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Customers most agreed on the following attributes:
i need the converter box.i do't know if it will work for my old cable ready tv's.
The Digital Stream DTX9900 converter box works great. We use an antenna, and now get 33 stations instead of the 9 that we received before, and they come in with great clarity. Unlike several reviews which claim that one can only record with a VCR by using the instant recording method, and not by the timer method, one can use the timer quite successfully. You have to keep the converter box on when you record, and you have to tune your VCR to channel 3 (or 4, depending on your location). You do not have to leave your TV on, but it must be tuned to the channel you wish to record), and it is tuned through the converter box channel selector - the TV is always set at channel 3 or 4 and you use the channel selector on the converter box to enter the channel you wish to watch or record. Do not use the TV remote to select channels, other than channel 3 or 4, so that it can receive signals from your converter box and VCR. Use the same setting (3 or 4) that you set your TV to for tuning the converter box. For example, if you wish to record channel 9, have that channel on the TV that you are watching, but always enter channel 3 or 4 on the VCR when you select your channel. That is your pass through channel that allows the VCR to access your TV.
One additional caveat: you have to go into your converter box MENU and settings to cut OFF the automatic power cut off for the converter box. It is preset to cut off after 2, 4, or 8 hours, so that it doesn't use up energy if you fail to cut it off when you finish watching your TV program. You can easily disenable this through your MENU selector. Otherwise, if you wish to record a program 6 hours hence, and your factory preset it at 4 hour cutoff, as mine was, it won't record. Remember, the converter box must be ON in order to record. When the time to record is reached, it will not cut on your converter box if it is off.
Use the FCC website which has clear instructions on how to set up the system and how to record with a VCR. The one defect of the instruction manual that comes with the Digital Stream is that it did not explain how to record by using your VCR. It only shows you how to connect the converter box to your TV. So check the FCC website: "Setting up your digital-to-analog converter box with a VCR". It is very clearly written and it tells you all you need to know to record with your VCR.
If you want to watch one channel and record another, you need a second converter box, and that setup is much more complicated. The FCC instructions mentioned above contain diagrams explaining both setups.
ONLY 30 DAY WARRANTY. I WAS 5 DAYS OVER THE WARRANTY BEFORE RETURNING WITH LUCK ON RETURNING.
POOR PURCHASE. ADVISED DTV2009.GOV OF THIS SITUATON. I THINK THIS IS A RIP OFF!
Have purchased several for an elderly anut. One was flawed, received wrong control (was informed by Radio Shack, when I took it back and ordered an additional one) and only would receive two channels. Reception is fine on the others, at times ("weak signal"). Reception is vey good on the channels that are received, inhanced, clear picture and sound. [...]The other converters did receive more channels than that are normally received! It appears that I would wait for the complete conversion in 2009 to truly give an accurate and honest rating of the product. [...]Yes, the converter box may need some adjustment. But it seems to be a good product.
from Austin, TX on 8/29/2008
So, we got two of these about 4 months ago and one is apparently unable to receive a decent signal anymore
While verifying that the box was the issue rather than an antenna, I was putting it in the position as the other box and when I was pulling the cord out of the back of the TV, the wire came out, but the part wrapping the wire (goes around the screw that the antenna would go onto) didn't follow.
Very disappointing.
It's good while it works, but really, neither lasted very long.
It's still under warranty, so I can only hope they have decent service.
I use a regular antena(Rabit ears),but if you want to buy a new one I recomend the Zenith HD antena. You can hook the box up to your VSR too. The picture is so much better and NO Static! I like The EPG. The TV remote is usefull and easy to program. Fav. saves all Your favorite chanels. The menu is simple and strait forward. If you want to watch good old analog you press the A/D Button and Change chanels With your OLD remote, minor flaw. The power Button on the box only works when you hold it down. The Box gets relly hot and When it gets heated up it afects the picture, so check temp before agusting the antenna; I wouldn't Leave it on all day either. becase of this I would only buy the box if it go's in the open.
from Perkiomenville, PA on 8/27/2008
[...] I perform the simply setup and tells me no signal. I move the box to another set and the same problem.The menu system is very initutive and easy to get around, I quickly found that the Signal Strength was 0. This did give me a perfect chance to check out the analog pass through signal. I turned the box off and all my old channels came back.I will return this unit [...] It looks like a good box, remote and menu setup, just watch out for the defective boxes.Hope to update my progress.
