Channel Master CM-7000

Experts and users are unanimous in saying that the Channel Master CM-7000 delivers one of the best pictures of any digital converter box. It is one of the few converter boxes that offer an S-video output, but that's only useful if your TV is capable of accepting video in that connector. Video is also excellent over the standard composite video connection. However, features are limited. Neither analog pass-through nor smart-antenna support is provided, though those features will be of interest to relatively few digital converter box users. A small and cluttered remote control is liable to be a bigger concern for most. Although a current model, the box can be hard to find. If ease of use is most important, most experts point to the RCA DTT801B1 (*est. $50) as an excellent choice, especially for seniors. The Zenith DTT901 (*est. $60) is also hailed as a good all-around performer.

Consumer Reports includes the Channel Master CM-7000 in its current roundup of digital converter boxes, which at 24 models is the most comprehensive we've found. HDTVExpert.com doesn't review nearly as many DTV converter boxes, but its review is comparative and detailed. Lots of users at AVSForum have weighed in with their opinions on this Channel Master DTV converter box as well.