Digital Converter Boxes: Reviews, Best Digital Converter Boxes

Best digital converter box

This DTV converter box doesn't have the best image quality, the best electronic programming guide (EPG) or the easiest-to-use remote. However, it is close to the best in all three areas, and adds a tuner that is tops for… pulling in stations, often finding ones that other boxes miss. Picture quality is solid and clearly better than what is typically delivered via analog TV. The remote control is on the small side, but it's logically designed and well labeled. Aside from some cosmetic differences, the Insignia NS-DXA1-APT (*est. $60), sold only by Best Buy, is identical. Both converter boxes qualify for the government's coupon program, bringing the cost down to about $20 after the rebate. However, there's a waiting list for acquiring a coupon.

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Expert & User Review Sources:

HDTVExpert.com: HD guru Peter Putman delves into several DTV converter boxes including the Zenith DTT901. This is the most detailed review we ...

CNET: This review isn't quite as detailed as the one found at HDTVExpert, and it seems to be largely an update of the site's earlier ...

ConsumerReports.org: Consumer Reports rates more digital converter boxes than any other reviewer, but it provides less discussion than most. Rankings ...

AVSForum.com: This busy discussion site on everything related to home entertainment includes a forum on digital converter boxes. The Zenith ...

BestBuy.com: The Insignia NS-DXA1-APT (which is identical to the Zenith DTT901) is a clear favorite of the user reviewers of BestBuy.com, ...

Amazon.com: The Zenith DTT901 gets lots of feedback at Amazon.com and is the highest-rated digital converter box on the site. After nearly 60 ...

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Best for use with a VCR

Dish Network TR-40 CRA

*Est. $40 Compare Prices

This Dish Network DTV converter box is one of the best for use with a VCR or DVD recorder. That's because it is one of the few boxes that includes event timers that can switch channels between programs for unattended… recording (other boxes force you to change channels manually). The electronic programming guide is also excellent, according to reviewers, displaying four channels and hours -- and sometimes days -- of programs (some users have reported glitches however). Picture quality is average. This box is also offered as the Dish Network DTVPal (*est. $60), which is identical despite costing $20 more. You do not have to be a Dish Network subscriber to purchase either digital converter box.

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Expert & User Review Sources:

CNET: CNet.com provides the most in-depth review of the Dish Network TR-40 CRA DTV converter. Matthew Moskovciak describes the ...

ConsumerReports.org: Consumer Reports looks at 31 DTV converter boxes in its latest update, including the Dish Network TR-40 CRA. There is some brief ...

AVSForum.com: The Dish Network TR-40 CRA is the subject of quite a lot of discussion -- some of it heated -- at this busy user forum. In fact, ...

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Best converter box for seniors

RCA DTA800B1

*Est. $50 Compare Prices

Simple operation and a large, easy-to-use remote are the hallmarks of this RCA digital converter box. The basic electronic program guide is also easy to follow. Picture quality and the tuner are both at least adequate,… but there are better performers in both regards. This converter box can't display images in widescreen, but because most will be using this box with a standard (non-widescreen) TV, that's not a deal killer.

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Expert & User Review Sources:

CNET: In this review of the RCA DTA800B1, Matthew Moskovciak says that the converter is a relatively solid performer that's ...

HDTVExpert.com: Peter Putman conducts a head-to head comparison of the RCA DTA800 (very similar to the current RCA DTA800B1) and Channel Master ...

ConsumerReports.org: The RCA DTA800B1 is among the 31 DTV converter boxes currently covered by Consumer Reports. Each box gets some brief discussion ...

DTVFiasco.com: Although the editors behind this site are anonymous, and the site isn't as polished as some, a clearly stated ethics policy gives ...

AVSForum.com: The RCA DTA800B1 generates a bit of interest at this popular forum for discussions of anything and everything related to home ...

Walmart.com: The RCA DTA800B1 (and its predecessor models) draws more than 150 user reviews and ratings, and rates a fairly strong four out of ...

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Portable converter box

Winegard RCDT09A

*Est. $65 Compare Prices

While experts say that there are better DTV converter boxes available, the Winegard RCDT09A isn't a bad performer, and it offers a unique feature -- the ability to run from an optional battery pack or a 12-volt cigarette… lighter adapter. That makes the Winegard DTV converter the best option for RV users, as well as for tailgating, camping or just watching TV in the back yard.

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Expert & User Review Sources:

CNET: CNet.com says that the Winegard RCDT09A "wouldn't be our first choice for a standard DTV converter box," but it lauds its added ...

ConsumerReports.org: The Winegard RCDT09A is among the 31 converters currently covered by Consumer Reports. Unfortunately, while other factors are ...

Amazon.com: While there are only five reviews here of the Winegard RCDT09A, they are uniformly positive, with each awarding the digital TV ...

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Buy from
Amazon

for $62.99


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