Finding the best DTV converter box
Posted on May 30th, 2008 – 3:35 PMBy Randy A. Salas
Many readers have contacted me to ask which converter boxes are the best for the federally mandated switch to digital TV on Feb. 17.
Bryan Morrison’s recent e-mail is typical:
I have been watching for your comments/recommendations on different brand converter boxes for the TV when Feb 2009 rolls around. Hopefully I haven’t missed them or better yet do you have any comments/recommendations to offer me (the consumer) now?
Actually, I’m not planning to compare the various converter boxes that have been approved for the government’s voucher program, for three reasons: (1) I don’t have an analog TV that receives over-the-air signals — the only setup affected by the transition — so I can’t easily test the boxes. (2) Most of the boxes are just basic devices that do one main thing: convert digital TV signals to analog for older TVs. There aren’t many extras at their price point, $10 to $30 after using a government voucher. (3) Most stores carry only one, maybe two models. There’s not a lot of shopping around to be done, unless you drive around a lot or want to order online.
But now that the converter boxes have been available for a few months, various comparisons of the models have popped up online. Here are some of them (click on each entry to go to that site):
- CNET Reviews: “Which (nearly) free DTV converter box should I buy?”
- Free Electron Labs: “Coupon Eligible Converter Box (CECB)/DTV converter comparison”
- Wikipedia: “Comparison of CECB units”
- High Def Forum: “Any new info on the best converter boxes?”
As far as online retailers, WatchDigitalTV.com tested many of the models available and sells only the few that passed muster. Solid Signal has probably the largest selection of converter boxes. Both have knowledgeable sales staffs.
Although I won’t be evaluting the converter boxes myself, I hope these resources prove to be useful.
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