Venturer STB7766G Digital TV Converter Box Reviews

Venturer actually makes a pretty good box here but it is out of stock, as is the case with what seems like all boxes everywhere. It amazes us that retailers and manufacturers can't keep converter boxes in stock when there is so much money to be made.

Product Details: Reports and are look at this have shown that it provides viewers with "2nd tier" picture quality. This means that it is a slight, small step below the picture quality of the brand on the market but is still way better than analog quality. When watching in HD there are some slight but obvious flaws. The quality of the audio it puts out is very good just like all others we have looked at.

It is one of only a few that we have seen that comes with auto aspect ratio. This allows the box to switch the aspect ratio for each channeling depending on how it is being broadcasts, rather than the user have to change the setting for each channel. It has a below average to average programming guide that gives views a few details but not everything you'd hope to see. It can auto scan with or manually tune changes in conjunction with the signal strength guide. A a final note we'll point out that it does not come with analog pass-through or a universal remote control.

This converter box is pretty good but one we don't recommend. The only major feature it is lacking is analog pass-through but this is a big one.

Features & Specs

Government Certified Coupon Eligible Converter Box

18 ATSC Formats At Accepted

Composite Video And Stereo Out

Electronic Program Guide

Parental Lock/Control Settings

What Is Included With Your Purchase?

Converter box

Remote Control

Full Owners Manual

General Electric GE 23333 Digital TV Converter Box Reviews

Product Details: The GE 23333 comes with an electronic program guide that is very good. In fact it is one of the best program guides available, showing information for shows that are more than 24 hours away from showing. It also comes with a smart antenna port capabilities. This analog digital tv converter box also comes with analog pass-through. This analog digital converter is also one of those that has on box buttons for easy use without the remote. Finally, this digital TV converter box comes with adjustable closed captioning and three different language settings (English, Spanish, and French).

This digital TV converter box doesn't come with a universal remote control.

GE 23333 Features & Specs

Government Certified Coupon Eligible Converter Box
Displays All 18 ATSC Formats
Analog Pass-Through
Smart Antenna Port
Composite Video Jack
Stereo Audio Jacks
75 ohm RF Video/Audio Jack (Coaxial Cable)
Sleep Timer
Electronic Program Guide
Configurable Closed Captioning
Parental Controls

What Is Included With Your Purchase?

GE 23333 converter box
Remote Control
Remote Control Batteries

General Electric GE 23334 Digital TV Converter Box Reviews

The GE 23334 is like most other converter boxes in that it is sold out and all retailers. No authorized retailers have it in stock anymore. You may be able to grab one if you check online auctions and are quick but it's unlikely. Converter boxes are become scarce as the transition approaches and more and more models are ending up sold out.

The box is an updated version of some previous boxes from GE. It is a little better than some of their other ones but is still lacking a few features.

Product Details: The picture and sound quality you get are both good enough to satisfy most people. They aren't top shelf but they are close. When watching with it its just a notch below DVD quality, which is hard to argue with consider it's free over-the-air TV. The drawback is that it is pretty expensive at $60-$70 when you consider it is missing some key features, as you will see below.

One things this TV converter boxes has going for itself is that it comes with one of the best overall program guides out of every single box we have looked at. It's not quite up to par with the Dish Network converter boxes, but it's pretty darn close. It provides users in advance of more than 24 hours while most others just go a few hours in advance. Buttons on the box are another nice feature that is becoming more common with newer version. It also has analog pass-through, an ever important feature that was missing with the previous versions from GE. Having this feature is the only way to not lose low power stations that aren't  yet required to make the transition. Finally it comes with the standard English, French, and Spanish closed captioning that we have seen with every single other box.

It unfortunately does not come with a universal remote control or smart antenna port.

Features & Specs

Government Certified Coupon Eligible Converter Box (CECB)
Full Spectrum 18 ATSC Format Compatible
Analog Pass-Through
75 ohm RF Video and Audio Out
Automatic Sleep Timer
Current and Future Program Guide
Closed Captioning - Configurable To Your Liking
Parental Controls Via V-Chip Technology

What Is Included With Your Purchase?

Converter box
Remote Control
2 AAA Remote Control Batteries
Users Manual

Coship N9900T Digital TV Converter Box Reviews

The Coship N9900T is out of stock at most retailers and you will have to find something else to suit your needs. It was missing a ton of key features so that fact that it is out of production is a good thing. It looks like they will be coming out with a newer version very soon that will have some added features that will allow their product to compete better with the best boxes on the market.

