DTV coupons: Concerns raised about the program

Did you apply for your two $40 DTV coupon from the NTIA (National Telecommunications and Information Administration)? Have you gotten them yet, or maybe the clearly-marked envelopes containing the $40 debit cards somehow got "lost" in the mail? Or maybe you were denied because of some address snafu?

Or perhaps you got them—but the $40 discount cards expired before you could use them?

Those are the common complaints readers have raised in comments on blog posts regarding the digital TV transition, DTV coupons and digital converter boxes. At a Congressional hearing this week, our parent company, Consumers Union, raised another, broader concern about the coupon program which was meant to offset the set-top converter boxes that older analog TV will need to use after February 2009.)

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

Issues with Dish's DTVPal DTV converters?

Several blog posts have indicated there might be some firmware or software issues with Dish's DTVPal DTV converter causing them to malfunction. We contacted the company to see if they were aware of any problems. The company confirmed that a "small minority of boxes" have such issues, and that starting Friday, Aug. 29, affected consumers can call the toll-free number listed in the manual (1-888-638-9912) to exchange their box for a new one. You'll need to have your receipt handy, and you'll get a new box within 90 days. You'll have to pay for shipping the box back, but there's no additional shipping charges to receive the new one.

Some readers who are not Dish satellite TV subscribers have also indicated they've had difficulty receiving customer service, as they are prompted for their subscriber account number. Dish says that it is training its customer-service reps to handle issues regardless of whether a DTVPal owner is a Dish subscriber.

We also asked whether the $40 Dish TR-40 CSA DTV converter, which started shipping this month, might have some of the same issues. Dish tells us that TR-40 boxes have updated software, so there shouldn't be any issues. We hope to test one the TR-40 shortly, but as far as we know, it is functionally identical to the DTVPal.

If you will be exchanging your DTVPal for a new one, let us know how your experience goes.

—James K. Willcox

Ratings of DTV converter boxes: New models added

We've updated our exclusive Ratings of DTV converter boxes, which now cover 24 of the 50 or so models now available. New arrivals include a box with the best picture quality we've seen so far, another that has the first VCR timer we've encountered, and several boxes with analog pass-through. (Read the latest update to our DTV converter box guide for more information, including free access to the DTV converter box Ratings.)

Prices for tested models range from about $50 to $90. (Prices are what we paid. Some readers have reported that they've found different, sometimes higher, prices.) You can use a $40 government coupon to defray the cost. Call 888-DTV-2009 or go to www.DTV2009.gov to request one or two coupons; you'll also find a list of online retailers there. Visit our guide to the digital TV transition, free to all visitors, for more complete information on the digital TV switchover and DTV converter boxes.

The Channel Master CM-7000 was tops for picture quality. It's among the first boxes to have an S-video output, which can deliver better picture quality than a composite-video or RF out. It's pricey, though, at $80. The Apex DT250 also has an S-video out, though its picture quality didn't quite match the Channel Master's. Older TVs don't have an S-video input output, so you'd have to use either the composite-video or RF input output.

With a run-of-the-mill TV set, it might be hard to appreciate the incremental improvement in picture quality offered by the top performers. Converter boxes that are a step down in picture quality provide better video than most analog sets and might be perfectly satisfactory.

The Dish Network DTVPal, $60, has both a VCR timer and analog pass-through, as does its brandmate, the TR-40 CRA, which is available in limited quantities for $40. (It arrived too late to be included in this latest update to our DTV converter box guide.) The timer will change the channel on the box so your VCR can automatically record from different channels. Analog pass-through enables a box to feed your TV analog signals as well as digital signals converted to analog. Other tested models with this feature are the Philco TB100HH9, Magnavox TB100MG9 (seen above), and Digital Stream DTX9950. (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.

$40 DTV converter box from Dish is finally available

[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.]

The much-awaited $40 DTV converter from Dish Networks—which is essentially free, except for shipping charges and taxes, after a government-issued $40 coupon is applied—is now available directly from the company, although supplies are limited, according to Dish's website.