from cincinnati,oh on 8/25/2008
I have 2 units: a Zenith and a Digital Stream.They both have the same features, thought the Zenith (or Insignia in other strores) seems to be a little more refined when using the screen setup but the remote for Digital Stream is less flimsy.The first Digital stream unit I got [...] was defective and it received only a few stations, but the second unit I exchanged it for free fixed the problems.
from Mustang, OK on 8/17/2008
I purchased the Zenith DTT900 early this year and was quite pleased... excellent reception, strong steady picture, easy menu, simple remote, simple setup and easy to edit settings.Several months later I returned to the same store in Yukon, Oklahoma to purchase another one. I was told by the sales associate that the Zenith DTT900 was no longer in production [...]Several days after purchasing the DTX900, I was disappointed with its performance and decided to check with other Metro RS stores and guess what, two still had the Zenith still in stock.The Zenith DTT901 is an improved version of the DTT900 [...]
from San Francisco, CA on 8/14/2008
This is a review of the slightly updated DTX-9950 rather than the DTX-9900. Even though I had two coupons, I only bought one of these first to check out how well it works. Actually my local Radio Shack doesn't have any in stock, so they ordered it for me. Setup was very easy; just connect antenna, connect to TV using either the F jack or the RCA jacks (which is what I used) and then go into the menu to scan for the channels. With an amplified antenna, I was able to get all the local stations. The universal remote seems to lose your setting when the battery gets very low, so you might have to program it for you TV again. It would be nice to be able to turn on/off the converter box and TV with the push of one button instead of relying on the power buttons for both devices to turn on/off. The remote can't operate at as wide an angle as my TV remote-->so you've to point your remote toward the DTV box in order for the box to receive your signal (it could also be that the receiver in the DTV box might be recessed a bit?). The reception strength on this converter box is better than either of the two HDTV tuners that I have in my computers, though I can get 1080p on my tuner, whereas with all these CECB's, the output is limited to 480i...
I have 2 of these units, one is used on a 13 inch Sony TV, and the other is used on a 32 inch Panasonic. I strongly recommend this converter box to be used on any TV set that needs upgrade to DTV because it works really well without any problems. The user interface of this converter box is simply user-friendly, containing simple steps for any programming. A meter for reception tells you how to position your antenna for the best quality even though any reception besides no reception still works. I also read many reviews and seen many tests on this converter box comparing it with others and its quality bests over the rest (without any exaggerations).
The on line manual does not give the information needed should you misplace the one that came in the box. Radio Shack needs to correct this problem...
[1 of 2 customers found this review helpful]
from KCMO on 7/30/2008
Don't blame the box, your ANTENNA and where it points matters. Box can only handle what you can ANTENNA feed it. Help is on ANTENNA WEB site get pointed right and BOX is wonderful!! Correct direction and type with box and SDTV is wonderful. Most complaining sounds like ones who don't understand digital is not analog ways friendly, change your ways!
The installation took about 10 minutes to disconnect the antenna from the back of the TV, reconnect into the converter box, and run the cable from the box to the TV. Very Simple.
I was able to enter to codes supplied in the manual to allow the converter box remote to control the TV audio and the power. The set-up wizzard that pops up on the screen the first time the box is turned on accurately guides you through the set-up process. We now get several more PBS channels than before plus a few more network options.
I would highly recommend this converter box to anyone.
from El Cerrito, CA on 7/28/2008
I've had it a month and a half. I bought it with the $40 coupon and made sure that when the clerk ordered the box for me I could take it back if I needed to without any issues.
Set up was easy, I'm not any kind of engineer but was able to hook it up without bothering with the included instructions. It improved the quality of the pictures for the channels I get. Even with Rabbit Ears, I don't get much to start with. The important thing is that I get the channels that I want and that they come in clearly. The Plus is the extra channels that came with it.
It's nothing special, it's not going to solve any major or minor problems outside of the digital analog issue.
The only problem is that the dvd player won't work unless I plug it into the switcher box and plug the digital box into the switcher. That's it. My one complaint.
from Villa Park, Illinois on 7/28/2008
Unit pulls in stations very well. Don't blame the unit if your picture isn't good. Get a good antenna! Set up was a piece of cake. The remote controls the TV power and volume which is very convenient.
