DTV Converters

[mscher]

Now that we have the coupons, it's time to get in gear.

Buy a converter at Radioshack? Best Buy? Target? Does it matter much, concerning picture quality or features, among the brands?

Any brands to stay away from?

Sorry if the is a FAQ. Could not find much by searching.

 

[joed]

Re: DTV Converters

I have read that the Magnavox is no good. Stay away from that one.
RCA is supposed to be good.

 

[Jack Shellac]

Re: DTV Converters

I've always had good experiences following Consumer Reports recommendations. In the Feb 2009 issue, they recommend:
Tivax STB-T9, Alpha Digital AT2016, AcessHD DTA1010D, Microgem MG2000, and Channel Master CM-7000. You can get a full report at ConsumerReports.org. I bought an Insignia at Best Buy before this report came out and it has done well so far. I'm 30 miles from the towers and am picking up all channels with amplified rabbit ears. Of course, the ears have to be carefully placed . Picture is excellent, but sound breaks up sometimes. I need to go ahead and get an outside antenna. What was surprising to me was that some of the stations are using their extra bandwidth to broadcast several signals-- weather, old shows, etc.

 

[tx1961whaler]

Re: DTV Converters

I have a Digital Stream purchased from Radio Shack. Easy to set up, and it picks up the same number of channels that my Sony TV's digital tuner does. The converter is hooked up to the video recorder, and I have an outside antenna. I set up a neighbor's Insignia, and that seems to work very well also.

 

[Pony]

Re: DTV Converters

The Insignia rates very highly. Although I work for BB and might be biased.....I have purchased 2 of them for the deer cabin and am very pleased with them.

 

[rwise]

Re: DTV Converters

I really doubt that there are more than three manufacturers of these units. I have the insignia from BB, there is one station that I do not get, but the only one in my hood that gets that channel has there antenna about 30' higher than mine! I also use an outside directional antenna,,,,,
As a note have been told that not all are broadcasting at full power yet,,,,