Sorry for the somewhat off-topic question but a lot of you are very knowledgeable in this area.
I just received my 2 $40 coupons for HDTV boxes and was trying to determine which box was the best. A list of the eligible ones is listed below. Unfortunately, only a few of them have a pass-through for analog signals. The eligible models are listed below.
Any reasonable advice would be appreciated.
Thanks,
* AMTC AT-2016
* AccessHD DTA1020U
* AccessHD DTA1020D
* AccessHD DTA1010D
* AccessHD DTA1010U
* Apex DT1001
* Apex DT1002
* Artec T3A
* Artec T3APro
* CASTi CAX-01
* COSHIP N9900T
* DIGITAL STREAM D2A1D20
* DIGITAL STREAM D2A1D10
* DIGITAL STREAM DTX9900
* DIGITAL STREAM DX8700*
* DIGITAL STREAM DSP7700T*
* DIGITAL STREAM DSP7500T
* DIGITAL STREAM DSP6500R
* ECHOSTAR TR-40*
* GE 22730
* GE 22729
* Goodmind DTA900
* Goodmind DTA980
* Goodmind DTA1000
* Insignia NS-DXA1
* Kingbox K8V8
* Lasonic LTA-260
* Lasonic LTR-260
* Magnavox TB100MW9
* Magnavox TB-100MG9*
* MaxMedia MMDTVB03
* MicroGEM MG2000
* Microprose MPI-500
* Mustek MAT-K50
* OLEVIA DTA100
* Philco TB100HH9*
* Philco TB150HH9*
* RCA DTA 800A
* RCA DTA 800B
* Sansonic FT300A
* Sansonic FT300RT
* Skardin DTR-0727
* Synergy Global Supply SYN2009
* TATUNG TDB3000
* Tivax STB-T9
* VENTURER STB7766G
* WINEGARD RC-DT09
* ZINWELL ZAT-856
* Zenith DTT900
* Zentech DF2000
* Zinwell ZAT-857
*The manufacturer has indicated that these models are capable of passing analog signals through to the TV set.
I'm not familiar with any of these (yet) but it occurred to me that since this is an upcoming market, most of the electronics in the cheaper models will likely be all made by the same company, so it might simply be a matter of choosing the one with the colot you want :-)
This is similar to many other products that are simply rebranded or contain common modules in them.
Entropy2002 wrote: > Sorry for the somewhat off-topic question but a lot of you are very > knowledgeable in this area.
> I just received my 2 $40 coupons for HDTV boxes and was trying to > determine which box was the best. A list of the eligible ones is > listed below. Unfortunately, only a few of them have a pass-through > for analog signals. The eligible models are listed below.
> Any reasonable advice would be appreciated.
> Thanks,
> * AMTC AT-2016
> * AccessHD DTA1020U
> * AccessHD DTA1020D
> * AccessHD DTA1010D
> * AccessHD DTA1010U
> * Apex DT1001
> * Apex DT1002
> * Artec T3A
> * Artec T3APro
> * CASTi CAX-01
> * COSHIP N9900T
> * DIGITAL STREAM D2A1D20
> * DIGITAL STREAM D2A1D10
> * DIGITAL STREAM DTX9900
> * DIGITAL STREAM DX8700*
> * DIGITAL STREAM DSP7700T*
> * DIGITAL STREAM DSP7500T
> * DIGITAL STREAM DSP6500R
> * ECHOSTAR TR-40*
> * GE 22730
> * GE 22729
> * Goodmind DTA900
> * Goodmind DTA980
> * Goodmind DTA1000
> * Insignia NS-DXA1
> * Kingbox K8V8
> * Lasonic LTA-260
> * Lasonic LTR-260
> * Magnavox TB100MW9
> * Magnavox TB-100MG9*
> * MaxMedia MMDTVB03
> * MicroGEM MG2000
> * Microprose MPI-500
> * Mustek MAT-K50
> * OLEVIA DTA100
> * Philco TB100HH9*
> * Philco TB150HH9*
> * RCA DTA 800A
> * RCA DTA 800B
> * Sansonic FT300A
> * Sansonic FT300RT
> * Skardin DTR-0727
> * Synergy Global Supply SYN2009
> * TATUNG TDB3000
> * Tivax STB-T9
> * VENTURER STB7766G
> * WINEGARD RC-DT09
> * ZINWELL ZAT-856
> * Zenith DTT900
> * Zentech DF2000
> * Zinwell ZAT-857
> *The manufacturer has indicated that these models are capable of > passing analog signals through to the TV set.