The TR-40 has been an item of significant interest ever since Dish announced earlier this year that it would offer a feature-laden box—including analog pass-through and VCR control—that would essentially be free to consumers after a government-issued DTV coupon was applied. The box is now available at the Dish website, via phone at 1-888-638-9912 or through participating DISH Network retailers. There's a $9 charge for shipping and handling, and taxes will vary by location.

[Note: We're in the process of updating our free Ratings of DTV converter boxes. But the TR-40 came too late to be included in our most recent testing. We'll be doing our best to get our hands on one and see how it performs compared to the other DTV converter boxes we've tested. In the meantime, check our free "Guide to DTV converter boxes" for help in finding converter boxes. — Ed.]

The TR-40 is the first converter we've seen priced at $40, the amount of the coupon. The box has many of the same features as the company's DTVPal we've tested, including analog pass-through, an auto-tune timer for programming VCR recording, a seven-day electronic program guide, and a set-up wizard. (The TR-40 even appears outwardly similar to the DTVPal, seen above.) There's also a pop-up signal-strength screen that can be used to troubleshoot reception. The DTVPal is priced $20 higher.

There's no word how many of these boxes will be available.

—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.

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…

BBB warns of DTV converter-box scam

The confusing conversion from analog to digital TV broadcasts is ripe for consumer deception—which is exactly what one company is practicing in a nationwide advertising campaign, according to the Better Business Bureau.

A BBB investigation found that Universal TechTronics is peddling "five-year warranties" for $59 that must be purchased with their "free" digital TV converter boxes. With shipping and handling fees rolled in, the total cost per box is nearly $100.

BBB believes that these are the same boxes consumers can buy in electronics retail stores across the country using $40 U.S. government coupons that make the total cost to consumers about $20 per box. Consumer Reports just completed tests of 14 DTV converter boxes.

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.)

Rules on DTV converter coupons might ease, but expiration date stands

As the rollout of digital converter boxes for next year's conversion to all-digital TV continues, the federal government is considering loosening some eligibility requirements for subsidies on the boxes. But other beefs from consumers and consumer groups remain unaddressed.

The National Telecommunications and Information Administration, the agency administering the distribution of $40 coupons to offset the typical $50 to $70 cost of the boxes, is considering allowing nursing home residents and consumers who use post-office boxes to apply for the coupons, as our colleagues at Consumers Union, the publisher of Consumer Reports, are reporting on hearusnow.org.

But the agency isn't budging on the expiration of the coupons after 90 days. CU and other groups complain that this is a potentially bigger issue, because there are still relatively few converter boxes in stores, few have the analog pass-through feature some consumers want, and none are as yet priced at $40 or less, meaning consumers must bear some out-of-pocket cost.

We've reviewed three coupon-eligible boxes without the analog pass-through feature and one, a Philco product, that has it. All did a decent job, but you might have to tinker with your setup to get optimal results.

For more helpful advice and links to other DTV resources on the Web, check out our Digital TV Transition information center on ConsumerReports.org.

Philco TB100HH9: A DTV set-top box with analog pass-through

With the clock marking the DTV transition ticking more loudly every day, we're starting to see more converter boxes showing up in stores. We recently posted First Look reviews of three boxes—the $50 Magnavox TB100MW9, the $60 Insignia NS-DXA1, and the $60 Zenith DTT900. Now we've just completed our preliminary tests on one of the first boxes with "analog pass-though" capability, the Philco TB100HH9.

Analog pass-through can be an important feature for households in areas served by so-called "low-power" broadcasters. Though all full-power stations are required to broadcast only digital signals as of February 17, 2009, the low-power broadcasters can continue analog broadcasts, at least for the time being. Since the converter box does not include an analog tuner, you will have to continue using your TV's built in analog tuner to pick up these stations. A converter box with analog pass through will not only put digital programs on the RF antenna output to the TV (channel 3 or 4), but will also pass along traditional analog antenna signals as well. For more information, check out "The DTV Transition: The low-down about analog pass-though."