This product has been updated to both the Coship N9901T and Coship N9988T.

Product Details: The picture on this guy is pretty good but it's not quite up there with the very best. It's just a step below, which is still a massively huge improvement over analog signaling picture quality. Audio quality is also pretty good, but that's something every company has nailed so that doesn't help it to stand out at all from other converters.

Buttons on the box that allow for full operation are a nice convenience for quick use when the remote isn't handy. A program guide makes it much easier to sit down and see what is currently airing and what is expected to show next, rather than simply guessing or having to spend time on each channel as you did before the days of digital TV. A remote is include but it's not universal. As far as languages goes you can set it to either french, english, or spanish for operation and closed captioning.converter box comes with on box buttons that are useful if you happen to lose your remote control.

It does not come with two key features, the ability to work with a smart antenna, or analog pass-through. Missing these features is a huge blow to our rating of this box. It's price has been all over the place from $40-$65 depending on the retailer. If you can get it for the low end it wouldn't be the worst buy, but still, there are better options out there.

Features & Specs

Government Certified And Coupon Eligible For The $40 Off
Displays All 18 ATSC Formats - Works With All Digital Signaling
Composite Video Out
Stereo Out
Sleep Timer
Electronic Program Guide - Your Own On Screen TV GUide
Configurable Closed Captioning
Parental Controls

What Is Included With Your Purchase?

Converter box
Remote Control
Remote Control Batteries
Manual For Users

Digital Stream DSP7700P Digital TV Converter Box Reviews

This product has sold out must before the digital transition is set to take place. You can no longer find this box and major retailers, there are a few websites that may have it in stock but it won't be around for long. This box is average at best and is not one that we would recommend. If you want to find a better converter boxes see all of our reviews or considering jumping straight to our three favorites, the Dish Network DTVPal, Channel Master CM-7000, or Tivax STB-T8.

Product Details: The quality of picture that you get with this box isn't really all that great. It's better than over-the-air analog in most cases but there is an obvious flaw to the picture when watching standard definition content. There is a blur and images appear to look like they have been stretch across the screen. It's audio is pretty good though and comes through very clearly.

It comes with a universal remote control that can be used for your converter box and your television by entering the specific remote codes for your TV. You get physical buttons on the box so that you can still use it if there is some sort of issue with your remote. The best thing we can find about it is that it comes with analog pass-through, although this is sort of an after thought these days and nearly all boxes in stock have this feature now. The programming guide provide onscreen by this Digital Stream converter allows you to get detailed programming information for currently airing shows and shows that are set to show within the next 6-12 hours. Multi-language support and closed captioning that can be adjust are two other convenient features you get.

It does not come with smart antenna capabilities.

This is an ok TV converter box. The addition of analog pass-through goes a long way in making it more complete. It currently sells at an expensive $79.99 or $39.99 after using your government coupon, which is actually a pretty bad deal. You can find $40-$50 boxes that are quite a bit better.

Other specifications:

Government Certified Coupon Eligible Converter Box (CECB)
18 ATSC Formats - Works with all ATSC signals
Composite Video Jack
Stereo Audio Jacks
75 ohm RF Video/Audio Jack (Coaxial Cable)
Sleep Timer

What comes in the box?

Converter
2 AAA Batteries
User's Manual
Universal Remote Control

Access HD DTA1080U Digital TV Converter Box Reviews

Update: It has now sold out at nearly all locations and can no longer be purchased directly from any authorized retailers. Go check online auction sites if you are set on getting this model, it's your only real chance of finding one.

This is another box that Access HD seems to have settled on as one of their staples. A bunch of the others have gone out of stock but this one is still available at most online retailers and at a few places in stores. This box is almost exactly like the DTA1080D, in fact we aren't exactly sure what is different about it, but we're trying to find out at the moment.

Product Details: First and foremost the Access HD DTA1080U is one of the government certified/approved TV converter boxes. This means that the $40 off coupon can be applied toward its purchase. This alone makes it a decent offer when you consider the retail price of $50-$60 can be reduce to $10-$20. It's picture and sound are of no concern and measure up well to all of the other TV converter boxes we have look at to this point. It's not quite the best, but it's up there close enough that most people probably wouldn't notice the difference.