Jeff Wiseman wrote: > I'm not familiar with any of these (yet) but it occurred to me that > since this is an upcoming market, most of the electronics in the cheaper > models will likely be all made by the same company, so it might simply > be a matter of choosing the one with the colot you want :-)
> This is similar to many other products that are simply rebranded or > contain common modules in them.
I just signed up for my cards too, and hope I can find the better units before the 90 days is up ;-)
Walmart has two versions at $49, and Target supposedly has one. Frys has a converter on the sale sheet at $59 but doesn't say if it is coupon qualified.
I'm looking for someone that has them for $40. I imagine we still get stuck for the sales tax.
On Fri, 14 Mar 2008 07:01:03 -0700, Entropy2002 wrote: > I just received my 2 $40 coupons for HDTV boxes and was trying to > determine which box was the best.
They aren't HDTV boxes. They will not display HD, only down converted HD to SD. I picked up the RCA Walmart sells and it functions fine. It's only option over the required features is a smart jack, which you won't need in this area. It also has a 2-3hour ahead program guide. Pretty much a basic unit that works well. My One for All remotes default RCA Cable mode controls it. Of course it comes with a remote, as all must. It was simple to install and set up works well for what it does. I don't use it. It's just a backup hooked to an old VCR. If you are actually going to be using one, I'd suggest finding one that has a longer program guide. The Echostar TR-40 will have a 7 day guide with automatic programming, and list for $39.95, but it won't be out til June. That would seem to be the best deal, but your coupons may expire before its available. Mine expire may 23rd.
On Fri, 14 Mar 2008 13:29:44 -0600, larry wrote: > I just signed up for my cards too, and hope I can find the better units > before the 90 days is up ;-)
If you just signed up, you won't get the coupons for a couple of months due to current backlog. And that's a good thing unless you need a box now.:-)
I ended up buying the Zenith DTT900 from Radio Shack with one of my coupons; I'm pretty pleased with it. This tuner is VASTLY more sensitive than the built in tuner in my 37" Olivia HDTV and MUCH quicker in capturing a station.
My only complaint about it (and I knew this before I bought it) is that it doesn't pass the analog signals through to the TV. Unless you have ann external splitter or switch you can only get digital channels on the TV. I'd still like to get my analog stations too (while they are still being broadcast.)
Only a very few of the coupon eligible converters can pass the analog signals and several of those are not on the market yet.
Considering the 90 day (from day of mailing) expiration date of the coupons, I wish I hadn't applied for the coupons so early.
I did a lot of research before buying the Zenith and it seemed to get the best reviews, but a lot of the brands are obscure and it is difficult to obtain information/reviews.
Has anyone tried the Sansonic unit? A web dealer highly recommended that over any of the other units.
On Wed, 19 Mar 2008 11:16:21 -0700, Entropy2002 wrote: > I ended up buying the Zenith DTT900 from Radio Shack with one of my > coupons; I'm pretty pleased with it. This tuner is VASTLY more > sensitive than the built in tuner in my 37" Olivia HDTV and MUCH > quicker in capturing a station.
> My only complaint about it (and I knew this before I bought it) is > that it doesn't pass the analog signals through to the TV. Unless you > have ann external splitter or switch you can only get digital channels > on the TV. I'd still like to get my analog stations too (while they > are still being broadcast.)
> Only a very few of the coupon eligible converters can pass the analog > signals and several of those are not on the market yet.
> Considering the 90 day (from day of mailing) expiration date of the > coupons, I wish I hadn't applied for the coupons so early.
