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DTV converter boxes compare and contrast
With the us government DTV converter program coupons arriving at people's houses, people are having a choice of quite a few brands and
models of set top boxes so they can still receive over the air signal with their TV set after the February 2009 analog TV shutoff date.
let's get to the nitty gritty and discuss the different boxes available now and one available in the near future that may be of intrest to you.
1. the Magnavox TB100MW9
Available at: Wal-mart
Price: $49.87 (after coupon the price comes to $9.87)
features:
Main Function
# Simple EPG
# Downloadable Rating (V-chip 2.0)
# Digital Closed Caption
# Channel Search
Tuner
# ATSC (SDTV-Tuner 480i)
# Channels (2-69CH)
# Direct Tuning
# Channel Up/Down
# Channel Recall
# Channel Auto Store During Wizard Style Set Up
Convenience
# Trilingual On Screen Display (English / Spanish / French)
# Remote Control
Input/Output
# Video Output
# Audio Output (L + R)
# RF In (F-type Connector)
picture of unit:
buzz: This DTV converter box is functional and Reliable, but does not have some functions one may desire out of a DTV tuner, like a remote control that also controls the volume on the TV or buttons on the unit to change the channel or turn the power on without the remote. The lack of buttons might not be an issue if you have a universal remote anyways. This is the Cheapest nationally sold (at brick and mortar stores) DTV converter box as of 3/27/2008.
2. the Insignia NS-DXA1
Available at: Best buy
price:$59.99 ($19.99 after coupon)
features:
Product Features
* Note: Coupon-eligible converter box; coupons can only be redeemed in store
* Compatible with analog TVs with antenna-based broadcast reception
* Converts digital TV broadcast signals to analog TV; displays digital TV at standard-definition (480i) screen resolution
* Supports 4:3 TV aspect modes, including set by program, letterbox, cropped and squeezed; also supports 16:9 aspect modes, including set by program, 4:3, 16:9 and zoom
* 2-channel stereo audio support
* Channel add, channel erase, channel skip, channel auto search, favorite channel and recall channel functions
* On-screen trilingual (English, French and Spanish) menu display; English, French and Spanish audio options
* Parental lock function helps keep children from being exposed to undesirable material
* Other convenience features include electronic programming guide, program information, auto tuning, auto time setup, closed captioning and TV power on/off from remote
* Inputs: 1 RF
* Outputs: 1 composite video, 1 analog audio L/R, 1 RF
* Includes standard remote with AAA batteries, RF/coaxial cable, stereo audio cable and composite video cable
* ENERGY STAR compliant
picture of unit:
buzz: Sold exclusivly at Best buy, and manufactured by LG, The insignia model might cost a little bit more than the bare bones model DTV converter, But this model supports TV functions from the remote, as well as channel up/down buttons on the unit so it can function if you can't find the remote anywhere.
3. The Zenith DTT900
Available at: Circuit city and Radioshack
Price: $59.99 ($19.99 after coupon)
features:
FEATURES
Broadcasting System ATSC
Audio Dolby Digital 2ch Downmix
Video 480i
Aspect Ratio Modes
Channel Add/Erase/Skip
Channel Auto Search
Closed Captioning
Parental Control
Favorite Channel
Flash Back
Program Guide Current/Next (When Available)
MENUS
Language English/Spanish/French
Initial Language English
REAR PANEL INPUTS/OUTPUTS
Composite Video Out 1
Analog L/R Audio Out 1
Terrestrial RF Input 1
RF Module Output 1
SUPPLIED ACCESSORIES
Remote Control Type Universal
A/V Cable (RCA Type) 1
RF Cable (RCA Type) 1
User Manual English/Spanish
Quick Setup Guide English/Spanish
Battery (AAA) 1
SPECIAL FEATURES
Closed Caption On/Off
Auto Power Off
Parental Lock
Channel Add/Delete
POWER
Consumption (Typical) < 8W
Stand-by Consumption < 1W
Energy Star Compliant
Picture of unit:
buzz: Essentially the same unit as the Insignia model available at Best buy, This Zenith model is great for people who want the Insignia's functionality in a different box which some might say is prettier than the Best Buy model. It features a remote that can control TV functions like power and volume and is also available for a small upgrade over the budget models out.
4. The Digital Stream DTX9900
Available at: Radioshack
Price: $59.99
Features:
Remote Control Type: Universal
Supported Languages: English, Spanish
Inputs : 1 x "F" Plug(Antenna in)
Outputs: 1 x "F" Plug(To TV), 1 x RCA(Video), 1 x RCA(Audio)
Simple Universal Remote control
User's guide
Quick Installation guide
RF cable
AAA alkaline batteries (2)
Picture of unit:
buzz: Very close to the features of the Insignia and Zenith models, with a differently designed box and remote, The Digital Stream box sold by Radio shack Has a sleek look to it and boasts "easy to use features" like fast setup and a big button remote for easier surfing. It also has the ability to rescan channels without dropping previously found channels, which is great if you are using a rotor mount antenna to receive channels form different locations (an example would be if you live in central New Jersey and want to receive stations from New York City, and your antenna can turn to Philadelphia or Atlantic City to receive their local broadcasts). If you are thinking about getting a rotor mount antenna, or you have one, this could be the tuner for you.