DTV converter coupons: It's now or never

Use 'em or lose 'em. That's the bottom line with the $40 government coupons (seen at right) for buying digital converter boxes. Coupons expire 90 days after issue, and if you haven't used them by then, you're out of luck. You can't request a replacement.

That's a growing concern for consumers who rushed to request coupons earlier this year to ensure they didn't miss out on the program. They're anxious to buy a converter box before the coupon expires, but there are few models now in stores, and all cost more than $40, requiring shoppers to foot part of the bill. There will be $40 boxes this summer, but that's no help for those who need to redeem a coupon before then.

We just checked the websites for Best Buy, Circuit City, Radio Shack, and Wal-mart, and found that each had one or two boxes. Of the boxes listed, all but two cost $60; only Wal-mart had lower-priced models, for $50 and $53. With these four retailers, you can't buy the boxes online; they're available only in retail stores, or by phone from Radio Shack (877-773-8848) and Best Buy (877-229-3889).

The DTV transition: The low-down on analog pass-through

Most TV stations must stop broadcasting analog signals on February 17, 2009, but some stations don't have to switch completely to digital broadcasts. Low-power TV stations, TV translator stations, and so-called Class A stations can continue broadcasting analog TV signals well after the deadline. If you're in an area served by such a station, you'll want a DTV converter box that can handle both digital and analog signals. Of course, if you're not able to receive any digital stations, there's no rush to buy any converter box, and we anticipate there being a greater assortment of boxes with analog pass-through in the not-too-distant future.

Low-power TV was created in the early 1980s to provide locally oriented or specialized programming to smaller rural towns or small communities within urban areas. TV translator stations boost and re-broadcast the signals of full-power stations to communities that can't receive them either because they're too far away, or because mountains or uneven terrain inhibit reception. Class A stations are a class of low-power stations that are required to air a certain amount of locally produced programming each week.

The vast majority of TV broadcasts are from full-power stations that will switch to digital, but nearly 7,000 low-power and translator stations provide free over-the-air TV programming to viewers. Although they will one day, too, have to make the switch to digital, currently there's no firm timetable for that transition. Therefore, if you're in a market currently being served by such a station, we recommend you get a DTV converter box with "analog pass-though" capability. These boxes allow analog TV signals to pass through the box without being converted to digital so the TV's analog tuner can receive and display them. We recently ran preliminary tests on one of the early pass-through models, the Philco TB100HH9. We'll be posting that review here shortly.

A high-def box for your HD-ready TV

If you have an HD-ready TV hooked up to an antenna, you need to prepare for the February 2009 switch to all-digital broadcasting.

That's because HD-ready TVs have only an analog tuner, and analog broadcasts will be discontinued next year. To continue getting free television programming, you'll need to buy a digital converter box and connect it between the antenna and the TV. There are two types of boxes available.

You can use a basic converter box, which costs $40 to $70, but it will provide only standard-definition content. The government is offering a $40 coupon, which can be used only for a basic model. We've tested a few coupon-eligible boxes and found that they performed well overall. This is the way to go if you don’t care much about HD programming.

But since your TV has the ability to display HD, it might be worth spending more—closer to $200—for an HD-capable digital converter box. This will enable you to get free high-def programming from the major broadcast networks, and you don't have to wait till next year. HD broadcasts are already available in most areas, so you can start enjoying them right away.

One model to consider is Samsung's DTB-H260F converter box. At $170, the Samsung isn't cheap, and it's not eligible for the coupon program. But it will get you free HD, with great picture quality. In our tests, picture quality for both 720p and 1080i HD signals we pulled in via a rooftop antenna was excellent, rivaling if not surpassing what we've seen with the typical cable feed.