> I did a lot of research before buying the Zenith and it seemed to get > the best reviews, but a lot of the brands are obscure and it is > difficult to obtain information/reviews.
> Has anyone tried the Sansonic unit? A web dealer highly recommended > that over any of the other units.
just curious... what analog stations do you want that you can't get with local OTA HTDV?
On Wed, 19 Mar 2008 11:16:21 -0700, Entropy2002 wrote: > I ended up buying the Zenith DTT900 from Radio Shack with one of my > coupons; I'm pretty pleased with it. This tuner is VASTLY more > sensitive than the built in tuner in my 37" Olivia HDTV and MUCH > quicker in capturing a station.
> My only complaint about it (and I knew this before I bought it) is > that it doesn't pass the analog signals through to the TV. Unless you > have ann external splitter or switch you can only get digital channels > on the TV. I'd still like to get my analog stations too (while they > are still being broadcast.)
> Only a very few of the coupon eligible converters can pass the analog > signals and several of those are not on the market yet.
> Considering the 90 day (from day of mailing) expiration date of the > coupons, I wish I hadn't applied for the coupons so early.
> I did a lot of research before buying the Zenith and it seemed to get > the best reviews, but a lot of the brands are obscure and it is > difficult to obtain information/reviews.
> Has anyone tried the Sansonic unit? A web dealer highly recommended > that over any of the other units.
One more question... does your new box give you any type of on-air TV Guide? I had a samsung HDTV receiver a while back and it had an a simple TV Guide... it was able to get this info from the HDTV broadcast... show descriptions and times... it didn't have 2 weeks but it had a day or two... does the new converter boxes do this?
> On Wed, 19 Mar 2008 11:16:21 -0700, Entropy2002 wrote: > > I ended up buying the Zenith DTT900 from Radio Shack with one of my > > coupons; I'm pretty pleased with it. This tuner is VASTLY more > > sensitive than the built in tuner in my 37" Olivia HDTV and MUCH > > quicker in capturing a station.
> > My only complaint about it (and I knew this before I bought it) is > > that it doesn't pass the analog signals through to the TV. Unless you > > have ann external splitter or switch you can only get digital channels > > on the TV. I'd still like to get my analog stations too (while they > > are still being broadcast.)
> > Only a very few of the coupon eligible converters can pass the analog > > signals and several of those are not on the market yet.
> > Considering the 90 day (from day of mailing) expiration date of the > > coupons, I wish I hadn't applied for the coupons so early.
> > I did a lot of research before buying the Zenith and it seemed to get > > the best reviews, but a lot of the brands are obscure and it is > > difficult to obtain information/reviews.
> > Has anyone tried the Sansonic unit? A web dealer highly recommended > > that over any of the other units.
> One more question... does your new box give you any type of on-air > TV Guide? I had a samsung HDTV receiver a while back and it had > an a simple TV Guide... it was able to get this info from the HDTV > broadcast... show descriptions and times... it didn't have 2 weeks > but it had a day or two... does the new converter boxes do this?
On Wed, 19 Mar 2008 18:28:08 +0000, Jack Snodgrass wrote: > One more question... does your new box give you any type of on-air TV > Guide? I had a samsung HDTV receiver a while back and it had an a simple > TV Guide... it was able to get this info from the HDTV broadcast... show > descriptions and times... it didn't have 2 weeks but it had a day or > two... does the new converter boxes do this?
That's going to depend on the box you decide to get. The RCA at Walmart only gave 2 hours IIRC (I've already given it to someone that needs it)). The Echostar (due out in June for $39.95 retail) sports a 7 day guide and auto channel change using the TVGuide service. Most boxes will probably use psip data which is limted to 10-? hours.
> Sorry for the somewhat off-topic question but a lot of you are very > knowledgeable in this area.
> I just received my 2 $40 coupons for HDTV boxes and was trying to > determine which box was the best. A list of the eligible ones is > listed below. Unfortunately, only a few of them have a pass-through > for analog signals. The eligible models are listed below.