The ZOOM button on the remote lets you change aspect ratios, which is great because not all broadcasts will fit your screen exactly. If you have a wide screen TV or a regular CRT TV then you will appreciate this button. The remote is set up well and easy to use. I recommend using the RCA jacks to connect to the TV instead of the RF connector. The picture improves immensely with the RCA jack connectors. I would highly recommend this unit so much so that I am going to buy another one with the pass through feature.
I followed directions in user manual for 2 units on 2 TVs. On one TV it worked OK for 1 night then quit. Remote never did work even with fresh batteries. On the 2nd TV, when I turned it on, all I got was static and digital noise. No picture. I had the cables connected like the manual showed. The remote on the 2nd TV never did work, not even Off/On. I don't know what to do next.
from Washington, DC on 7/24/2008
The Source button on the Remote Control Device is null and void. I spoke with a Technical person @ Digital Stream and he told me that the jacks in the back were output, if "u" going to connect your DVD or VCR to the box then the jacks MUST be input.
Some of the Radio Shack employees in the Northwest section of Washington, DC appear to be puzzle when I inform them of this flaw.
I hope Digital Stream's lastes version has all the kinks out.
I would like to add to the previous review. When I mentioned 9, I meant channel 9,but I did a rescan today and channel 9 matter of fact (2)channel 9's came thru, one being the weather station. I also didn't mention and should have that I'm able to control my volume from the converter remote. I turn the regular tv up and then I can turn the volume up or down with the converter remote. As you see I changed by ratings to 5 stars because now all channels are showing plus many more. I doubled my channels plus a few more. So give this a try. This is the kind of product, at least for me if vouchers wasn't involved I would still have brought it but on the other hand, the vouchers helped. So for some readers who were not pleased, try rescanning and you may have to re-adjust you antenna but not by much. Naturally, I can't turn off the tv with this remote but who cares.
I'm very satisfied. I have 5 tv's in 5 rooms including the kitchen. A 13" in the kitchen, haven't hooked that one up yet to a receiver but I will be getting another one when I can get another voucher. I had got the 1st one and was going to get another one at a later date at another retailer so I would have something to compare. Well, after I hooked up that one I was impressed. I am very satisfied. I am getting 9 from time to time more not then do but I have found out that in some cases, all you have to do is adjust your rabbit ears antena and you've got a perfect picture.I do hope by Feb I can get 9 with no problem. If not I can either do without it or get a more expensive one and hope for the best. I can get (CW) which I couldn't before clearly. I was missing SMALLVILLE which is one of my favorite shows. Now it and many others come thru. I have went from 8 channels to 18. It may have to do with where one is located. By the way, I went back to Radio Shack to get another one but the store clerk said someone gave him a voucher to give to someone who may need it, they only needed one. Well, guess what? I guess I was there at the right time because before he knew I had one he offered me the voucher which I appreciated and then I was able to get two more instead of the one.I hooked the other two up. I don't need to make a comparison with another receiver, the only thing I can say is that I'm smiling like a kid on a toy shopping spree. I hate that some people had a bad experience with theirs and are dissatisfied with the product. It really may have something to do with location but I AM VERY SATISFIED.
The directions assume too much for the average person. Non-tech savvy people will have trouble navigating the menu assuming they can get the menu on the screen.
Maybe I purchased a dud. My unit is very sensitive to signal strength and rotary antenna has to be adjusted much more frequently than should be. Also buttons on remote control react too quickly which is probably a typical example of switch bounce. I thought this was best Digital Stream could do, so I put it back in box and went back to analog and will try it again in Feb. 09. In meantime I used my other coupon and purchased a RCA unit at a cheaper price from a popular box store. I was surprised at how well it performed and it's design features. This experience told me I probably had a dud from Digital Stream/Radio Shack but by this time my 30 day satisfaction guarantee had expired. A good example of corporate "got you" in the rush to get products on the market and retrieve those government coupons.
It gets better digital reception than the built-in digital receiver in my Sharp Aquos TV forked off the same antenna. I thought the Universal TV controller part wouldn't work, but I kept trying. Sometimes, for some of the 150 universal presets, it was able to shut off the TV, but still couldn't control volume. But I kept trying to find the right code set by clicking 150 times with the up arrow, then 30 times back with the down arrow until I found the correct code for my junky Phillips TV. Woohoo!
After 2 weeks, the converter power on light (green) started to flicker and change to red after a minute or two of turning the unit on. It was still working for a week (receiving stations), but soon after the reception became erratic, sometimes dropping the signal completely for no apparent reason. Piece of junk!
