RCA DTA800B1

Experts say that other digital converter boxes have slightly better image quality and slightly stronger tuners, but that when it comes to ease of use, the RCA DTA800B1 is unsurpassed. The biggest plus is the remote control, which has extra-large and well-spaced buttons. The electronic program guide (which RCA calls its channel list) doesn't provide the most information, but it's logical and easy to follow. Both analog pass-through and smart-antenna support are present, though those features are likely to only be of interest to a small percentage of owners. The lack of a widescreen aspect ratio option might be of concern to some users, but reviews say that because most will be pairing this converter with a conventional (non-widescreen) TV, it's really not a major problem. Picture quality and tuner strength are a step short of the best digital TV boxes but still fine. Among other options, the Zenith DTT901 (*est. $60) is nearly -- though not quite -- as easy to use, but it offers a superior tuner and is a solid performer in most other respects.

Among reviewers, CNet.com has the most-comprehensive review of the RCA DTA800B1, and it includes a rating that makes it easy to compare the converter with other options. HDTVExpert includes the converter with a very similar predecessor, the RCA DTA800, in a head-to-head matchup with the Channel Master CM-7000. You can also find professional feedback at Consumer Reports and DTVFiasco.com and user discussion at AVSForum.com and Walmart.com.