(Approx. 963 words)

TV Converter Box Notes
by Mike Morris, a member of the Front Range PC Users Group, Colorado 
www.frpcug.org
twriterext (at) gmail.com

This article has been obtained from APCUG with the author’s permission for publication by APCUG member groups; all other uses require the permission of the author (see e-mail address above).

Regarding video (and audio) hardware, I have to admit to being an Old Analog Guy (the acronym = OAG and is pronounced “ogre”). I have 2 old analog TV’s.  I don’t intend to buy a new HDTV until they both quit working. I don’t intend to sign up for satellite or cable TV. I don’t, actually, watch very much TV (or movies), and I am not interested in computer games. For the “Digital TV Transition” coming in February 2009, a TV converter box is the solution for me; especially now that I have my two $40 coupons.

The question is, which converter to buy?

There are 52 DTV converter box models from 33 manufacturers listed on the enclosure that came with my converter box coupons (and many more listed on the website provided at the end of this article). Not all converters are equal. It is still “Buyer Beware,” so you need to decide what features and specs you want (and/or don’t want), and then check the specs of each unit carefully.

Perhaps there are a few others like me, who are considering buying a converter box. For my fellow OAG’s (male or female), I have collected links to information on 6 of the converters that I will share with you.

Do check prices, with reputable online sellers and with your local big box or electronics store (local or national). Prices vary widely.  I have picked some prices in order to provide an approximation of the “MSRP (Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price)”.

Channel Master CM-7000

A recent price: $79.99 (less $40 coupon)

Exact phrase Google search:  3860 hits

A few of those pages were investigated. One with information and specifications is Channel Master 1.

Channel Master is part of Andrew Corporation (known for its antennas, among other things), which is now part of CommScope. The CommScope HQ are in North Carolina.  For more information on these companies and their products, connect to CommScope.

Check out the discussion of this unit on AV Science Forum:

	This is part of a message posted in March of 2008:

	“The specifications on page 2 of the information sheet:
		Demodulator input for 1080i, 720p, 480i, and 480.
		Video output is 480i ONLY.

	480i is Standard Definition DTV only. The CM-7000’s claim to “Get Free HDTV 
	Without Monthly Fees” is inaccurate.”

Echostar TR-40

A recent price: Unofficially, $40, which means, effectively, free with the coupon.

Exact phrase Google search: 10,100 hits

Lots of information on this unit on the AfterDawn website. This website also provides comparisons to other similar units.

Digital Stream D2A1D110/20

A recent price: $69.99 (less $40 coupon)

Exact phrase Google search:  2 hits, plus 2 ads. None of the links from the Google search provided information on the model number listed above.  

There are four other Digital Stream model numbers listed in coupon enclosure, one of which is described at Solid Signal.com.

GE 22729

A recent price: $79.99 (less $40 coupon)

Exact phrase Google search: 39,200 hits

For (limited) specs connect to this After Dawn web page.

Insignia NS-DXA1

A recent price: $59.99 (less $40 coupon)

Exact phrase Google search: 44,700 hits

Check out the information on the World-Wide TV-FM DX Association website.

There is also a detailed CNET review.

From the spec sheet:  “(This unit)...displays digital TV at standard-definition (480i) screen resolution.”  

Magnavox TB-100MG9

A recent price: $79.99 (less $40.00 coupon)

Exact phrase Google search: 999 hits

You will find some information on this unit at Solid Signal.com. There is also a discussion of this product on the AV Science Forum.

RCA DTA 800A

A recent price: $49.99 (?) (less $40.00 coupon)

Exact phrase Google search: 412 hits

There are two versions of this product: the 800A and the 800B. The difference is the tuner manufacturer. For more information on this, connect to the AV Science Forum and scroll down to posting #39.

Remember this acronym, courtesy of the late Robert Heinlein (Science Fiction author):  TANSTAAFL. That translates to “There Ain’t No Such Thing As A Free Lunch.” If you have decided to stay with your old analog TV, and you do not plan to sign up for satellite or cable TV, then you must do your homework in order to find the right product before spending your hard-earned money on a converter box.

Remember also that the word “converter” has real meaning in this context. The converter box is converting an HDTV signal into something an old analog TV can display. That “something an old analog TV can display” is definitely NOT HDTV (no matter WHAT the advertisements say).

You will likely find one other obvious difference between using your old analog TV to receive analog broadcasts, and using your old analog TV with a converter box. If you tuned (or tried to tune) to a distant station with your old analog TV, you would get a terrible picture (lots of noise, etc.). With the converter box, you simply won’t know a weak station is even there. You need a strong signal--the converter boxes have a “threshold” effect. With a strong signal, everything looks good. With a weak signal, you get a black screen. So, when you are setting up your converter box and TV, you may want to move your antenna (or Rabbit Ears) around to get the maximum strength signal possible.

For more information on digital TV, connect to this Wikipedia article.
For more information on the TV Converter Box Coupon Program, connect to:  https://www.dtv2009.gov
For an up-to-date list of qualifying products, connect to:  https://www.ntiadtv.gov/cecb_list.cfm