It provides it's users with a ton of awesome features. One being the electronic programming guide that shows viewers details for all current shows and for at least a few hours ahead. The universal remote is nice and allows you to set it to work for both your TV and converter box with the simple input of one of the remote codes. Actual buttons make for a nice bit of convenience if there is every a period where your remote becomes in inoperable or is misplaced. It does indeed some with  one of the most important features available, the analog pass-through function. Lastly, another good measure the company took was allowing each owner to personalized their closed captioning experience by allowing them to change font size, text, color, and language.

It unfortunately does not come with smart antenna capabilities like many of the companies other boxes.

Features & Specs

V-Chip Lock Parental Control Setting
Editable Closed Captioning - Set It How You Want It To Look
Guide
Works In English, French, and Spanish
18 ATSC Formats Compatible
Composite Video Out
Stereo Out
RF Video/Audio Out Via Coaxial Cable
Basic Sleep Timer

What Is Included With Your Purchase?

Converter Box
Universal Remote Control
Remote Control Batteries

Access HD DTA1080D Digital TV Converter Box Reviews

This has now sold out and is no longer available anywhere in stores or online. It is possible to get one from a third party or someone selling their used one online but I wouldn't count on finding one. Instead go with another one of the top rated converter boxes from our reviews section.

This converter box seems to be one of the final two that Access HD has settled on after going through a bunch of different versions that were almost exactly the same. This one has been in stock for the longest and at the most retailers. We aren't exactly sure why thought because it is lacking a few features that some other, already sold out previously boxes included.

Product Details: Here you get what people have come to expect from Access HD. An excellent picture and sound experience that are sure to satisfy anyone. It's no surprise, as that's what you would expect from a company that specializes in picture quality and HD television. As far as the price goes its right there in the range with most other converter boxes on the market at $50-$60. Again, with the coupon you can get it pretty darn cheap. Although we don't recommend this one, in our mind it's hard to justify getting this one when there have been others from this company for the same price that also come with more features. It's like every time they come out with a new box they add a feature but then take a different one away, don't we just want one that has everything, even if it costs an extra $5?

It comes with a program guide that supplies details for all channels, for both the immediately airing show and the next several that are scheduled. The information given includes show run time, title, and descriptions. It also comes with physical buttons that make it easy to control if you happen to lose your remote or your children break. One great feature of the this box is that it comes with analog pass-through so you don't lose lower power stations that aren't required to make the transition. The Access HD DTA1080D comes with adjustable closed captioning that can be edited for size, color, font, and language. Languages available include English, Spanish, and French. This box also comes with an external power adapter which is important because it makes it easy to use in an automobile.

It does not come with a universal remote control or a smart antenna port.

Features & Specs

Parental Controls via V-Chip

Closed Captioning - Can Personalize To Yor Preferences

TV Guide (EPG)

English, French, and Spanish Triple Language Support

NTIA Approved And Coupon Eligible (CECB)

Works In Tandem With All 18 ATSC Formats

Video And Audio Out

Sleep Timer

What Is Included With Your Purchase?

Converter Box

Remote Control

Remote Control Batteries

External Power Cord And Adapter

Owners Manual Instructions

Access HD DTA1010U Digital TV Converter Box Reviews

Another TV converter box comes, and quickly another one goes. This box was only available for a short period of time and it very quickly sold out. Not because it was overly popular but for reason we aren't sure of. This is another one of those one Access HD came out with that was just about the same as all of their other boxes. This quickly upgrade and put it out of production.

Product Details: When discussing the sound and picture quality we concluded that it is exactly the same as the other Access HD boxes out there. It appears all of the boxes house just about the exact same parts so it's not surprise that this one also provides its watchers with an experience the is reminiscent of watching a DVD. At a cost of under $60 you can get it for pretty cheap after using your $40 of free money from the government. The only major difference we could find with this TV converter box was related to its antenna capabilities listed below. With them it makes it better than previous versions and a decent but.

The Access HD DTA1010U comes with an very good electronic programming guide. The guide shows details of current and upcoming future programs. It also comes with a universal remote control that can be used for the converter box and the television once you input the proper remote codes. Another good thing about this product is that it comes with physical buttons so that if you misplace or break your remote control you can still operate the converter box, The antenna interface is much better and it comes with a smart antenna port so that it can be used with a smart antenna to get a better and more consistent signal. If you need to used the closed captioning it also comes with adjustable closed captioning that can be setup in three different languages.

