me answer in a way that offers insight into the way Consumer Reports develops reliability information, a process that is as exacting as our lab tests and just as important to a buying decision.

All our repair histories reflect the real-life experiences of thousands of consumers who have purchased and used the products in question. Our current flat-panel TV repair history is based on 74,544 responses to our Annual Product Reliability survey from readers who bought new sets between 2004 and 2007.

We received enough reader data to include nine brands of LCD TVs in our repair history chart (available to subscribers) and to mention two others anecdotally, but Vizio was not among them. Why not? In a nutshell—there weren't enough responses on this brand, and any conclusion we could draw from the limited data would have been premature and potentially misleading.

"Hancock" coming to Sony Bravia TVs before Blu-ray, DVD, or cable

In what could be a glimpse of the future, Sony announced last week that it would offer its hoped-for summer blockbuster, Hancock, as an Internet download to Web-enabled Sony Bravia TVs before distributing it on cable, satellite, DVD, or Blu-ray discs.

The company hasn't revealed some important details, such as whether the download will be high-definition or even DVD-quality. Nor has it disclosed whether Hancock will be a rental with a limited viewing time, like a pay-per-view movie, or a purchase that viewers can record and keep.

One factor that greatly limits the impact of this announcement, and the potential audience, is the fact that Sony TVs don't offer built-in Web access, but require consumers to shell out an additional $300 for the Sony Bravia Internet Video Link add-on. Most of the other major TV brands with Web-enabled TVs—including Panasonic, Samsung, Sharp, and LG Electronics—don’t require any additional gear to download Web content. However, while TVs from these rivals can access news, sports, and entertainment content from a variety of providers, none yet have access to full-length feature-film downloads.

Sony Electronics has the unusual luxury of having a major Hollywood studio, Sony Pictures, as a sister company, giving it access to blockbuster movies. But it's still too early to see whether any other movie studios will support such a service, or even if Sony Pictures is willing to upset its traditional video-distribution partners—and the hefty revenue streams they provide—on an ongoing basis, especially since delivering more HD video-on-demand content is a key cable and satellite strategy.

DTVPal converter box: The good—and bad—news

The EchoStar TR-40, a DTV converter box announced by Dish Network six months ago, sparked a lot of interest among consumers because of its long list of wanted features and proposed $40 price tag.

But the TR-40 still hasn't hit the market. And consumers (myself, included) who were the first to request the government's $40 DTV subsidy have to use their coupons before they expire in coming weeks.

Frustrating as that is, there is some good news. Dish Network, which recently split off its satellite-TV services to EchoStar (now a separate company), has started selling a new $60 DTV converter: the DTVPal. (Click on image at right for a closer look.) This new DTV converter box model offers some of the TR-40's sought-after features, including:

• Analog pass-through
• A searchable seven-day electronic programming guide
• An "events" timer that automatically changes channels, allowing your VCR or DVD recorder to record multiple shows across many days—channel 4 on 8.pm. Thursday, channel 7 on 9 p.m. Friday, channel 2 on 5 a.m. Sunday, etc.

We've bought a few DTVPal units and will be taking a closer look at them soon. We're eager to find out how this box stacks up against other converter boxes we've tested. So far, reviews of the Dish Network DTVPal on other blogs seem to be quite positive.

But there is some bad news, too…

DTV converter box: Ratings and buying advice

[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.]

Our guide to DTV converter boxes, including Ratings and model recommendations, is now available on ConsumerReports.org. This section expands on all the information we've previously posted about these set-top boxes, including:

• Ratings of 14 DTV converter boxes (no online subscription required!). We'll continue to update these Ratings as we buy and test more models over the coming months.
• Notes and recommendations for each of the DTV converter box models we've put through our labs.
• Buying advice including "how to choose" and "features" that count.

We hope this new section will serve as an online "help center" for DTV converter boxes and digital TV transition issues. But we realize there are still many challenges for us and for consumers.

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.

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 of 14 tested models, 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.)

New Blu-ray DVD players—one for under $300

While the latest Blu-ray players from several major brands aren't doing anything to lower the price barrier for Blu-ray ownership, Magnavox has introduced the first sub-$300 model, which is selling at Wal-Mart.

However, many models, including the Magnavox, are Profile 1.1 players that offer BonusView (picture-in-picture) capability, but not the Internet-access capability (called BDLive) of Profile 2.0 players. Even at lower prices, we still believe that holding off a bit longer—when fully featured players are both more plentiful and cheaper—makes the most sense for the majority of us. (Find other helpful buying advice in our "How to choose a high-def DVD player.")

But these all-inclusive players are now on the way. For example, Panasonic's newest standalone player is a Profile 2.0 model, and Samsung's new standalone model, a Profile 1.1 player, can be upgraded later this year to meet the Profile 2.0 specifications.

The down side, however, is that these players are still relatively expensive: $400 for the Samsung model, and $700 for the Panasonic. With the exception of the new Maganavox, the least expensive new Blu-ray players, even those from secondary brands, are $350. It's possible, though, that the introduction of the Magnavox model will put pressure on those second-tier brands manufacturers to get their player prices below $300.

Magnavox: Under $300 at Wal-Mart

The new Magnavox model, made by increasingly busy contract manufacturer Funai, has been sighted at Wal-Mart at a retail price of $298. The player, model NB500MG9, is a BonusView model that features 1080p/24 output (which sends film-base video at its native 24 frames-per-second rate to a TV or projector that can accept it; therefore, no conversion—3:2 pulldown—is needed to match the video to a TV’s 60 fps display). The Funai website has the owner's manual for the NB500MG9 (You'll need Adobe Acrobat, however.) if you'd like to see all of its features.