I bought this too early before I found out about the Zeniths. I am told DTV converters are all the same, but I bought a Zenith too and it is much better. I am waiting to exchange as soon as RS gets more...
Works great in the Metro Atlanta area, pulls in over two dozen channels/subchannels, all crystal clear. I have an omni-directional HDTV antenna mounted in the attic which feeds the signal thru a splitter to the cable outlets in each room. The unit was very easy to program right out of the box. I had it up and runnning within 5 mins. I like the features such as the program guide, aspect ratio switching, signal strength meter, etc. I have it running through a DVD/VCR player. It supplies a strong signal to the TV even with the player turned off. The VCR tapes from it just fine. Only con (minor one) is that it was a little tricky to program the remote to control the TV at first, but after a few trys I finally figured it out and now it controls the TV just fine (although only the bare basics of power and volume control plus video source switching, but that's about all I ever use anyway). I like it so far after about a month of use...will probably get two more for my other analog TVs.
from Pembroke Pines, Florida on 7/9/2008
This is an excellent converter box, one of the best on the market. These people who give it a bad rating (especially "The Ambassador of Technology in west Hollywood, FL.") don't have a clue what they are talking about. Installation is SIMPLE, just install it in between your antenna and your TV. I live in Pembroke Pines, FL, just one mile from west Hollywood, and with a run of the mill amplified rabbit ear antenna I get over thirty channels perfectly, just as good as cable without the bill. The remote WILL control the TV (on/off, input selection and volume) there are 150 TV codes programmed into the remote so you may have to be patient scanning through them to find the one for your TV but with 150 manufacturers codes the chances are that it will work on yours. The electronic program guide is also very good but the results are only as good as what the TV station chooses to send, some stations send nothing at all but that is not the fault of the converter. Hopefully this will improve as we get closer to February 2009. I chose the Digital Stream converter over the others on the market because it has the most features and has received excellent reviews. I would recommend this converter to anyone, and don't wait until 2009. Almost all TV stations are transmitting in digital already and it so much better than analog, why not enjoy it now?
from nashville,Tn. on 7/5/2008
I have two converters ... One digital stream and one radio shack brand I like the digital stream best they both work I like the features and the remote on the digital stream the best ....
from Detroit Metro Area on 7/3/2008
Use it with a 1998 Sony TV designed for fringe area reception, a Sony VCR from around the same era, a Terk55 antenna mounted about a foot from the ceiling and facing east to an 8 foot doorwall. Input goes through the VCR.
Reception is better for both digital and analog stations than it was without this converter. That may be partly because the Terk55 works as both a digital and an analog antenna.
Why analog pass through? Those of us in Northern border states are used to getting Canadian TV stations. In Detroit the primary one is channel 9. With this gizmo, channel 9 comes through better than it ever has.
It would be nice if there were a way to program the remote to control the TV. If there is, nothing that came with this gives any indication of it.
I bought this using my first DTV coupon card. The program menus are better than some and set-ups are OK and user friendly. Some minor menu details could be improved. In an urban setting with basic rabbit ears, signal strength was adequate, however some pixelization does occur. I also have an Echostar/Dish network "DTV Pal" that has better guides and event timers, but no provisions for powering on/off the TV with the DTV remote. Reception performance was about the same. More and better performing coupon eligible boxes are showing up. Read reviews if you can before you buy.
I beg of any: do not buy this "converter box!" I am a tech wiz and this is the worst piece of tech-
nology I have ever seen!! Even with the most expensive, reliable antenna, this converter box loses signal very easily, cheaply builted, and will not last; even after 2/17/09. Take my advice into consideration: do NOT buy. It's a waste of time, money and, if possesed, a coupon.
from Atlanta, Georgia on 7/1/2008
Hooked up this unit, and got a whopping 25 channels as compared to the 9 through regular analog. Will have to do a TV/Channel scan again to get a missing channel.
Amplified antenna works well, but the box can be finicky on reception with 1 channel.
Bought two for my mom - will test the other to ensure they work.
This box DOES HAVE PASS-THROUGH. It has to be turned off, or you must use the A/D button to activate. Tested this mode, works fine.
I have this unit hooked up to me DVD Recorder through the A/V connections.
I am using a splitter between tv and recorder. So far, so good.