> Any reasonable advice would be appreciated.
> Thanks,
> * AMTC AT-2016
> * AccessHD DTA1020U
> * AccessHD DTA1020D
> * AccessHD DTA1010D
> * AccessHD DTA1010U
> * Apex DT1001
> * Apex DT1002
> * Artec T3A
> * Artec T3APro
> * CASTi CAX-01
> * COSHIP N9900T
> * DIGITAL STREAM D2A1D20
> * DIGITAL STREAM D2A1D10
> * DIGITAL STREAM DTX9900
> * DIGITAL STREAM DX8700*
> * DIGITAL STREAM DSP7700T*
> * DIGITAL STREAM DSP7500T
> * DIGITAL STREAM DSP6500R
> * ECHOSTAR TR-40*
> * GE 22730
> * GE 22729
> * Goodmind DTA900
> * Goodmind DTA980
> * Goodmind DTA1000
> * Insignia NS-DXA1
> * Kingbox K8V8
> * Lasonic LTA-260
> * Lasonic LTR-260
> * Magnavox TB100MW9
> * Magnavox TB-100MG9*
> * MaxMedia MMDTVB03
> * MicroGEM MG2000
> * Microprose MPI-500
> * Mustek MAT-K50
> * OLEVIA DTA100
> * Philco TB100HH9*
> * Philco TB150HH9*
> * RCA DTA 800A
> * RCA DTA 800B
> * Sansonic FT300A
> * Sansonic FT300RT
> * Skardin DTR-0727
> * Synergy Global Supply SYN2009
> * TATUNG TDB3000
> * Tivax STB-T9
> * VENTURER STB7766G
> * WINEGARD RC-DT09
> * ZINWELL ZAT-856
> * Zenith DTT900
> * Zentech DF2000
> * Zinwell ZAT-857
> *The manufacturer has indicated that these models are capable of > passing analog signals through to the TV set.
On Fri, 14 Mar 2008 07:01:03 -0700 (PDT), Entropy2002
<pj199...@yahoo.com> wrote: >Sorry for the somewhat off-topic question but a lot of you are very >knowledgeable in this area.
>I just received my 2 $40 coupons for HDTV boxes and was trying to >determine which box was the best. A list of the eligible ones is >listed below. Unfortunately, only a few of them have a pass-through >for analog signals. The eligible models are listed below.
Has anyone seen a HDTV receiver that spits out SVGA as well as analog standard definition TV ? Just wondering, I haven't looked.
LOL, I have some old monitors that could be put to good use...
On Fri, 21 Mar 2008 10:48:16 -0600, - HAL9000 wrote: > On Fri, 14 Mar 2008 07:01:03 -0700 (PDT), Entropy2002 > <pj199...@yahoo.com> wrote:
>>Sorry for the somewhat off-topic question but a lot of you are very >>knowledgeable in this area.
>>I just received my 2 $40 coupons for HDTV boxes and was trying to >>determine which box was the best. A list of the eligible ones is listed >>below. Unfortunately, only a few of them have a pass-through for analog >>signals. The eligible models are listed below.
> Has anyone seen a HDTV receiver that spits out SVGA as well as analog > standard definition TV ? Just wondering, I haven't looked.
> LOL, I have some old monitors that could be put to good use...
A PC with 1 or more HDTV tuner cards in it works quite well as an HDTV recorder. Actually, better than anything else. I dumped all my other recorders when I switched to digital over 3 years ago. All the DFW stations broadcast in either real HDTV or SD over HD except Kpax? (68.1, etc.) I started out using only monitors and they provide an excellent HD picture. Originally I was just going to use one PC, but ended up tying 3 together for what I consider to be the best recording system you can get for OTA digital TV. And it's not expensive to do. Certainly a lot cheaper than any commercial product. There are no software cost. All PC's work together to form 1 transparent system to each tv location. Cost to build a new dual HDTV tuner system is under $300. If you already have a PC to use, then HDTV tuners can be had for as little as $20 each.