Features & Specs 

V-Chip Parental Lock
Closed Captioning - Adjustable
Electronic Programming TV Guide
Smart Antenna Port
Trilingual Language Support (English, Spanish, French)
Works soomthly with All 18 ATSC Formats
Composite Video
75 ohm RF Video/Audio Jack
Sleep Timer

What Is Included With Your Purchase?

Converter Box
Remote Control
Remote Control Batteries
Owners Manual

Access HD DTA1020U Digital TV Converter Box Reviews

As is the case with most converter box models the  Access HD DTA1020U has been discontinued and is now sold out at all retailers. If you want to try you can probably snag a used one on eBay but you'd probably be better off buying a brand new box and one that has a few more features than this one.

This is another box from Access HD that just baffles use. We are still trying to figure out why they have come out with 6-8 different models when some of them are virtually thee exact same thing.

Product Details: The quality of the picture you get with this is pretty good. Its crisp and clear and provides a more than satisfactory viewing experience. The sound is pretty crisp and sharp and well. With this you get a DVD type viewing experience while watch over-the-air television. Not a bad trade off for having to switch to digital by purchasing a converter box. Especially when you can get this one for $10-$20 after using the government issued coupon.

One good thing you get with this TV converter box is a universal remote control that can be programmed with remote codes to work both your box and television. On box buttons are another great feature which comes in handy when the remote gets misplaced. It's programming information is setup with a really nice guide that lets viewership see fairly detailed info for both future shows and the one that is currently airing. Closed captioning and be tailored to your like via the settings and you can also choose between English, Spanish, or French.

It does not come with Analog pass-through or the ability to work with a smart antenna.

Features & Specs

Parental Controls- V-Chip
Adjustable Closed Captioning
Electronic Program Guide (EPG)
English, French, and Spanish Triple Language Support
Works with All 18 ATSC Formats
Composite Video Out
Stereo Audio Out
75 ohm RF Video/Audio Out (Coaxial Cable)
Sleep Timer

What Is Included With Your Purchase?

Converter Box
Remote Control
Remote Control Batteries
User Manual

Access HD DTA1020D Digital TV Converter Box Reviews

Ah, Access HD is at it again. This time with the DTA1020D version. It's funny because this is about the 98 different version of what I find to be nearly the same dang thing every single time. It really bothers us too because it is down right confusing to consumers. I wish the government would have put a limit on the number of boxes from each brand that can be certified, but apparently that is not the case. It almost feels like a marketing tactic to me to just get more shelf pace and get their name out there more. More models must mean they offer better products, because well, they have more options. How nice of them, to confuse everybody.

This product has, to nobodies surprise been discontinued and replaced by the Access HD DTA1080D.

Product Details: Straight up this TV converter boxes picture and sound quality rate very good, as is the case with all of the Access HD boxes. It's not the viewers actual and direct viewing experience that make it an issue. It is the back that it is missing features that are becoming common place on all new boxes. The first versions of different convert boxes stunk in a lot of ways but we don't see why they would upgrade to this new model and still leave off a bunch of features. Seriously, we are still trying to figure out how this one is different from the previous DTA1010D.

For a quick run down it comes with a good program guide, as good as any out there besides the Dish converter boxes, but all boxes some with that. The one and only thing it has that a lot of others are lacking is on box buttons so that it can still be operated if the remote is misplace. Its closed captioning works well and allows for adjusting to English, Spanish, or French language settings. It however does not come with any smart antenna function, no universal remote so you'll be adding another remote to your pile of five that you already have. It also doesn't come with analog pass-through, which boggles our minds. You upgrade and then you don't include the most critical features? Really?

As you can guess we don't recommend this box, even at the $50-$60 price they are asking. If they can solve the issues of it missing a few key features then it would probably we one of the highest rated but until then stay away and consider other ones.

Features & Specs

V-Chip Lock Parental Control Setting
Configurable Closed Captioning
Electronic Program Guide
Displays All 18 ATSC Formats
Composite Video Jack
Stereo Audio Jacks
75 ohm RF Video/Audio Jack (Coaxial Cable)
Sleep Timer

What Is Included With Your Purchase?

