Best Digital Converters

Top choices for picture quality and features

Although other DTV converter boxes outperform slightly in terms of image quality or the programming guide, critics and users say that the coupon-eligible Zenith DTT901 (*Est. $60) provides a great balance of performance and features, making it a top choice for many users. The box is manufactured by LG Electronics, which also makes the Insignia NS-DXA1-APT (*Est. $60) for Best Buy. Aside from some cosmetic details, the two boxes are identical.

Peter Putman at HDTVExpert.com says that the tuner is both fast and powerful, and adds that the remote control is one of the best he's seen for a converter, with buttons that are clearly labeled and large enough to be easily used. However, both CNet.com and DTVFiasco.com complain that the remote is on the small side. Though not a universal model, the remote can be used to control most TVs in addition to changing channels on the converter box.

Some DTV converter boxes make adding channels a chore, but not so with the DTT901. You can physically enter channel numbers if you know them, and an EZ-Add feature can tackle the job automatically. There are four aspect-ratio choices, including "set by program," which alters the aspect ratio based on whether the program is standard or high definition. Like all DTV converter boxes, the Zenith DTT901 includes an onscreen EPG (electronic programming guide). CNet.com editors say the EPG is a step behind what's found on more advanced gear, even standard digital cable boxes, but that it's functional.

The Zenith DTT901 digital converter box includes analog pass-through, a feature that makes hooking up the converter to receive both analog and digital TV signals easier. While full-power analog broadcasters will go dark by June 12, analog low-power and translator stations, which provide TV programming to remote areas, are exempt and will remain on the air for at least an additional year or two. After the digital transition occurs, analog pass-through will only be valuable if you receive programming from both full-power and low-power stations.

One feature that's missing from the Zenith DTT901 converter box is smart-antenna compatibility. A smart antenna automatically detects signal direction and mechanically and/or electronically re-aligns itself for the best gain. This can be useful because the nature of digital signals makes it harder to manually point antennas for the best results. However, CNet.com's editors say, "The smart antennas we've seen are so expensive we find it hard to believe it's worth the money for connecting to such a bargain DTV box." The Zenith DTT901 does include an on-screen signal-strength meter that helps calibrate standard antennas to receive the best picture.

While the picture quality of the Zenith DTT901 is very good, it is bested by a few other converters, most notably the Channel Master CM-7000 (*Est. $50). This is one of the few coupon-eligible DTV converter boxes to include an S-video output, and reports from experts and users say that the video watched via that connection is the best of any box. While many analog TVs don't have an S-video input, reports add that picture quality is also top-notch via the more universal composite video connection.

The tuner is the other strong point in the Channel Master CM-7000. Peter Putman compares the CM-7000 digital converter box with the RCA DTA800 (now the RCA DTA800B1) and says that the tuner on the Channel Master box is clearly superior, picking up several stations missed by the RCA DTA800. Putman also compliments the rugged construction of the Channel Master DTV converter.

In terms of features, however, there's a bit missing. There is no analog pass-through, and the box is not smart-antenna compatible (though there is a signal-strength meter). The channel scan feature on the Channel Master CM-7000 is fast, but there's no way to manually add new channels to the guide. The remote control is small and cluttered, and it can't control a TV. Still, many are willing to overlook those shortcomings in exchange for the superior image quality, especially those who have a TV equipped with an S-video input. In addition to strong expert reviews, this DTV converter box is among the favorites of posters at AVSForum.com. However, favorable expert and consumer recommendations might be why this box can be difficult to find.

The Tivax STB-T8 (*Est. $65) is also well regarded. It is among the best digital converter boxes in terms of picture quality, according to one expert review we saw. User reviews are also largely positive, but this model has not been extensively reviewed. You won't find an S-video input on the Tivax, but image quality is excellent via composite A/V -- approaching DVD quality. The only flaw noted is some stretching with downconverted widescreen material. However, reports say that it is minor and won't be noticeable by most viewers; something verified in the user feedback we saw. A nice plus is that composite video/stereo audio cables are included in the box.

Reports say setup is easy, and features and functionality of the Tivax digital converter box are pretty good. You can tune in a channel directly. Scans for new channels don't erase those already stored. There's an onscreen signal-strength meter to help with pointing an antenna for best results. The on-screen guide isn't the most elegant, but it will show the next few hours of programming for the current channel. It offers both analog video pass-through (so you can still get whatever low-power analog channels that may remain available) and a smart antenna input. User reports indicate that the tuner is very good at pulling in channels. Like the Channel Master CM-7000, the Tivax STB-T8 can be hard to find in stores.

We saw mixed reports for the Digital Stream DTX9950 (*Est. $60), which is available primarily from Radio Shack. DTVFiasco.com gives it the highest rating of any digital TV converter box, saying that it's a hair better than the Zenith DTT901/Insignia NS-DXA1-APT on the strength of its easy-to-use remote control and an electronic programming guide that's better than average. Picture quality is called good, but not all reviewers agree with that. One other comparison review rates picture quality as only "acceptable," putting it toward the back of the pack. Performance with standard-definition TV was notably poor, that review says. Additionally, DTVFiasco.com expresses some concern about the amount of heat generated by the Digital Stream DTX9950. Users at AVSForum don't give this digital converter box as much respect as the efforts from Zenith/Insignia and Channel Master discussed above, but they do rate it ahead of much of the rest of the pack. Feedback from owners at RadioShack.com is plentiful, but the overall rating isn't particularly good (3.5 out of five stars).

Portable analog TVs will also need a converter box once the digital transition takes place. The catch is that most converters need AC power to operate. One noteworthy exception is the Winegard RCDT09A (*Est. $65), which can also run from an optional battery pack (*est. $15) or 12-volt cigarette lighter adapter (*est. $15). While needing to tote around a converter, battery pack and possibly an antenna isn't exactly convenient, the RCDT09A should still hold appeal for RV owners, as well as those that like to watch TV in their back yards or while tailgating or camping. It's also great for use in emergencies when AC power goes out.

CNet.com took a look at the Winegard RCDT09A and found it to be a competent -- though not a standout -- performer. Negatives include only a basic programming guide and a small remote that can't be used to control other devices. While some other converters have better picture quality, performance isn't bad in that regard. Tuner quality is about average. The compact size is a plus for a box that's intended to be paired with a portable TV. User reports are limited, but most are impressively positive.

CNet.com editors recommend the RCA DTA800B1 (*Est. $50). Ease of use is the main advantage here; picture quality, while acceptable, is a notch below the best converter boxes. The remote control features large buttons and a logical design. It can control most functions of both the DTV converter box and a TV. "The RCA remote control should be especially appealing to older users and those who want a simple, uncluttered remote control," writes DTVFiasco.com. The electronic programming guide (which RCA calls the channel list) is basic but easy to use. Smart-antenna support is included. Lack of support for widescreen is an issue, but, as CNet points out, most will be using the box with a standard 4:3 (non-widescreen) TV. While reviews note a couple of minor setup snags, RCA has made adding channels easier than in this converter's immediate predecessor. The tuner is good, but the one in the Zenith DTT901 is better.