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HTNut (11-24-2009)
Anybody else have a converter box go bad on them?
My converter box just went out on me last night. Make: Magnavox Model: TB110MW9. Guess it isn't a huge deal since my TV has an hd tuner, but I was using the Magnavox for picking up a far off NBC affiliate that the HD tuner couldn't get. Grr. For spending $50 on it, I would have expected it to last at least a couple of years.
The only problem I've ever had with mine (Insignia NS-DXA1) is that it makes a loud noise when it's in standby mode.
My Apex DT-250 has a power supply arc but it's fine
The only box i ever had 'go bad' was a early RCA DTT800 or something. it started as just up and flashing 'no signal' even when the meter was in an acceptable range, then it shut itself off. then i tried to turn it back on, the LED worked but nothing else.
I've read unsubstantiated reports from customers claiming that the lower priced converter boxes have really not stood-up over time, failing at a very high rate compared to better boxes. (This was presented as a reason why manufacturers "shouldn't" have stopped producing converter boxes in great numbers.)
Bummer, Guess I'm lucky I haven't had any converters crap out.(Not yet anyway)Originally Posted by CptlA
What channel are you not seeing on your HD tuner? (WHAG-25 or WBAL-11)
There are several other threads on this topic, including one with troubleshooting tips. My DTS 9550 cooked itself on top of the TV. Getting "quality" replacements is proving to be problematic.
My understanding was that the Magnavox wasn't one of the better choices for converter boxes. Around here, most folks were steering people away from them. At least, that's how my memory is serving me. I don't think any of these are going to last a long time though.
I helped purchase & install about 20 converter boxes. Early on, 3 of the early RCA boxes died. (Power supply?) And two more had occasional lockups. So far those are the only ones.
HTNut (11-24-2009)
This may be a little after the fact, but here's...
Converter Boxs via Consumer Report
which may be helpful.
Have a good Day !
S.W.
Good Golf, good DTV and anything else that makes you HAPPY !
LookUp & Posting Instructions for finding your Free Local TV Channels
General Questionnaire for Over The Air (Free TV) System Installation
TVFool Chart for ZipCode 77033
That was one of my favorite resources while I was searching for a converter box. Comparison of CECB units - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia is also a good comparison website.This may be a little after the fact, but here's...
Converter Boxs via Consumer Report
which may be helpful.
Have a good Day !
S.W.
HTN,
Thanks for the alternate Link !
I had to go find the new link for the CS Report, darn those guys, they keep changing pages over there !
Ya know, I really think I'm going to like it around here. Good well informed people, who don't mind taking an extra step, to help someone out.
Sometimes the simplest of courtesies, make SO much difference, and stuff like that, sets a Website apart from the rest.
I'm glad to be part of this Team.
Have a good Day !
S.W.
Good Golf, good DTV and anything else that makes you HAPPY !
LookUp & Posting Instructions for finding your Free Local TV Channels
General Questionnaire for Over The Air (Free TV) System Installation
TVFool Chart for ZipCode 77033
HTNut (11-24-2009)
I have the same problem, I use a converter box to pickup PBS 57, WCVW. It's broadcasting from the same antenna farm as my other stations, but it has the lowest power of them all, 112kw. My HD tuner will not pick it up. I use a Insignia box and I have a Magnavox box as a spare in the closet.
Chris
N4CCV
My APEX DT250 died
My APEX DT250 only lasted a few months and then died. There were warnings about this devise on Best Buys web site so I should have been warned. But I never have had any electronic devise die as fast as this one. I mean that I have a stereo receiver in my garage that has never been turned off for the last 25 years and it still works. My TV's are all at leasts 9 years old. I have a 1961 volvo that I still drive. The tax payers wasted their coupon dollars on this piece of junk.
The weak points on the Apex DT-250 are bad quality power supply transformers (which emit a squeal or whine when getting ready to pop, from a 'arc' within windings inside. it's a very tiny xformer which i think you could easily replace with a soldering gun)
The other weak point is the 'ant in' and 'tv out' jacks breaking off inside the tuner. that happened to the 'ant in' port and i have to twist it every once in awhile due to it being stripped from the tuner and connecting in one place. a couple 'nuts' used to hold the jacks on a switch plate can fix it though before it breaks. it's the only CECB that doesn't have those tiny nuts to secure those jacks onto the box itself.
I heard the early versions of the Magnavox CECB are terrible, but the TB110MW9 is an upgraded version and seems to work fine, and even picks up what the DTVPal couldn't. it's got a reliable tuner which can hold a steady picture with a signal as low as 18-20% which most boxes give up at.
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