Converter Box
Remote Control
Remote Control Batteries
Attached Power Cord
RF Cable

GoodMind DTA1000 Digital TV Converter Box Reviews

As with a lot of others this converter box has been reported to have various reception issues. This is not uncommon and is not a product of the converter boxes functionality and quality. Instead people need to realize that it is normal for an antenna to be used with a converter box in order to get all channels in your area and even sometimes results in picking up extra channels from far away.

Product Details: If picture quality isn't the most important thing then maybe this one is for you. However, we are of the opinion that the quality of your display is far and away the most important thing to consider when making our purchase. This one just isn't there yet, and we saw its picture as extremely average. Is it better than standard analog quality, yes, of course it is. But what isn't? The reality though is that it's not that much better than analog reception and that doesn't impress us one bit. Of course as with all boxes, when watching HD is steps its game up and provides a great picture, but very few over-the-air channels provide HD at this point in time. Great sound quality, no issues there, but that is the case with every single converter box we have reviewed outside of maybe 2 of them.

It comes with a great TV channel guide that allows users see all sorts of good information about currently running and future shows. It also comes with the ability to individually tune channels so that you can make sure and get all of your channels set correctly. It also has a smart antenna connection that allows you to set the antenna direction to a different spot for each channel. Then, when you change channels the antenna adjust to allow you to pick that channel up from the previously stored configuration. It is however missing pass-through, a remote that works universally, and the ability to automatically set the aspect ratio between one of three settings.

For reasons listed above we didn't find it to be one we would recommend and then we saw the price tag of $70 and were pretty shocked. It is nearly double the price of some TV converter boxes that blow it out of the water. I simply cannot recommend this one to anybody and don't see why you would purchase it unless you were simply and clearly uninformed.

Features & Specs
Parental Control Setting
Configurable Closed Captioning
Electronic Program Guide
On Screen Signal Strength Meter
Smart Antenna Port
English, French, and Spanish Language Support

What Is Included With Your Purchase?

Converter Box
Remote Control
User Manual
Attached Power Cord

Digital Stream DTX9950 Digital TV Converter Box Reviews

Ah, another Digital Stream box and another disappointed. No need to worry about making a decision on this one though as it is already sold out everywhere. Seriously, there are millions of people who needs converter boxes and for some reason manufacturers just can't seem to keep up, talking about losing a lot of potential profit. We were not impressed with this and therefore are glad that there aren't anymore available for sale. It is to bad for the people that already have it though. Money wasted on an inferior product.

Product Details: Picture quality, probably the most important feature in our book and something that seems pretty simple for most companies to excel out, not this one though. The picture quality for it is simply not on par with that of most other government certified boxes.  When watching standard definition content there is are some very obvious picture flaws, such as stretching of images and a blur. If you switch to HD content it is very good, but come on, what HD content isn't good? Only a few of the over-the-air channels will be HD so it's almost impossible to avoid SD content and the subsequent blurring that you will experience. Sound quality is a no brainer and something simple that every converter box does well at, so the fact that this ones is pretty good doesn't really mean all that much.

The feature set of that the DTX9950 comes with is pretty standard. It's got your regular stuff but nothing special. A channel guide that comes with info for live and scheduled shows but nothing eye popping here. It does come with analog pass-through, which is good. Three other standard features that you will want, and it has, are manual and individual tuning options, a digital signal strength meter, and closed captioning adjust ability.

Just an average buy here. The upgrade to include the pass-through function is nice but with the picture quality issues it really hampers our rating of it. And to, on top of that they are asking for $60 for it. That's too much money for almost any box out there. With Some other boxes selling for less and getting all the right features its simple to let this one go.

Features & Specs

Analog Pass-Through
V-Chip Lock Parental Control Setting
Configurable Closed Captioning
Electronic Program Guide
On Screen Signal Strength Meter
Energy Star Compliant
English, French, and Spanish Language Support

What Is Included With Your Purchase?

Converter Box
Remote Control
Coaxial Cable
User Booklet

Apex DT250 Digital TV Converter Box Reviews

The Apex DT250 is sold out and is out of stock at all major retailers across the country. You can probably find a used on on eBay if you have decided on this one but don't count on finding a new one any time soon, if ever.

