cowboyup4christ

Jay

Nice, an "HD" Converter box for less than $60. Can't use the dtv coupon with it though. I like the fact that it has an HDMI and Componenet output too, they obviously were doing their homework when they designed that model.

Dennis

I have one, and I like it. The digital out works well, and will decode 5.1 audio, although I prefer its PCM digital out and let my HTIB do the decoding. I use the S-Video out, but it also has component, composite, RF, and HDMI outputs. The remote has a 'learning' ability to replace your TV's remote, so will learn power, channel, and volume. It does have some weird issues, like occasionally the audio will get out of sync with the video when using the optical out, but that is reset by power off/on, and I occasionally see some artifacts (which I never saw on my CM7000, which has slightly better S-Video). It has a much better EPG than my CM7000 or Philco TB100, and the more I use it, the more I like it. It will display signal strengh AND signal quality, on a 1 to 100 scale. The firmware displays as "TEST 10 03 2008," so perhaps the final version will have be better yet!
Dennis

HTNut

Too bad this unit isn't capable of 1080p with the HDMI connection. Upgradeable firmware? I'm impressed. How often do the sync issues occur?

Dennis

It does output "Native Mode" 480i, 720P and 1080i on both the HDMI and YpbPr outputs, and SD on the composite and S-Video (Y-C) outs. I've only noticed the audio sync issue when using its optical-digital output; so far no issues with analog audio (RCA jacks). I've only had the box 4 days, and have seen sync issues twice - both when aggressively surfing; no issues when sitting on one channel. Powering off/on fixed it.

My HTIB (sc-pt960) does recognize its AC-3 output (when using optical out) by turning 'on' it 5.1-surround LED, but to be honest, I can't hear the difference between using the optical (SPDIF) or analog audio outs - both sound outstanding. It's attached to a SD TV, and handles aspect-ratios as good as any other box I've used - better than some. While the box illustrates an "ANT-CONTROL" jack located next to the RF-out, my unit was not so equipped. Modulation modes are 8VSB, and QAM.
Dennis

Aaron62

Dennis, if you don't mind me asking, where and how much did you pay?

I went to Circuit City, and asked about an HD capable CECB, and they looked at me as if I were crazy. "Sir, all of these units are capable!" Apparently, someone didn't inform them of the coupon approved units not being capable of "outputting" HD through Composite connections. Actually, I felt kind of bad, the whole store looked like a mess, and I guess it's only staying open until January 10th. Anybody know if Circuit City is going completely out of business?

Dennis

Aron62,
The Centronics ZAT502, which I purchased from Solid Signal for $59, is not coupon eligible. Since this has both SPDIF and HDMI outputs, it's an upgrade from SD, and it also outputs HD, which the eligible boxes do not. The coupon's purpose is to offset some costs associated with users being forced to digital to continue their SD service, so any box that includes 'upgraded' features is not eligible. Since this box does it all, SD and HD (and does it well), it will never make the 'list.' I read somewhere that the CM7000 had the digital-audio out 'removed,' so as to be eligible.
Dennis

cowboyup4christ

circuit city is going under I don't know which stores will close but they are filing chapter 11

HTNut

Ah, thanks for answering. Seems like a great great price for what you get.

Kash

Is this tuner a QAM tuner that will receive unencrypted HD channels from my cable service? I have an HD Monitor and need a HD receiver to work with my cable.