The converter box is so easy to set up.I could not believe how wonderful the picture quality is.I was suprised that some people have given a bad review.I guess some people just don't know how to hook up the box correctly and program the channels.The instructions are so simple my young grandson could hook it up.
from Lakebay, WA on 6/28/2008
Don't buy this product because not only did mine not receive any channels whatsoever but when I took it back to Radio Shack the clerks refused to give me back my $40 coupon. By contrast the digital converter I bought from another store with my second coupon works very well and it was less expensive.
Be advised that my VCR won't tape with this box, despite following all the directions I can find. [...]I'd advise you to spd.end a few dollars more for a converter box at a store [...]
from Belmont, MA on 6/24/2008
Location....Belmont, MA..first floor of a 2 floor brick building...
I purchased the Digital Stream DTX9900 for use with my kitchen tv, a Realistic 5 1/2" portable color tv/monitor(purchased 1989. Connected them using the A/V cable. Yellow(video) and Red(Audio)....The tv is mono. Antenna.....I experimented with a DB4, a DB2, and a homemade loop antenna connected to a balun and 3 foot rg6 cable.....all were setup indoors(in the kitchen). The DB4 and the DB2 received 18 channels. The 7" galvanized wire loop/cable picked up 22 channels. Signal levels were about the same on all....70 or 80 or better. The input sensitivity was more than acceptable. The Channelmaster amp (@20db) I tried made no difference. The audio was good(mono). I could hook it up to a set of powered computer speakers or stereo system if need be. All functions worked well. The EPG is excellent, especially when compared to other product presently available. Overall, the DTX9900 is a good unit. Rather than complain about what I would like to see done differently, I just play with the 9900, learn how it operates, learn the "shortcut" pushbuttons and enjoy it. It does what it is supposed to do very well. It will not work with the "rabbit ear" type antenna.....but....it will work with the (homemade)UHF (loop) type antenna. So before you buy the bright and shiny "PLASTIC" HDTV antenna, try your old vintage uhf/vhf (LOOP/not rabbit ears)antenna. I do admit that I got lucky with the loop antenna. In many cases, your location, distance from the xmitter, and signal blockers(the weather-buildings-trees-walls-metal surfaces) are significant elements when considering dtv reception. A good outside antenna is better than the best inside antenna. I would recommend this unit. It worked well for me. Just keep in mind that your location/ antenna may/will effect your reception. ENJOY.....
I have had problems with the remote. The response I would expect is not there. Sadly I used my two coupons and have no recourse to return and use coupon on another model. I would NOT recommend this unit.
This is one of the worst devices that I have encountered. Poor design and video quality
from Earth, Milky Way Galaxy on 6/17/2008
I bought this from radio shack at the mall. When i went in there, i asked for the RCA converter box. the person behind the register got the digital stream one out, and said it was the only one they had. i took it, but worried about it having problems with it being my first d.s. product. but let me tell you, this is a great product. the small design fits perfectly with my other a/v devices. the remote is easy to use, and is nice and small. the analog pass-thru is a great feature, which works good 'til 2/17/09.
The setup was easy, and even a 5 year old can do it. Just get a good antenna, because my $75 RCA HDTV antenna struggle with some channels. I will fix that my buying a better outdoor antenna. Buy this, you won't be disappointed. Just remember the composite ports on the back of the dtv box are to hook to your tv for better quality, NOT for hooking up a dvd player or digital camera.
On stations with a strong signal the picture is clear, but occasional pixelation occurs. On stations with weak signal, pixelation happens more frequently and sometimes the picture freezes. Overall, the picture is better than with analog signal. The audio has an unpleasant characteristic that is hard to describe (compared to the audio with an analog signal). The audio occasionally drops out on stations with a strong signal, and that happens more frequently on stations with a weak signal. Overall, the audio is better with the analog signal. The most frustrating thing about this converter is that when I go to a station that has a weak signal, the converter does not respond to any commands from the remote control. Therefore, I can't change the channel, or turn down the volume even though the picture is just swirling pixels and the audio is just grating noise. I can turn the converter off with the switch on the converter, but when I turn it back on, I get the same weak station. I can only get rid of it by enduring the noise for about 20 seconds at which time the converter changes to another station automatically. It also takes commands for stations as suggestions. For example, if I hit 5, it displays 5 on the screen for a couple of seconds, then changes it to 49 and then gives me channel 49. If I hit 31, it displays 31 for a few seconds, then changes it to 11, and then gives me channel 11. This is the only converter I have used and I don't know if they all have these problems.
