What Digital TV converter box to buy or avoid ?
Jan 26, 2009, 4:20 pm
#1
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What Digital TV converter box to buy or avoid ?
I got my $40 coupon today ,
so what is the box to buy and what are the ones to avoid ?
I have more than 10 over the air channels now so the box will probably be used all the time as I do not have cable or direct TV
I would like to be able to use my old video tape recorder if possible,
So what did you buy and how did you like it ?
Thanks
Rally
so what is the box to buy and what are the ones to avoid ?
I have more than 10 over the air channels now so the box will probably be used all the time as I do not have cable or direct TV
I would like to be able to use my old video tape recorder if possible,
So what did you buy and how did you like it ?
Thanks
Rally
Jan 26, 2009, 4:33 pm
#2
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i would avoid....
digitalstream
i would look at insignia and zenith.
goalie-parents have both digitalstream and insignia and the insignia is much easier to use, better remote, better features and better reception (that's the big difference in the boxes as some get some channels and others do not get the same channels). i wanted goalie-parents to get the insignia and zenith (as i had read that it was a good box) but the store was out so they got the digitalstream instead. it works just not as good as the insignia.
also, if you get consumer reports (or know someone who does), the current issue has ratings.
digitalstream
i would look at insignia and zenith.
goalie-parents have both digitalstream and insignia and the insignia is much easier to use, better remote, better features and better reception (that's the big difference in the boxes as some get some channels and others do not get the same channels). i wanted goalie-parents to get the insignia and zenith (as i had read that it was a good box) but the store was out so they got the digitalstream instead. it works just not as good as the insignia.
also, if you get consumer reports (or know someone who does), the current issue has ratings.
Jan 27, 2009, 10:12 am
#3
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Here is the consumer reports page
http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/e...es-ratings.htm
but its just a list and not much real information ,
Still confused !
Rally
http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/e...es-ratings.htm
but its just a list and not much real information ,
Still confused !
Rally
Last edited by rally; Jan 27, 2009 at 11:00 am
Jan 27, 2009, 10:26 am
#4
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You've got plenty of time to make up your mind. The conversion has been postponed. Again. 
Jan 27, 2009, 11:40 am
#5
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According to that link, the US conversion has been delayed by 4 months. I wonder if 4 months will make that much of a difference? If people aren't ready for DTV now, it's probably because they haven't bought a new TV yet. Given the way things are going economically, I can't see things changing much in 4 months.
Jan 27, 2009, 11:53 am
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According to that link, the US conversion has been delayed by 4 months. I wonder if 4 months will make that much of a difference? If people aren't ready for DTV now, it's probably because they haven't bought a new TV yet. Given the way things are going economically, I can't see things changing much in 4 months.
Personally, I saw throw the switch already.
Jan 27, 2009, 12:00 pm
#7
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I used the Consumer Reports report and selected the Tivax box that received one of the higher ratings. I ordered and received it last October and while I don't use it very much, I am very happy with the picture quality and features.
I was able to hook this up with my VCR which has a Line In input.
Antenna --> Box --> VCR --> TV.
I was able to hook this up with my VCR which has a Line In input.
Antenna --> Box --> VCR --> TV.
Jan 27, 2009, 12:41 pm
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You've got plenty of time to make up your mind. The conversion has been postponed. Again.
Jan 27, 2009, 1:11 pm
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The problem now is that funding for the converter box coupons has dried up. Meaning those who have waited the transition out, who law makers say are mostly low income people, who would need the coupons the most, would be without TV when the switch occurs.
Personally, I saw throw the switch already.
Personally, I saw throw the switch already.
Jan 27, 2009, 1:30 pm
#11
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Yes, it does, in the way I have it connected. Do note that you will need to have the Tivax box turned on and tuned to the station you wish to record. This config will also only allow you to timer record on a single channel. Finally, the Tivax has a setting that auto powers off after a certain period of inactivity, so that will need to be disabled. Not sure if this is standard on digital converter boxes.
Jan 27, 2009, 1:35 pm
#12
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are there digital video tape recorders using the old stylr VCR tapes we have always used ?
and do they convert it to analog so it can play in the older 13 inch TVs that have built in VCRs ?
Rally
and do they convert it to analog so it can play in the older 13 inch TVs that have built in VCRs ?
Rally
Jan 27, 2009, 1:58 pm
#13
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The Dish Network TR-40 CRA has been getting good reviews as best to use with a VCR.
Jan 27, 2009, 3:23 pm
#14
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You've got plenty of time to make up your mind. The conversion has been postponed. Again.
Jan 28, 2009, 10:41 am
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For plain over-the-air viewing (no DVR/VCR hookup, etc), I have had excellent results from the APEX box sold at Best Buy. They often have it on sale for $49.99, bringing the cost down to $10 with the coupon. The remote is easy to use (the buttons are not microscopically-small, as they are on some units).