Undue

It's getting down to crunch time and I need to choose a converter box soon. Here's my short list with + and - summarys from other reviews that I've seen. This was originall on an excel spreadsheet and a lot prettier so bare with me.

DTVPal Plus
+ TVGOS Channel Menu rocks
+ Pretty cheap with coupon (Less than $15.00 shipped)
+ Better Reception than old DTVPal
- Video Quality is OK
- No S-Video Connection

RCA DTA800B
+ Smart Antenna Option (eh...)
+ Good Reception
+ EPG is Super with a 9 channel "what's on now, what's on next" feature
- No S-Video Connection
- No Zoom options

Channel Master CM-7000
+ Great Reception (can pull in deeper stations)
+ S-Video Connection
- Reviews are mixed about video quality
- EPG Not as good as DTVPal or DTA800B (Only shows programming on current channel)

I've got 20 days until my coupons expire, is there any other boxes I need to add to my list? Which should I go with?

1inxs

The Zenith DTT900 is another good choice. I believe all digital to analog boxes offer good video. Most of us wouldn't see a measurable difference in picture quality. The Zenith does NOT have an S-Video connection, but if your TV has a component video that wouldn't be a factor. The onscreen guide is somewhat limited. The remote control of the of the Zenith is able to control the on/off and volume of your TV, which is a nice feature. In reference to the program guide in the Dish Network DTV Pal. If your local CBS affiliate broadcasts the TVGOS signal the Dish Network Pal Plus has the best program guide. I would make sure the converter box you choose has features you would use. Good Luck and enjoy DTV USA.

DTVuser2009

If you have stations which are hard to pick up avoid the Zenith and it's Insignia twin. the DTVPal+ and Apex models are great with weaker signals esp ones which fluctuate. the Zenith and Insignia (and RCA DTA800) are 'red-zoners' which means if the signal fluctuates or drifts (like during wind) the boxes 'give up' and flag red and give 'no signal' or unwatchable pictures with no audio. they won't retry until they're turned off and back on, which can be very infuriating if the signal fluctuates a lot. even a tiny bit.

As for the 'best' box, IMHO i like the DTVPal+. other than its lack of universal remote (you can use just about any universal remote to make it work with the TV and box, i did) you get a lot more and it's well worth the extra $10.

With the DTVPal+ to program the universal remote you have to use the 'SAT/CBL' and use the codes for a Dish Network Satellite receiver in the code list. go figure.

HTNut

Have to go with the DTVPal Plus, has the "enhanced digital tuner" for better reception, TVGOS, and Event Timer too for recording on your DVR or VCR. Like DTVuser2009 said, the remote sucks, but you can user other universal remotes with it.

Tang

I've found that the Zenith DTT901 - Insignia NS-DXA1 converter boxes are best for fringe reception but the DTVPal Plus has good reception and a better EPG. For me the choice was easy, I live approx. 15 miles from broadcast towers and with the basic EPG of the NS-DXA1, I went with the DTVPal Plus.

Thoughts on the DTVPal Plus
Overall I'm pretty happy, and I'm sure you'll find some complaints about the DTVPal's remote but hey, they pack a couple of alkaline batteries with the Pal which is another plus over other units. The signal meter is a nice and useful feature too which helped me check how well my set of bunny ears works compared to my UHF/VHF RCA powered antenna. On a clear day, I get about 10-15% better reception with the RCA antenna, but last weekend it was stormy so I did another comparison with the Pal Plus and bunny ears and got approx. 20-25% better reception with the RCA antenna. The 8 timers on the Pal Plus is another nice option if you plan to record with a VCR or DVR.

OTA isn't our main source of TV at our condo but I've got a few TVs with NTSC tuners that needed a converter. I'll be making another purchase here at the end of the month, and may buy a different model after I research a bit more (just to see how well other converters perform too). I may try a DTA800B.

1inxs

Tang,
I agree with you. Good informative post. Thanks

Lurker Lee

Where can I find it for < $15 shipped? Too bad Amazon doesn't carry it so I could get free shipping.

Still weighing my options (and my coupons aren't here yet).
Lee

Tang

Thanks for the thanks, and thanks for the recommendation too. I'll probably pull the trigger on the RCA DTA800B soon.

Found a video demo of it on YouTube.

+ YouTube Video

Looks like Undue might be a little off on his estimate of the DTVPal Plus Converter, it's about $25.00 after coupon at solidsignal. Unless he can hook us up with a better deal.

Orrymain

I'm curious too but I just re-ordered my coupons, so I have time to shop around and see what is best. I really appreciate this discussion and the detail. The remote thing doesn't bother me; what's another remote in this crazy world of ours? So, is the agreement basically that the DTVPal Plus is the best?

Undue

Yeah, I was off, Solidsignal looks to be about $25/shipped. Still have 5 days left until my coupons expire, and still undecided.