Matthew Moskovciak,
September 12, 2008
If you're wondering whether the DTV transition is really coming in 2009, the recent early test in Wilmington, N.C. should convince you that there won't be any push backs this time. That means that if you're getting your TV programming using free, analog over-the-air signals, you should start looking at DTV converter boxes before the big switch on February 17, 2009.
Out of the boxes we've tested, our favorites are the RCA DTA800 and Dish Network TR-40 CRA. The DTA800 has an excellent remote with jumbo-size buttons, a basic electronic program guide (EPG), solid video quality, and it even works with new Smart Antennas that automatically align themselves to get better reception. On the other hand, the Dish Network TR-40 CRA has the best electronic programming guide (EPG) by far, displaying several days' worth of data in an easy-to-read layout. Coming in right behind those boxes is the Zenith DTT901, which actually has the best image quality of any of the boxes we've tested, and the Apex DT250, which is loaded with features but doesn't pull in quite as many stations as the other boxes. The GE 22730 Digital Converter Box comes in a distant last and should generally be avoided, as its video quality is poor, it's difficult to use, and it also pulled in fewer channels than the other boxes we tested.
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| Price | Check Prices | $54.99 to $59.99 | $79.37 | Check Prices | Check Prices |
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| Review date | April 03, 2008 | July 21, 2008 | April 07, 2008 | September 02, 2008 | September 11, 2008 |
| The Bottom Line | Good reception, respectable video quality, and a basic EPG make the RCA DTA800 an excellent DTV converter box, despite some slightly tricky setup snags. | The Zenith DTT901 DTV converter box has an easy-to-use design and solid video quality, but other boxes have more features or are easier for seniors. | The GE 22730 DTV converter box is difficult to use and has subpar video quality, so you're better off going with a different converter box. | The Dish Network TR-40 CRA is a great DTV converter box with a best-in-class electronic program guide and should be your top choice, unless you value the simplicity and superior remote of the RCA DTA800. | The Apex DT250 DTV converter box is packed with features and puts out a nice picture, but it doesn't pull in as many stations as competing boxes. |
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| Features | |||||
| Manufacturer Warranty | Info unavailable |
1 year warranty |
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| Weight | Info unavailable |
1.7 lbs |
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| Product Description | Info unavailable | Info unavailable | Info unavailable |
DISH Network TR-40 CRA |
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| Audio output mode | Info unavailable |
Stereo |
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| Remote control type | Info unavailable |
Universal remote control |
Remote control |
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Remote control |
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