Although Channel Master's CM-7000 was announced some time ago, many assumed the "HDTV compatible" logo on the front would
keep it from becoming eligible for use with those $40 government-issued
coupons. Granted, the marketing is still a bit wonky here -- after all, you can't really "Get Free HDTV" when the maximum output of the unit is 480i -- but at least it has finally slid into the NTIA's list of voucher-eligible boxes. According to early reviews, the reception / interface isn't half bad, so those who've been holding out in hopes that this critter would make the list, you know what to do.
Read - Channel Master Digital To Analog Converter Box Now NTIA Coupon Eligible
Read - CM-7000 user impressions
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Galley @ Mar 21st 2008 10:37AM
Dig that crazy '70s retro styling!
Big Sam @ Mar 21st 2008 10:43AM
Yuck, only if it costs exactly $40
Geoffrey Sperl @ Mar 21st 2008 10:51AM
Man, that's hideous.
To be fair, most of the converter boxes look like they were beat with an ugly stick, but this one has to take the cake. At least the other really ugly ones tend to be black. And this box has an S-Video output, which is nice. A lot of the manufacturers took the cheap way and did composite only.
I would love to see S-Video out, analog pass-through for low-powered stations (they are not required to go digital), and a smart antenna port. Has anyone seen one of those that's actually for sale (and not just "announced)?
Bill M. @ Mar 21st 2008 10:05PM
None of the boxes available come close to have all three! See http://www.ezdigitaltv.com/Converter_Box_Retailers.html Only a few boxes comes with two, the Philco TB150HH9, Apex Digital DT1001, MaxMedia MMDTVB03, and Philco TB150HH9
You can have it FAST, you can have it GOOD, or you can have it CHEAP, but you can only Pick Two
nathan @ Mar 21st 2008 12:42PM
I'm waiting for a "coupon eligible" box that can be easily hacked to output HDTV (like the headers are on the board inside, and one just has to solder some leads in).
TNP @ Mar 21st 2008 1:04PM
@ nathan
Exactly. I'm looking forwards to the stories about these boxes being hacked in quite cool ways. Like hooking two back to back and wiring in a couple of baby monitors to create a time machine... or... something.
b @ May 30th 2008 11:50AM
This box is great. I bought it from solidsignal.com. Shipping took 25 days but worth it. It does have S-Video which works great. No analog pass through but that's ok, won't need it come 2009. clear pic. easy setup. it picks up more channels than my 42" toshiba flat screen with atsc built in. Definitely a plus for the s-video. I bought it for my dear old dad's tube, since he is unwilling to buy newer tv. I would recommend it. I also bought a bestbuy and radioshack brand before and surfing channels took forever. the channel master surfs as fast as you can hit the remote. At least this one does.