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- Ease of use
- Remote has large buttons
- Simple electronic programming guide (EPG)
- Picture quality not the best
- Tuner slightly less sensitive
- Widescreen displays not supported
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 are still fine. Among other options, the Zenith DTT901 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 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 ConsumerReports.org and DTVFiasco.com and user discussion at AVSForum.com and Walmart.com.
Our Sources
1. CNET
In this review of the RCA DTA800B1, Matthew Moskovciak says that the converter is a relatively solid performer that's exceptionally easy to use. The remote is especially praised for those with vision difficulties.
Review: RCA DTA800B1, Matthew Moskovciak, Sept. 19, 2008
2. HDTVExpert.com
Peter Putman conducts a head-to-head comparison of the RCA DTA800 (very similar to the current RCA DTA800B1) and Channel Master CM-7000 digital converter boxes. The RCA converter box draws kudos for its remote and excellent user interface.
Review: RCA DTA800 and Channel Master CM-7000 Digital TV Converters, Peter Putman, May 9, 2008
The RCA DTA800B1 is among the 31 DTV converter boxes currently covered by ConsumerReports.org. Each box gets some brief discussion and is grouped by relative picture quality, but none is rated.
Review: DTV Converter Box Guide, Editors of ConsumerReports.org, November 2008
4. 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 us confidence in the conclusions presented here. Positives and negatives are clearly spelled out, and testing is well-documented.
Review: RCA DTA800B1 With Analog Pass-Through, Editors of DTVFiasco.com
5. AVSForum.com
The RCA DTA800B1 generates a bit of interest at this popular forum for discussions of anything and everything related to home entertainment technology. Among the useful postings is a head-to-head comparison of the RCA DTA800B1 and the Zenith DTT901.
Review: Coupon Eligible Converter Box (CECB), Contributors to AVSForum.com
6. Walmart.com
The RCA DTA800B1 -- and its predecessor models -- draw more than 150 user reviews and ratings, and rate a fairly strong 4 out of 5 stars. You can also ask questions and get answers from other owners.
Review: RCA Digital TV Converter Box DTA800, Contributors to Walmart.com
