Dish Network TR-40 CRA

While the Dish Network TR-40 CRA digital converter box is far from perfect, it's currently the best option for use with a VCR or DVD recorder. That's because it includes five event timers, which allow for unattended channel changing between recordings. Digital converter boxes without timers still let you set up VCR recordings, but you have to change channels manually. The Dish Network converter box's EPG is widely hailed as the best of any DTV converter box, but some users report glitches. Picture quality and tuner strength are good but not great. The lack of front-panel controls means you're out of luck if you misplace the remote. You do not need to be a Dish Network subscriber to purchase this DTV converter box. If you don't need timers, the Zenith DTT901 (*est. $60) gets more kudos as a top choice among DTV converter boxes.

CNet.com is among the professional reviewers to weigh in on the Dish Network TR-40 CRA. Its report is detailed and includes ratings so you can compare the digital converter with other options. Consumer Reports also includes the TR-40 CRA in its massive 31-converter roundup. The TR-40 CRA is also the subject of quite a lot of chatter at AVSForum, a busy discussion site about everything home entertainment related, including DTV converter boxes.