Product Details: When watching HD content with this little gadget you can get a picture rivals your DVD player. When watching SD content however is has some very obvious display flaws. If you only watch in HD then the picture quality for this is perfect but if you watch in SD I wouldn't suggest this it. As is the case with almost all others on the market, this one produces excellent sound that is a very clear and substantial upgrade over old television signals. This converter box sells for about $60. At a price of $60 it is simply not good enough to recommend, from our point of view. As is the case with many others on the market, it gets the job done, but why pay more when you can find a better product and save money at the same time.

It comes with a strength meter on the screen so that you can individually tune your desired channels with easy. Simply use the meter and adjust your antenna to find the right spot and then add the channel. Although you will have to remember the best way to point the antenna for each channel to get a solid signal. No signal with digital means no TV, it doesn't mean static filled. The channel guide displayed by it is quite nice. It shows you the standard stuff like titles, descriptions, length of time the show will be on. You also get previews of what will be shown next. Some final little tidbits on this box are that it comes with a smart antenna connection, A/V cables, and the ability to set the closed captioning to your desired font, color, etc. It does not come with analog pass-through.

At a price of $60 the Apex DT250 is a pretty decent buy but we still wouldn't suggest it. If you only watch HDTV then this could be one of the very best out there for you, so there are some that could benefit from it. If you watch SD content though, this would be a bad purchase.. We recommend staying away from this one since it limits your ability to watch SD content.

Features & Specs

Analog Pass-Through
Parental Control Setting
Configurable Closed Captioning
Electronic Program Guide
Smart Antenna Port
English, French, and Spanish Language Support

What Is Included With Your Purchase?

Converter Box
Remote Control
User Manual
Attached Power Cable
Coaxial RF Cable

Access HD DTA1010D Digital TV Converter Box Reviews

This converter box does not include analog pass through so we are not recommending it. If you are interested in something from Access HD you should check out one of its updated versions. It can get confusing because they have decided to come out with about 6 other versions of their box, all that are almost identical. We aren't sure as to why but it certainly doesn't make the company look all that organized.

It is sold now sold out at all retailers and you will have to consider something else. This however is a good thing because you can find a lot better options for a similar price.

Product Details: Again, another bigger brand name and the same typical story here. It is sold out and it simply doesn't measure up. The picture is provides is very good and hear that of the top rated Channel Master CM-7000. This means its almost as good as when you pop in a DVD to watch it, definitely one of the clearest and most crisp pictures out there with excellent color as well. It's sound quality also meets our standards for putting it near the top. Crystal clear and satisfying to anyones ear. It's better than analog, way better. As of release it was set to be sold for $50-$55 and that what most retailers are selling it for. When using the coupon a price of $10-$15 is fairly good. However, there is always a but so read on.

A better than normal programming guide sets it apart as one of the better boxes in this regard. It provides excellent info for the show that is presently airing and the same for several hours of programming that has yet to air. Its also got the regular options for either manually or automatically scanning to tune your channels. An added bonus is its smart antenna port that allows for a better digital antenna that most. Unfortunately it does not come with a universal remote, auto aspect ratio, or analog pass-through. Three features that we feel would be nice to have included

It is a very good converter except for its lack of analog pass-through. If you don't need this feature its a good buy, if you do need this feature then it would be a very bad purchase that would actually cause you to lose channels that you want.

Features & Specs

V-Chip Lock Parental Control Setting

Configurable Closed Captioning

Electronic Program Guide

Smart Antenna Port

What Is Included With Your Purchase?

Converter Box

Remote Control

User Manual

Power Cord

RF Coaxial Cable

COShip N9988T Digital TV Converter Box Reviews

As with most converter boxes some reception problems have been reported with this converter box. These problem can be cured by getting a quality digital TV antenna. Digital television isn't any different than analog TV in that an antenna is something that you should expect to use in order to get all channels. This different however is that the antenna is even more vital because with digital TV there is no 'inbetween' of a static filled an grainy picture. You either get it perfectly or you don't get it at all.

This converter box is sold out nearly everywhere and has been updated to the new COShip N9901T. The newer version comes with a lot better features and you wouldn't want this one anyway so no concerns here.