5. The RCA DTA800
Available at: BSAT's online store
Price: $47.99 ($7.99 after coupon)
Features:
•ATSC-Compliant Digital-to-Analog TV
•converter Box
•Smart Antenna ready
•Built-in RF modulator
•Closed caption
•Auto Channel Scan and Mapping
•Picture Aspect Ratios for 4:3 and 16:9
•Parental Control (V-chip)
•Multi Lingual
•Auto Power off
•Signal quality indication
•Video output signal: NTSC
•ENERGY STAR Compliant with Auto Shutdown
POWER:
•Voltage: AC 120v, 60Hz
VIDEO
•ATSC
•All channel Tuner 2- 69
•Display all DTV formats
•Display all multicast channels
•Display program information (PSIP)
•Closed-captioning for the hearing impaired
AUDIO:
•Audio out L/R Stereo Output
Remote Control:
•TV Universal for 5 Keys
•TV default - RCA TV
INTERFACE/PORTS
•RF Input F connector
•RF Output (CH3/CH4)
•3 x RCA Output
•Analog AV out
•Component out
•Smart Antenna Jack
Picture of unit:
buzz: Boasting a universal remote and a Smart antenna port, The RCA DTV converter box, available online, is great if you have or are planning to use a smart antenna to optimize your tv signal, this is your box to buy.
6. The Artec T3A-PRO
available at: BSAT's online store
Price: $44.99
Features:
•Over-The-Air Terrestrial 8VSB
•Demodulation
•Dolby Digital AC-3 Decoding
•EPG (Electronic Program Guide)
•V-Chip Lock (Parental Controls)
•Close Captioning
•Aspect Ratio 16:9 / 4:3
•Picture Frame Freeze
•Sleep Mode for Power Saving
•Multi-Language Support
•Compact and Stylish Design
•Full Operation by Remote Control
ATSC
•Input Terminal: 75 Ohm Female F Connector
•Receiving Frequency: 57 ~ 861 MHz, Channel 2-69
•Bandwidth: 6 MHZ Demodulator 8VSB
Video
•Video Decoder: MPEG-2
•Aspect Ratio: 16:9 or 4:3
•Input Format: Supports 1080p/1080i/720p/480p/480i
•Video Output: Composite (RCA) out
Audio
•Audio Decoder: Dolby AC-3 2 Channels, •MPEG Audio
Power
•Input Voltage: 12V DC
•Power Consumption: 4W Max
•Power Adapter: Input: 100-240V~0.2A 50-60Hz, Output: 12V, 0.5A
Picture of unit:
Buzz: showing off comparable features to other DTV tuner models including power and channel up/down buttons on the unit, This unit is small, sleek, and can be freat for if you want a low profile box that doesn't look that ugly on top of your TV. It is the most reasonably priced DTV tuner online that lets you use the coupon and after shipping, it is the cheapest if you are buying Two units from the website (shipping runs about 8 dollars for one, 10 for two). if you want value and sleekness, this could be your DTV tuner of choice.
7. the Tivax STB-T9
Available at: the compu parts website
price: $61.99 ($21.99 after coupon)
Features:
Down-convert DTV/HDTV digital broadcast signals to standard definition analog signals
Auto set up
Support EPG
Support V-Chip parental control
Support Closed-Captioning & EAS
Full operation by remote control
Low Power consumption in standby
Dolby Digital
smart antenna connector
composite video and R/L audio
Picture of unit:
buzz: This unit is a little pricier than other models on the market, but It features a nice silver apperance which can match your TV or home entertainment center setup, and it also boasts a smart antenna port for optimized TV reception. It doesn't cost much more than the Best buy or Circuit city models, and has a unique silver finish on it. This unit would be great for you if you wanted to use a smart antenna and you like your home theater setup to have matching colors.
8. The Sansonic FT-300A
Available at:
price: $54.99 ($14.99 with coupon)
Features:
* Receiving and Presenting Audio/Video Formats
Contained in ATSC A / 53E
* Supports 4:3 and 16:9 Video Format
* Process and Display ATSC A/65C Program and
System Information Protocol data
* Receiving RF Channels 2 through 69 inclusive
* Includes a Female 75 ohm F-Type Connector for
VHF / UHF Antenna Input
* Composite Video and Stereo Audio Output
* User-selectable Ch3 or Ch4 NTSC RF Output
* Compliant with ATSC A / 74 Receiver
* Compliant with ATSC A / 74 Receiver
Performance Guidelines
Picture of unit:
buzz: This unit looks like a cable box and it even looks like it has a digital display on the front of the box. This is not confirmed, but We will let you know when we get a confirmation if this has a digital display on the front of it. It has a moderate price and the features look more promising than some of the value boxes, like the Magnoavox from Wal-mart.
9. The MaxMedia MMDTVB03
Available at: convert my TV's webpage
price: $59.99 ($19.99 with coupon)
Features:
* Simple, Sleek and Small
* Designed with the latest DTVB core engine
* V-Chip parental control
* Closed captioning
* Fully functional remote control
* Energy Star Compliant
* Low Power Consumption
* S VIDEO and Composite
* Excellent Picture Quality
* Smart antenna port
Picture of unit:
buzz: one of the most fully featured DTV converter boxes, The Maxmedia DTV converter box supports one unique feature that provides better picture quality, which is S video. Combine that with the smart antenna port on the unit, as well as buttons on the unit for power and channel up/down, This is possibly the best featured DTV converter that is on the market right now. The cost is comparable to those at the brick and Mortar stores and it might just be worth the wait for the shipping from the online retailer it is available from. After all, it's not like Analog TV signals shut off last week.
Also See: All High Definition Television Articles
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