So I guess I am torn as I have not tried any units made by other companies. Basically I was sold the box (using the givernment program card) but still had to buy an HD antenna from Radio Shack. Either the unit sucks or the antenna sucks...I wasn't sure which one so I am posting on both. I live dead in the heart of Memphis just a few miles from all of the major TV stations and their antennas. I have to constantly adjust the antenna when I switch stations and never get much better than a minimal signal. If this is the future...lord help us all. Oh and the recever box and antenna are UGLY...but if they worked better I could get past the aesthetics issue.
I live in a valley 30 miles South of Lynchburg, VA
I have a 1980 Radio Shack Color Eagle II [185 mile range] UHF/VHF antenna connected to a 1980 R/S Rotor. With the aid of the D/S automatic station programmer, I have logged 74 channels from Staunton, VA to Newport News/Norfork, VA. Also from Greensboro, NC to Raliegh, NC. I wonder what stations I would find if I had the new Color Eagle antenna? I also have a R/S 120 mile range antenna on a R/S rotor that can pick up some stations that the Big One cannot!
With the Digital Stream Remote, You Control the TV. Other DTV boxes let the TV Control You!
[0 of 1 customers found this review helpful]
from canonsburg pa on 6/14/2008
works hreat with rooftop antaena
got this box yesterday. is going back tomorrow. only brought in two channels well, rest had scrambled picture. every channel had a different volume. when you used the analog pass thru you had to go back and use remote that came with tv. I can understand when you shut the box off...but when you used the A/D button, you should be able to use the converter remote. converter box remote could not be used once you went to analog.
Ok Box does not pass though analog nor does it state that it will.
Next: Box comes preset to auto shut off after four hours if you simply go into the menu you can shut this off..
The remote control included WILL work with most TV's.
The AV jacks on the back of this box are OUTPUTS not to be confused with a place to plug in your DVD or VCR.
Box MUST be programmed in order to recieve any stations. If you get break up of signal etc. you may need a better antenna.
[1 of 1 customers found this review helpful]
i hooked it up & it said weak signal. later, i bought one by Zenith & that one worked with no problems. i returned this one [...]
[5 of 5 customers found this review helpful]
from Knoxville TN on 6/11/2008
PLEASE READ THIS! As you read through the reviews on this product you will see that many people give it low ratings and say it does not work. Unfortunately what these reviewers fail to understand is that digital TV signals work very differently from conventional signals and in many cases it is necessary to use a different type of antenna in order to pick them up. Anyone who complains "I used to get a channel and now I get nothing" fails to acknowledge that this is NOT a result of the Digital Stream converter being a bad product, but merely the fact that they are trying to pick up the new technology on an old antenna. The truth is unless you live within a relatively short distance of the television transmitter itself (several miles), an old fashioned set of "rabbit ears" sitting on top of the TV is probably not good enough to do the job. For one thing, most of the new digital signals are on UHF channels, even if the channel number is a low VHF number. Rabbit ears do not pick up UHF. Adding a simple "loop" or "bow tie" UHF antenna to the ears could make a world of difference. And if not there are numerous outdoor antennas that are reasonably priced and not entirely unattractive. If you live way out in the country I can almost guarantee you'll need an outdoor antenna. But please, don't blame the converter box if you don't understand the technology. You need a UHF antenna and a strong enough signal to work with. I have had this converter for two months and it an excellent product with great features. I understand the technology from personal experience in the broadcasting industry. Thanks.
I get 6 channels with a basic in-house antenna, with this I get 3, all ETV channels, nothing else.
We have used two boxes for about 6 weeks, and we are generally very satisfied. In the Detroit area, our reception went from 8 poor-quality analog channels to 15 mostly high-quality, high-content digital channels and subchannels. We currently don't have cable, but when we sign up (soon), I will A/B the digital broadcast signal with the cable so we are sure to have access to the new, specialized subchannels.
Box setup was easy, and channel acquisition a no-brainer. The only exception was the universal remote. It's awkward not to be able to directly enter numeric codes for the various TV brands, which is how every other universal remote I've seen does it. This isn't necessarily a job-stopper, but be ready for it. One issue we've had that makes this quirk more of a pain: one of the remotes has inexplicably lost its TV program three times now. We haven't connected it with any event, or any action on our part-- one moment the remote controls the TV, the next moment it doesn't. Then the batteries have to come out to make the remote lose its mind, and the awkward programming process gets repeated.