Product Details: When looking at this box we were once again some what biased to the fact that it was a smaller brand that we hadn't really heard much about and had very little experience with. And once again the trend continued that are bias was unfounded and another smaller company came through with a pretty good box. Its picture quality is very good and just a little bit below the top digital TV converter boxes. When looking at its picture quality we have put it in the "2nd tier" with other TV converter boxes that are a slight step below the best. It's still a big improvement over analog TV, it's just that there is better out there. There are minor flaws in the picture when watching TV in HD. The audio quality that it transmits is quite excellent. It rates out with the best in this regard and is one thing that it really has going for itself. As of today it sells for around $50 which means you can get it for $10 when using your government issues coupon gift card. This box is sold out at most retailers. If you are privy to it check out eBay and you might be able to find one.

It comes with an acceptable, if not pretty decent TV program guide. Its guide provides its viewers with the length of time the current show will be one, a lengthy description, and show title. It also provides the same info for the next show that is set to air. One unique feature that this converter box has is the rare auto aspect ratio. It has been rare to find one that come with function. The auto aspect ratio will set itself based on each channel you watch so that you don't have to manually set it. It also comes with the standard manual tuning function for channels or the option to hit the 'scan for all' button and have it done automatically for your. Finally, it comes with a basic closed captioning display. This converter box does not come analog pass-through.

This converter box is fairly good overall. It comes with a very good range of different likable features but is missing the most important one, analog pass-through. Although this box will get the job done we don't recommend it because of its missing pass-through feature.

Features & Specs -

V-Chip Lock Parental Control Setting

Configurable Closed Captioning

Electronic Program Guide

English, French, and Spanish Language Support

What Is Included With Your Purchase?

Converter Box

Remote Control

Coaxial Cable RF

Attached Power Cord

Alpha Digital AT2016 Digital TV Converter Box Reviews

Surprise surprise another top rated TV converter box that is sold out. Yep, this is one that we highly recommended but it has sold out before the digital transition deadline is upon us. In fact, it's not even close and these are gone already. If you are interested in other great converter boxes as an alternative you should consider the Dish Network DTVPal Plus. It is the best one that we have reviewed to date and comes from a reputable company with a long standing name in the television industry.

Product Details: Alpha Digital, like some other brands we have looked at is a rather obscure brand with a very short and unknown reputation within the industry. Did this company just create a box to make some quick money off those that are forced to make the switch or was their box any good? We were again surprised when we took a look at their box and found it to be up super high quality. It appears to be a pattern that the large brands have rushed out inferior converter boxes and these smaller companies are actually creating a good product. This products picture quality was of extremely high quality. It is way better than what you get with analog airwaves and is only beat out by 2-3 others that we reviewed up to this point. It's dang near DVD quality. The audio quality is also extremely good, of course you have to have good television speakers but if your TV is up to par you will be more than happy with the sound this puts out. At a price of around $50 it is also very reasonably and fairy priced. If you use your coupon you can get it for right at $10 through most retailers. We think it's a great buy and have no problem recommending it.

Of course before you decide it's important to know what features it comes with as well. It comes with the standard TV guide that provides everything you would expect about the current show, but nothing over the top. It's upcoming info isn't great but is acceptable, if not substandard. One feature that we haven't seen to date is its ability to work with a smart antenna. Smart antennas work better than a traditional antenna and help you to get a better signal. It also comes with the scan for all and individual tuning options, closed captioning, and some parental control functions. And last but not least it comes with the on screen signal strength meter for tuning and a remote control. Note: This DTV converter box does not come with analog pass-through.

The AT2016 is a great converter box with excellent features, as a result were about to rate it as a top of the link box but then we realized it is lacking analog pass-through which puts it firmly out of the top tier.

Features & Specs -

V-Chip Lock Parental Control Setting
Configurable Closed Captioning
Electronic Program Guide
On Screen Signal Strength Meter
Smart Antenna Port

What Is Included With Your Purchase?

Converter Box
Remote Control
Power Cord
Coaxial Cable For RF

Winegard RC-DT09A Digital TV Converter Box Reviews

As of this update this product is out of stock and no longer available at nearly all retail locations and over the Internet. It's a good TV converter box for the digital transition and comes at an acceptable, if not slightly overprice cost but you could do a lot worse. As an alternative, since it is out of stock you should consider one of the other top rated ones from our TV converter box reviews page. There you can find a full index of all of the ones we have reviewed sorted by 1st, 2nd, and 3rd tier. Click on any of the links provided and it will take you directly to the a full review.