The converter box should give you access to just as many stations as an HDTV with a built-in tuner, assuming of course that you have a good antenna in either case. When we fed the DTB-H260F progressively weaker signals, it did a good job with weak signals, comparable to several late-model 42-inch flat-panel HDTVs we tested. A signal-strength meter, accessible via the remote, helps you adjust the antenna to the optimal position.

Other nice features include an onscreen guide that shows programs and start times, and lets you scroll among digital channels.

—Nick Mandle and Chris Andrade

 

The DTV transition: Get the gear you might need soon

This Sunday, it will be exactly one year until TV broadcasts go all-digital, and the action is starting to pick up. Uncle Sam, electronics manufacturers and retailers, and consumers are gearing up for the day analog TV broadcasts cease—Feb. 17, 2009. Here are the latest developments:

Coupons going fast; don't miss out. On Tuesday, Feb. 19, the government will mail the first batch of coupons to consumers who requested help paying for a digital converter box. These boxes will enable analog TVs to accept digital signals pulled in by an antenna. Each household can request one or two $40 coupons. The coupons, which look like plastic gift cards (see the sample image on the right), expire 90 days after they're issued.

[April 7, 2008 UPDATE: Concerned about the expiration date on your converter coupons? Check out our latest post, DTV converter coupons: It's now or never, which also features a link to "share your story" with HearUsNow.org, the consumer advocacy arm of Consumers Union, our parent company. —Ed.]

As of Feb. 14, the government had received applications for nearly 5 million coupons—almost one-fourth of the 22,250,000 coupons available to any household. When those are gone, another 11,250,000 million will be offered, but only to households that depend solely on an antenna for TV signals. If you subscribe to cable or satellite service for some TVs but have other sets that use an antenna, apply before the unrestricted coupons are gone. Visit www.dtv2009.gov to apply online or to get a form that can be mailed or faxed (you'll need Adobe Acrobat software), or call 1-888-DTV-2009 (1-888-388-2009).

Converters arriving in stores. The first digital converter boxes are arriving in stores now. Independent retailers and major chains including Best Buy, Circuit City, Kmart, RadioShack, Sam's Club, Sears, Target, and Wal-Mart will sell the boxes, which cost about $40 to $70, and have agreed to accept coupons.

DTV transition: How's it going?

With the end of analog TV broadcasts now a year away—February 17, 2009, to be precise—debate is intensifying on the readiness of viewers and broadcasters for the upcoming transition to all-digital TV.

Two polls released in recent weeks suggest that a majority of consumers are aware of the TV transition. A poll from Consumers Union, the publisher of Consumer Reports, reported 64 percent awareness, where one from the National Association of Broadcasters, the industry group that represents television stations, cited 78 percent awareness.

But being aware of the transition doesn't necessarily mean you understand its implications. The CU study found rampant misunderstanding among consumers about what the transition means for them—misunderstandings that CU fears could result in some households buying equipment they don't need. In an appearance this week before the House of Representatives Energy and Commerce's Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the Internet, Chris Murray, Senior Counsel for Consumers Union, warned that "along with the technical complexities of the transition are strong incentives by a variety of market players for 'digital upsell' to consumers," which could result in pressure to buy everything from more expensive cable service to a new HDTV set. "For vulnerable populations—such as the elderly or low-income households—the potential for being misled, intentionally or unintentionally, is significant," Murray said.

Meantime, another study by Centris, a market research firm, asserts that many households that now get their analog TV programming via set-top rabbit-ear antennas may have to upgrade to costly roof antennas in order to receive that same programming via digital signals. The study has prompted a whirlwind of commentary, including comments from Federal Communications Commission Chairman Kevin Martin.

We'll continue to offer news and advice on the transition on this blog and on ConsumerReports.org. In the coming days, for example, we'll be posting updates on the availability of analog-to-digital converter boxes and of the coupons the federal government is issuing to offset their cost. We'll also publish the results of tests on one of the first boxes to hit the market.

—Paul Reynolds