Aside from this, the converters work great. I would like to see less filtering on the signal strength meter, so the results of antenna tuning can be seen sooner. As it is, we have to change the antenna in small increments and wait for a while until the meter settles down. This isn't needed often, though. Signal strength in our area is usually good. Now, if only the CBC in Windsor would go digital so I can watch "Hockey Night in Canada" next year....
from Kissimmee, FL. on 6/7/2008
This unit actually pulls in more channels than the one DTV we have. It's gets the regular channels a lot clearer than the big DTV.
If you have trouble running the setup wizard,connect your converter box to the TV and run your TV's original auto channel. Then go to channel 3/4 and run the setup wizard's auto channel.This should fix the problem. The reception with my rabbit ears was very weak so I bought Radio Shacks Amplified VHF/UHF/HDTV, with automatic adjustment by remote control, for about [$]bucks. It is well worth the money.
We have two different brands of converter boxes and so far this one works the best (magnavox and digital stream). Both work good but the Digital Stream pulls in more channels, signal meter is easier to use, lay out of the EPG shows the next few hours of shows on one screen, if you misplace the remote you can still change the channels on the box (even though the control is on the top of the box which could be inconvenient for some), the best feature for me is that the remote will also control most t.v.'s power and volume.
I am basing my review off of an 8 year old t.v. and a new indoor 22dB amplifier antenna from Radio Shack. The picture and sound are just fine, no problems. In my case I connected with an Audio/Video cable for the best picture and an RF cable for the sound.
I do not have anything negative to say. It was a nice step up from the magnavox brand.
[1 of 4 customers found this review helpful]
This is nothing more than a piece of junk. Don't waste your money or your coupon. This piece of garbage works on just a few channels - less than i get with analog. PBS in my area has four digital channels, this box didn't even pick up one. DON'T WASTE YOUR MONEY!!!!
[2 of 2 customers found this review helpful]
I receive "Off the air". I searched many hours comparing features of these creatures. Due to one of a very limited "coupon authorized" models with universal remote and tv volume control, I merely went to the lcoal Radio Shack for this model. Only drawback for starters, not mentioned in the manual, screen starts with "weak (NO) signal" Rechecked all the cables and finally pressed the "Menu" button and was on my way. Could not be easier. Was fully working in about 4 minutes. Even my two large HDTV's do not have "Electronic Program Guide" with "Program Info" for each. My wife wants to save all the decent analog TV's and buy more of these units @ [$]. Sure the HD is great for the relaxed watching but for the utility, i.e. kitchen, guest room, work room etc, we don't need to see the HD sharpness of the Bee's knees and stuff. The "Zoom" mode gives full screen format with no loss of scene that I can see. Also, small enough that I just velcroed the unit to the side of the TV. Neat.
[2 of 2 customers found this review helpful]
We use to get in ABC and KCAL, now we don't get those, but KVCR only. I can only watch so much PBS.
It seems like it needs to be stronger in catching the signals. I know ABC and KCAL have gone digital already so that is not the case.
Similar interface and performance as the other boxes I tried in this price range (Zenith and Insignia), but the remote control is more ergonomic and it controls both the TV volume and the on/off. I especially looked for this feature, because it makes no sense to have to go around with two remotes to control the TV volume (other boxes allow volume control through the box, as this one also does, but one has to max the volume of the TV and tolerate the associated hissing, which is pretty silly). The only feature missing that the other two had is the display of the channel number in the front (this box only has a minimalistic red/green LED).
Great little unit, video quality challenges satellite reception. I cannot find anywhere online if it has the Smart Antenna feature, however it sure works like it does! I'm located between 2 transmitter locations & with my old (25 yrs) antenna the stations that it isn't pointed at were always giving ghost images. With this box all stations front & rear (antenna reference) give a beautiful picture.
I was going to wait on the analog pass through models before buying a 2nd converter, however I'm so pleased with this one I'll probably get another one like this model. I can work around the pass through with a splitter on the analog input.
[1 of 2 customers found this review helpful]
from Chiago,IL on 6/1/2008
the product can never pick up a signal no matter what t.v. i hook it up to.and after taking the batteries out once,the remote doesnt even work
[1 of 2 customers found this review helpful]
I noticed a diminished video quality compared to the analog signal I have.I use an outdoor antenna(57").
This does not have a universal remote,and the universal I have(prior)does not support this box.
Another issue is there is no stereo signal sent through the co-ax cable.
[0 of 1 customers found this review helpful]