Product Details: When looking into this box we didn't know what exactly to expect. We knew that Winegard made some antennas but besides that they were relatively unknown. We were skeptical, if not biased against them. In the end we were pleasantly surprised. This little box provide pretty darn good pixel quality, although not quite on par with the very best. We put it in the 2nd tier in this regard. It's still a major upgrade over analog quality, just not the best out there. When testing the audio sound that this box put out it was the same story. It rated very very well, but just below the top few on the market. Again, still a big upgrade over analog, and pretty clear. At a price of $65 you can get it for $25 after using your government coupon. Again, as with some other boxes, this isn't a bad price, but there are clearly other similar options out there that are in the $40-$50 price range. It's tough to recommend when you know that you can get the same thing for less, but the reality is that you could do a lot worse too. This converter box is currently out of stock and as a result you will need to consider alternatives such as the Tivax STB-T8.

Features are where it's at and this converter box them. Not the best ones out there but enough to satisfy the majority of people. It comes with a typical, if not average electronic programming guide. This guide provides its viewers with the ability to see show titles, descriptions, and total air time. It however provides minimal information for upcoming broadcasts that haven't yet started. One thing this box has that we haven't seen with hardly any is an auto aspect ratio. With most boxes you have to manually change the aspect ratio setting based on what channel you are watching but this one does it all for you automatically. As is the case with almost all other boxes you can tune your channels automatically or manually be adding one at a time. It comes with another fairly rare feature, an on screen signal strength meter that allows for easier tuning. The power adapter is also detachable which we have found to be quite rare with converter boxes.  It also comes with analog pass-through.

As a whole this converter box surprised us with it's overall function, easier of use, and wide range of features. It's a bit more expensive that we'd like to think it should be but it will more than get the job done for those that are making the digital switch.

Features & Specs

Analog Pass-Through
V-Chip Lock Parental Control Setting
Configurable Closed Captioning
Electronic Program Guide
On Screen Signal Strength Meter
Energy Star Compliant

What Is Included With Your Purchase?

Converter Box
Remote Control
Remote Control Batteries
RF Cable
Detachable Power Cord

RCA DTA800B1 Digital TV Converter Box Reviews

This product is no longer available for purchase directly from retailers. If you are lucky and search hard you may be able to find a used one on Amazon or eBay but I wouldn't count on it. Like most converter boxes, production was stopped after the transition as companies didn't expect the demand for them to continue. This box is a good one and was one of the strongest selling boxes but at its price tag of $65 there are similar options out there that come with a significantly cheaper price tag.

Product Details: After doing a full overview of this converter box we found that it's picture quality was pretty darn good. It wasn't grainy, static filled, or blurry in any way. In fact, the quality rates up there near the best, falling short of just the DTVPal box. You'll be happy with the crystal clear crisp picture that it provides and the widely known RCA name. As far as the audio quality is concerned, this box also rates out pretty darn well. It again comes out near the top and is only beaten out by a couple of the highest rated for sound. The sound comes through very clear and is something you will surely be excited about. It sells for $65 which is a bit steep considering a few of the other top rated boxes are in the $40-$50 range. It does come with the well known RCA name which inflates to price to some extent. Overall this box is very well rounded in most aspects. We do highly recommend this box but as with most good TV converter boxes it is out of stock almost everywhere. 

When talking about features this box does well in that regard too. It comes with a pretty good electronic programming guide. This guide gives all of the standard info for current shows and also some pretty good info for shows that are set to air soon. One drawback of it is that it doesn't allow you to manually tune channels, it can only be done by the auto scan function. This can be a problem if you are trying to get your digital antenna just right in order to get a channel tuned. Other things it comes with include a universal remote that will work in conjunction with your TV and also personalized closed captioning fonts This converter box is equipped with the analog pass-through function.

Overall I feel that it is a pretty good but. Sure, it's price could be a little bit lower, but the reality is that you are paying for the brand name here. It comes with a ton of excellent features and provides great picture and audio quality.

Features & Specs

Analog Pass-Through
Parental Control Setting
Configurable Closed Captioning
Electronic Program Guide
Smart Antenna Port
English, French, and Spanish Language Support
Compact Size

What Is Included With Your Purchase?

Converter Box
Remote Control
Power Cord
Coaxial RF Cable